Nectar flower mix vs flower rich margins

[Richard98]

Evening all,

We're currently looking to apply for the mid tier stewardship arable offer to start next January. We've not done any ELS/CSS etc before so complete novices at this, I was just wondering what to go for out of the AB1 nectar flower mix or AB8 flower rich margins? I know the payment for AB8 is slightly higher and with a quick search, seed mixes look cheaper but which option would deliver the best results over the 5 years?
On one hand I wonder if the AB1 flowers will struggle to compete with weeds over time, on the other hand will the more dominant grasses in AB8 eventually smother the flower component? I'm after whichever will last the best over 5 years really

Any advice greatly received!

Richard

 

[Flat 10]

Read the rules on management carefully and get back to us....
Devil is in the detail. Just my opinion.

 

[steveR]

Evening all,

We're currently looking to apply for the mid tier stewardship arable offer to start next January. We've not done any ELS/CSS etc before so complete novices at this, I was just wondering what to go for out of the AB1 nectar flower mix or AB8 flower rich margins? I know the payment for AB8 is slightly higher and with a quick search, seed mixes look cheaper but which option would deliver the best results over the 5 years?
On one hand I wonder if the AB1 flowers will struggle to compete with weeds over time, on the other hand will the more dominant grasses in AB8 eventually smother the flower component? I'm after whichever will last the best over 5 years really

As in financial return, or enviro benefits?

As @Flat 10 rightly says, check out the management requirements and what you are allowed/required to do to maintain the area.

 

[Brisel]

It depends on what you want. I prefer AB8 for field margins and AB1 for plots/corners. Do read the management guides for each.

Be careful about choosing grass species for AB8 as you do not want them out competing the flower species. Cheap is not always the best. Avoid ryegrasses in the mix.

Use stale seedbeds as much as possible to reduce the weed burden, especially if you're trying to change a long term fallow plot that has been allowed to run to seed for years.

 

[Richard98]

OK, thanks all. I have properly read both the management requirements and I think AB1 will work better for us, as the majority of it will be plots/corners rather than margins. the margins/strips will be AB9 so there's easy access from roads/tracks for supplementary bird feeding. Also I noticed with AB8 they want 10% left uncut each year - this isn't a problem for me or dad, but elderly great uncle who is reluctant to do any stewardship anyway won't like 'untidy' bits left standing . can't be just me struggling with old boys!

 

[steveR]

OK, thanks all. I have properly read both the management requirements and I think AB1 will work better for us, as the majority of it will be plots/corners rather than margins. the margins/strips will be AB9 so there's easy access from roads/tracks for supplementary bird feeding. Also I noticed with AB8 they want 10% left uncut each year - this isn't a problem for me or dad, but elderly great uncle who is reluctant to do any stewardship anyway won't like 'untidy' bits left standing . can't be just me struggling with old boys!

Just keep said Uncle, away from topper and sprayer!! I recognise your problem...

 

[Flat 10]

OK, thanks all. I have properly read both the management requirements and I think AB1 will work better for us, as the majority of it will be plots/corners rather than margins. the margins/strips will be AB9 so there's easy access from roads/tracks for supplementary bird feeding. Also I noticed with AB8 they want 10% left uncut each year - this isn't a problem for me or dad, but elderly great uncle who is reluctant to do any stewardship anyway won't like 'untidy' bits left standing . can't be just me struggling with old boys!

That’s really interesting. For me ab8 was an absolute no brainer. But they are quite different.