Stewardship and old farm buildings

[tullah]

We're coming to the end of our five years so due an inspection. We claim on the old farm buildings in the scheme whereby we agree to maintain them.
I've heard if non agricultural stuff is found in the sheds on the day, then that's a black mark. I can shift it all out in a few hours if I have to but could do without the hassle.
Anybody else come across this?

 

[theboytheboy]

Interested to know if you think it was worth doing this option?

Looks like s good idea untill I saw how much record keeping etc was required

Would you do it again in hindsight?

Sorry can't answer your question

 

[livestock 1]

The payment isn’t that much for this sort of thing to be too bothered about it

 

[farmerm]

You are the first I have heard getting inspected... there must be others with experience on here? The rules do say if must not be converted to none agricultural use... so probably for the best to shift stuff out of stack small bales in front... you don't want to have to pay back 5 years worth.


They might well expect a copy of this..

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1003054/Building_Maintenance_Plan_and_Log__cs31_V3.0_Sep_20_.pdf

Aims​

If you’re selected for a site visit, we will check that delivery of the aims is being met and the prohibited activities have not been carried out. This will ensure the environmental benefits are being delivered.

There will be:

• traditional farm buildings, fixtures and fittings in a sound condition and weatherproof with any existing areas of non-traditional material maintained
• buildings maintained on a ‘like for like’ basis using traditional materials and methods
• preserved and accessible features used by bats, owls and kestrels (see building wildlife assessment form)
• new bat, owl or kestrel boxes installed in the first year, where the wildlife assessment form has identified a need
• a building maintenance plan completed in the first year, and a log of work updated annually (see building maintenance plan and log form)

Prohibited Activities​

To achieve the aims and deliver the environmental benefits, do not carry out any of the following activities.

• Sell or convert the building for non-agricultural or forestry use during the life of the agreement
• If bat activity has been identified, do not undertake any works on the building without advice from a licensed ecological consultant (a licence may be required)

On your annual claim you will be asked to declare that you have not carried out any prohibited activities.

 

[tullah]

You are the first I have heard getting inspected... there must be others with experience on here? The rules do say if must not be converted to none agricultural use... so probably for the best to shift stuff out of stack small bales in front... you don't want to have to pay back 5 years worth.


They might well expect a copy of this..

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1003054/Building_Maintenance_Plan_and_Log__cs31_V3.0_Sep_20_.pdf

Aims​

If you’re selected for a site visit, we will check that delivery of the aims is being met and the prohibited activities have not been carried out. This will ensure the environmental benefits are being delivered.

There will be:

• traditional farm buildings, fixtures and fittings in a sound condition and weatherproof with any existing areas of non-traditional material maintained
• buildings maintained on a ‘like for like’ basis using traditional materials and methods
• preserved and accessible features used by bats, owls and kestrels (see building wildlife assessment form)
• new bat, owl or kestrel boxes installed in the first year, where the wildlife assessment form has identified a need
• a building maintenance plan completed in the first year, and a log of work updated annually (see building maintenance plan and log form)

Prohibited Activities​

To achieve the aims and deliver the environmental benefits, do not carry out any of the following activities.

• Sell or convert the building for non-agricultural or forestry use during the life of the agreement
• If bat activity has been identified, do not undertake any works on the building without advice from a licensed ecological consultant (a licence may be required)

On your annual claim you will be asked to declare that you have not carried out any prohibited activities.

Just read the attachment...Good God!

 

[farmerm]

Just read the attachment...Good God!

Devils in the small print . Good luck

 

[Overby]

You'll not definitely get an inspection, unless you've been informed one is coming.

 

[Overby]

WE;ve had an inspection but don't have buildings in our agreement. Came in Year 2

 

[tullah]

Interested to know if you think it was worth doing this option?

Looks like s good idea untill I saw how much record keeping etc was required

Would you do it again in hindsight?

Sorry can't answer your question

No never again. In fact I don't want to enter into any agreeements as written into them they can change the terms that we sign up to as they wish.

 

[tullah]

WE;ve had an inspection but don't have buildings in our agreement. Came in Year 2

How much notice did they give you?

 

[farmerm]

No never again. In fact I don't want to enter into any agreeements as written into them they can change the terms that we sign up to as they wish.

I will continue to state that the land agents, the NFU, the CLA and anyone else who encourage their clients to sign the original agreements failed the farming industry. Total dereliction of their professional responsibilities that they did not fight for that clause to be made fairer. In effect we all signed a blank cheque…!

 

[Overby]

How much notice did they give you?

Not long, a day or 2

 

[True North]

Hi

I'd be interested in doing this as all of ours is 120 odd years old, which scheme was it please? I did see it and wondered about that and the dry stone walls.

I have bird boxes but cannot source anything bigger for bats or owls without parting with serious cash and we have both about in plenty.

 

[upnortheast]

Hi

I'd be interested in doing this as all of ours is 120 odd years old, which scheme was it please? I did see it and wondered about that and the dry stone walls.

I have bird boxes but cannot source anything bigger for bats or owls without parting with serious cash and we have both about in plenty.

Made 3 owl boxes for about £80 + a couple of hours of time. The rate at the time was £100 each. Think I noticed the current rate is less now

 

[upnortheast]

View attachment barn owl box.pdfView attachment barn owl box.pdf

 

[True North]

View attachment 1156298View attachment 1156298

You are handier than I, I might know a person that can though.

Thanks very much.