Paragraph 9 Cutting the green cover
In each field to which this paragraph applies, a farmer shall (subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) below), cut the green cover to an average length of no more than 10 centimetres at least once each year between 15th July and 15th August prior to the end of the set-aside period.
A farmer may—
leave a strip of green cover up to 2 metres wide uncut adjacent to any hedge or woodland; and
where the field is to remain set aside in the following scheme year, leave a further 10% of the area set aside in each field uncut, provided that any area left uncut in accordance with this paragraph is cut in accordance with sub-paragraph (1) above in the following year.
The Minister shall, on application from a farmer, exempt the farmer from the requirements of sub-paragraph (1) above to such an extent as he considers to be necessary for environmental reasons.