Schedule 4 REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO UNCROPPED WILDLIFE STRIPS
As regards any land which is the subject of an agreement and which has been continuously used in rotation for arable cropping since 31st August 1987 —
The farmer shall cease production on a strip of land at least six metres wide at the edge of a field used for arable cropping.
In the course of the first twelve months after the commencement of the agreement, and on at least two occasions in the subsequent period of 48 months, the farmer shall cultivate the strip so as to create a seed bed. In all cases, cultivation shall take place between 31st July in any year and the following 1st January and only once in any period of twelve months.
The farmer shall not sow grass or other seed in the strip but shall allow the natural establishment of plants.
The farmer shall not apply to the strip —
any organic or inorganic fertiliser;
lime, slag or any substance designed to reduce the acidity of the soil;
pesticides;
herbicides, except to control nettles, spear thistle, creeping or field thistle, curled dock, broadleaved dock or ragwort. Herbicides used for these purposes shall be applied by weed wiper or spot treatment.
The farmer shall not irrigate the strip.
The farmer shall ensure that the strip is not materially damaged by the passage of machinery or by other means.
Notwithstanding sub-paragraphs (2) and (4)(d) above, the farmer may regularly cultivate and apply herbicides to any part of the strip which is situated not more than one metre from the edge of the area of the field used for arable cropping.