Paragraph 2
As regards all land which is the subject of the agreement, requirements to the effect that—
the farmer shall not mole-drain or install under-drainage, and shall not sub-soil or slit drain or otherwise modify substantially his existing drainage system;
the farmer shall maintain existing dykes in rotation by mechanical means, shall slub out each ditch and dyke at least once every 8 years and not more than once every 5 years and shall dry and level the spoil after slubbing out;
the farmer shall ensure that water is maintained at a suitable level for livestock to graze on grazing marshes and shall—
ensure that there is at least 30 centimetres of water in the bottom of dykes between 31st October in any given year and the following 1st March, and
begin to increase dyke water levels to summer levels no later than 1st March in any given year;
the farmer shall maintain hedges, ponds and reedbeds;
the farmer shall not damage or destroy any feature of historic interest;
the farmer shall obtain written advice on siting and materials from the Minister before constructing buildings or roads or before undertaking any other engineering or construction operations which do not require prior determination as to the need for any approval by the local planning authority under Part 6 or 7 of Schedule 2 (permitted development) to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995f1 or planning permission; and
the farmer shall obtain written advice on the management of any woodland or scrub and on any proposal to plant new woodland from a person approved by the Minister for the purpose of giving that advice.
Annotations
Footnotes
- f1