{
  "url": "https://openlegislation.uk/farming-with-nature-scheme-amendment-regulations-northern-ireland-2026/regulation-2",
  "json_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/farming-with-nature-scheme-amendment-regulations-northern-ireland-2026/regulation-2.json",
  "legislation": "nisr/2026/105",
  "legislation_title": "The Farming with Nature Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026",
  "legislation_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/farming-with-nature-scheme-amendment-regulations-northern-ireland-2026",
  "path": "regulation/2",
  "kind": "regulation",
  "number": "2",
  "heading": "Amendments to the Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025",
  "text": "(1) The Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 are amended as follows.\n(2) In regulation 2(1)–\n(a) for the definition of “permanent grassland area” substitute–\n““permanent grassland sensitive area” means as required by Article 32A of Regulation (EU) No. 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the common agricultural policy areas including peat and wetlands covered by either or both the Wild Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive which are environmentally sensitive and which need protection to meet the requirements of these directives;”.\n(b) at the appropriate place insert–\n“ “machinery” includes–\n(i) digging machines;\n(ii) mobile cranes;\n(iii) generators or compressors;\n(iv) construction equipment, including wheel loaders, bulldozers, crawler tractors, crawler loaders, truck-type loaders, off highway vehicles and hydraulic excavators;\n(v) agricultural equipment;\n(vi) self-propelled agricultural vehicles including tractors and quad vehicles; and\n(vii) fork-lift trucks”.\n(3) In regulation 4(1), omit sub-paragraph (b) and the word “and” immediately preceding.\n(4) In regulation 8(2), for “£9,500” substitute “£20,000”.\n(5) Omit regulation 9.\n(6) For regulation 10 substitute–\n“10. In the application of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 640/2014 to this scheme–\n(a) Article 19 shall not apply;\n(b) in Article 36, the words from “The suspension” to the end of the article shall not apply.”.\n(7) In Schedule 1–\n(a) for paragraph 1 substitute–\n“1. An applicant planting a new hedgerow must–\n(a) plant a hedgerow–\n(i) where no hedgerow currently exists; or\n(ii) where there is a continuous gap of 10 metres or more between existing hedgerows;\n(b) ensure each individual length of new hedgerow planted is a minimum of 10 metres;\n(c) plant three or more species of native hedge plants listed in Schedule 4 with an average of 6 native plants per metre;\n(d) protect newly planted hedgerows from damage by grazing livestock or wildlife on all sides;\n(e) manage the hedgerow to prevent growth being negatively affected by weeds;\n(f) manage and maintain the full length of hedgerow planted;\n(g) complete all work related to this action by 28th February 2027;\n(h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the quantity and species of native hedge plants used;\n(i) not plant a new hedgerow–\n(i) on permanent grassland sensitive areas;\n(ii) against an existing hedgerow;\n(iii) on the field side of a 2 metre riparian buffer strip;\n(iv) under the shade of an existing treeline or woodland; or\n(v) against a stone wall; and\n(j) ensure if erecting protective fencing it meets the eligibility criteria in Schedule 2.”.\n(b) for paragraph 3 substitute–\n“3. An applicant creating a riparian buffer strip must–\n(a) establish it–\n(i) alongside a watercourse; or\n(ii) alongside both sides of an internal watercourse;\n(b) create a riparian buffer strip that is;\n(i) a minimum distance of 2 metres from the edge of a watercourse; or\n(ii) a minimum distance of 7 metres from the edge of a watercourse;\n(c) erect continuous protective fencing adjacent to the entire length of the watercourse along–\n(i) each field boundary; and\n(ii) both sides of an internal watercourse;\n(d) install a gate and two posts to riparian buffer strips 7 metres wide every 150 metres, or part thereof;\n(e) ensure access to the watercourse for maintenance purposes is not obstructed;\n(f) complete all work related to this action by 28th February 2027; and\n(g) retain the riparian buffer strip for a period of at least 15 years beginning with 28th February 2027.”.\n(c) for paragraph 4 substitute–\n“4. (1) An applicant planting trees must–\n(a) not plant trees–\n(i) on land within 5 metres of a designated watercourse;\n(ii) on flood defence areas;\n(iii) on riparian buffer strips;\n(iv) within hedgerows; or\n(v) on permanent grassland sensitive areas;\n(b) plant three or more native tree species listed in Schedule 5;\n(c) ensure a minimum of 0.05 hectares are planted at 2.5 metre spacing in the same plot at a planting rate of 1,600 trees per hectare;\n(d) support and protect each newly planted tree from damage by grazing livestock or wildlife on all sides;\n(e) exclude livestock from the area in which the new trees are planted;\n(f) manage and maintain trees planted including the removal of grass or weeds negatively impacting tree growth;\n(g) ensure that access to watercourses for maintenance purposes is unobstructed;\n(h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the quantity and native tree species used;\n(i) complete all work related to this action by 28th February 2027;\n(j) retain planted trees for a minimum period of 20 years beginning with 28th February 2027; and\n(k) ensure if erecting protective fencing it meets the eligibility criteria in Schedule 2.”.\n(d) for paragraph 5 substitute–\n“5. (1) The criteria in paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) apply to this action.\n(2) This action may be completed on arable land on which is growing–\n(a) cereal;\n(b) oilseed rape;\n(c) protein crop; or\n(d) linseed.\n(3) This action must not be completed on–\n(a) permanent grassland sensitive areas; or\n(b) stubble following the harvest of–\n(i) maize; or\n(ii) under-sown crops.\n(4) An applicant may retain winter stubble on a minimum area of 0.1 hectare.\n(5) An applicant retaining winter stubble must–\n(a) not apply inorganic fertiliser after the harvest;\n(b) not apply non-selective herbicides before or after the harvest;\n(c) retain that winter stubble, in line with normal husbandry practice;\n(d) retain it from after the harvest until 15th February 2027;\n(e) ensure that straw is either–\n(i) removed after the harvest;\n(ii) stored in field as bales; or\n(iii) left as chopped straw; and\n(f) ensure stubble is not grazed or cut.”.\n(e) for paragraph 6 substitute–\n“6. (1) The criteria in paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) apply to this action.\n(2) This action must be completed on arable land.\n(3) An applicant establishing multi-species winter cover-crop must–\n(a) not apply inorganic fertiliser;\n(b) establish it across a minimum area of 0.1 hectare in line with normal husbandry practice;\n(c) use a seed mix containing at least 4 species from 2 or more of the following plant families–\n(i) brassicas;\n(ii) legumes;\n(iii) cereals or grasses; and\n(iv) herbs;\n(d) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used; and\n(e) retain it until 15th February 2027 and then destroy it in line with normal husbandry practice.\n(4) This action must not be completed on permanent grassland sensitive areas.”.\n(f) after paragraph 6 insert–\n“Eligible scheme actions; Arable – unharvested cereal margin between 3 and 12 metres\n7. An applicant creating an unharvested cereal margin on arable land between 3 and 12 metres wide must–\n(a) not create it on–\n(i) permanent grassland sensitive areas; or\n(ii) a maize crop;\n(b) not apply–\n(i) organic fertilisers;\n(ii) inorganic fertilisers; or\n(iii) lime;\n(c) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;\n(d) create it along part of or for the entire field boundary, where the main field crop is cereal, in line with normal husbandry practice;\n(e) create it in a minimum area of 0.1 hectare;\n(f) protect it from grazing and damage by livestock or machinery; and\n(g) ensure that it is retained until 28th February 2027.\nEligible scheme actions; Arable – grass margin between 3 and 12 metres\n8. An applicant creating a grass margin on arable land between 3 and 12 metres wide must–\n(a) not create it on permanent grassland sensitive areas;\n(b) not apply–\n(i) organic fertilisers;\n(ii) inorganic fertilisers; or\n(iii) lime;\n(c) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;\n(d) create it along part or for the entire field boundary, where the main field crop is cereal in line with normal husbandry practice;\n(e) create it in a minimum area of 0.1 hectare;\n(f) establish it using an untreated seed mix of tussock forming grasses and fine grasses listed in Table 1 of Schedule 6;\n(g) protect it from grazing and damage by livestock or machinery;\n(h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used;\n(i) establish it by 28th February 2027; and\n(j) retain it for at least 5 years beginning with 28th February 2027.\nEligible scheme actions; Arable – flower-rich grass margin between 3 and 12 metres\n9. An applicant creating a flower-rich grass margin on arable land between 3 and 12 metres must–\n(a) not create it on permanent grassland sensitive areas;\n(b) not apply–\n(i) organic fertilisers; or\n(ii) inorganic fertilisers; or\n(iii) lime;\n(c) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;\n(d) create it along part or for the entire field boundary, where the main field crop is cereal, in line with normal husbandry practice;\n(e) create it in a minimum area of 0.1 hectare;\n(f) establish it using an untreated seed mix meeting the requirements in Schedule 7;\n(g) protect it from grazing and damage by livestock or machinery;\n(h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used;\n(i) establish it by 30th September 2026; and\n(j) retain it for at least 5 years beginning with 30th September 2026.\nEligible scheme actions; herbal ley\n10. An applicant establishing a herbal ley must–\n(a) not establish it on permanent grassland sensitive areas;\n(b) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;\n(c) not apply inorganic fertilisers containing nitrogen;\n(d) establish it using a minimum seed mix of 2 grass species, 2 herbs species and 2 legumes species respectively listed in Parts 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 8;\n(e) establish it so that it–\n(i) is a minimum of 0.1 hectare;\n(ii) does not exceed 10 hectares; and\n(iii) is in line with normal husbandry practice;\n(f) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used;\n(g) establish it by 28th February 2027; and\n(h) retain it for at least 3 years beginning with 28th February 2027.\nEligible scheme actions; enhanced herbal ley\n11. An applicant establishing an enhanced herbal ley must–\n(a) not establish it on permanent grassland sensitive areas;\n(b) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;\n(c) not apply inorganic fertilisers containing nitrogen;\n(d) not cut the crop for forage;\n(e) establish it using a minimum of 4 grass species, 4 herbs species and 4 legumes species respectively listed in Parts 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 8;\n(f) establish it so that it–\n(i) is a minimum of 0.1 hectare;\n(ii) does not exceed 10 hectares; and\n(iii) in line with normal husbandry practice;\n(g) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used;\n(h) establish it by 28th February 2027; and\n(i) retain it for at least 3 years beginning with 28th February 2027.\nEligible scheme action; management of hedgerows\n12. An applicant who planted a hedgerow between 19th June 2025 and 31st March 2026 which meets the criteria in paragraph 1 as it had effect on 19th June 2025 and disregarding any modification made on or after that date must–\n(a) ensure growth is not negatively affected by weeds;\n(b) replace dead species with species listed in Schedule 4 to maintain an average of 5 plants per metre;\n(c) protect hedgerows on all sides as required from damage by grazing livestock and wildlife;\n(d) if installed, maintain protective fencing in stock-proof condition; and\n(e) complete all work relating to this action by 28th February 2027.\nEligible scheme actions; management of 7 metre riparian buffer strips\n13. An applicant who created a 7 metre riparian buffer strip between 19th June 2025 and 31st March 2026 which meets the criteria in paragraph 3 as it had effect on 19th June 2025 and disregarding any modification made on or after that date must–\n(a) not apply–\n(i) organic fertilisers;\n(ii) inorganic fertilisers; or\n(iii) lime;\n(b) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;\n(c) not cut the vegetation in the 2 metre width next to the watercourse;\n(d) maintain protective fencing, access gate or gates and gate posts in stock-proof condition;\n(e) cut the vegetation in the 5 metre width next to the field after the 31st August 2026 and remove the cuttings;\n(f) ensure access to watercourses for maintenance purposes is not obstructed; and\n(g) complete all work relating to this action by 28th February 2027.\nEligible scheme action; management of farmland tree planting\n14. An applicant who planted trees between 19th June 2025 and 31st March 2026 which meet the criteria in paragraph 4 as it had effect on 19th June 2025 and disregarding any modification made on or after that date must–\n(a) ensure each planted tree is supported, and protected from damage by grazing livestock and wildlife;\n(b) replace dead trees with species listed Schedule 5 to maintain a minimum planting density of 1280 trees per hectare;\n(c) ensure growth is not negatively affected by weeds;\n(d) maintain protective fencing, access gate or gates and gateposts in stock-proof condition; and\n(e) complete all work relating to this action by 28th February 2027.”.\n(8) For Schedule 3 substitute–\n“SCHEDULE 3\nPayment rates\nRegulation 8(3)\nTable 1\nEligible scheme actions\nPayment rate\nArable – Flower-rich grass margin between 3 and 12 metres\n£1,422 per hectare\nArable – Grass margin between 3 and 12 metres\n£1,308 per hectare\nArable - Unharvested Cereal Margin between 3 and 12 metres\n£1,170 per hectare\nCreation of riparian buffer strip – 2 metres\n£1.41 per metre\nCreation of riparian buffer strip – 7 metres\n£4.93 per metre\nEnhanced herbal ley\n£521 per hectare\nFarmland tree planting\n£6,756 per hectare\nHerbal ley\n£467 per hectare\nManagement of 7 metre riparian buffer strips\n£0.04 per metre\nManagement of farmland tree planting\n£112 per hectare\nManagement of hedgerows\n£0.96 per metre\nMulti-species winter cover crop\n£226 per hectare\nPlanting new hedgerows\n£6.49 per metre\nRetention of winter stubble\n£99 per hectare\nTable 2\nEligible supporting actions\nPayment rate\nDrinking trough and concrete base\n£169.70 per set\nGate and two posts\n£310.29 per set\nPasture pump\n£239.06 per unit\nProtective fencing\n£6.52 per metre\n”.\n(9) In Schedule 4, omit Table 2.\n(10) For Schedule 5 substitute–\n“SCHEDULE 5\nSchedule 1, Paragraph 4(b)\nNative tree species\nAlder (Alnus glutinosa)\nAspen (Populus tremula)\nBay Willow (Salix pentandra)\nBird Cherry (Prunus padus)\nBlackthorn/Sloe (Prunus spinosa)\nCrab Apple (Malus sylvestris)\nDamson (Prunus Insititia)\nDog Rose (Rosa canina)\nDowny Birch (Betula pubescens)\nGoat Willow (Salix caprea)\nGorse/Whin (Ulex europaeus)\nGrey Willow (Salix cinerea)\nGuelder Rose (Vibumum opulus)\nHawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)\nHazel (Corylus avellana)\nHolly (Ilex aquifolium)\nJuniper (Juniperus communis)\nPedunculate Oak (Quercus robur)\nPoplar (Populus spp.)\nRowan (Sorbus aucuparia)\nScots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)\nSessile Oak (Quercus petraea)\nSilver Birch (Betula pendula)\nSpindle (Euonymus europaeus)\nWhitebeam (Sorbus aria)\nWild Cherry (Prunus avium)\nWild Pear (Pyrus communis)\nWild Plum (Prunus domestica)\nWillow (Salix spp.)\nWych Elm (Ulmus glabra)\n”.\n(11) After Schedule 5 insert–\n“SCHEDULE 6\nSchedule 1, Paragraph 8(f)\nTable 1\nTussock-forming grasses (15% of mix)\nFine grasses (85% of mix)\nCocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata)\nCommon Bent (Agrostis capillaris)\nTimothy (Phleum pratense)\nCreeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifera)\nYorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus)\nCreeping Fescue (Festuca rubra)\nCrested Dog’s-tail (Cynosurus cristatus)\nMeadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis)\nRed Fescue (Festuca rubra)\nRough-stalked Meadow Grass (Poa trivialis)\nSheep’s Fescue (Festuca rubra)\nSmooth Meadow Grass (Poa pratensis)\nSweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)\nSCHEDULE 7\nSchedule 1, Paragraph 9(f)\nTable 1\nSpecies\nMinimum required\nComposition of seed mix (%)\nNative Grass Species (see Table 2)\n4\nLess than 90%\nIrish Native Wildflower Species (see Table 3)\n8\nNo individual species more than 25% of the total wildflower seed weight\nTable 2\nNative Grass Species Seed List\nCommon Bent (Agrostis capillaris)\nCrested Dog’s-tail (Cynosurus cristatus)\nFescues (Fescua)\nSweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)\nTable 3\nIrish Native Wildflower Species Seed List\nAgrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)\nBetony (Stachys officinalis)\nBirdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)\nBlack/Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)\nBlack Medic (Medicago lupulina)\nCommon Mallow (Malva sylvestris)\nCorn Cockle (Agrostemma githago)\nCow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)\nDevils-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis)\nDropwort (Filipendula vulgaris)\nField Scabious (Knautia arvensis)\nGreat Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus)\nHedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo)\nIvy-leaved Speedwell (Veronica hederifolia)\nLady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum)\nMeadow Sweet (Filipendula ulmaria)\nMeadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis)\nMusk Mallow (Malva moschata)\nOxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)\nPlantain (Plantago)\nRagged Robin (Silene flos-cuculi)\nRed Campion (Silene dioica)\nRed Clover (Trifoilium pratense)\nSalad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor)\nSelf-Heal (Prunella vulgaris)\nSheep’s Sorrel (Rumex acetosella)\nTufted Vetch (Vicia cracca)\nWhite Campion (Silene latifolia)\nWhite Clover (Trifolium repens)\nWild Carrot (Daucus carota)\nYarrow (Achillea millefolium)\nSCHEDULE 8\nHerbal Ley Seed Mix Lists\nSchedule 1, Paragraphs 10(d) & 11(e)\nPart 1\nGrasses\nCocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata)\nFestulolium (Festuca x Lolium)\nHybrid Ryegrass (Lolium boucheanum)\nItalian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)\nMeadow Fescue (Lolium pratense)\nPerennial Ryegrass (PRG) (Lolium perenne)\nSheep’s Fescue (Festuca ovina)\nTall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)\nTimothy (Phleum pratense)\nPart 2\nLegumes\nAlsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum)\nBird’s Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)\nLucerne (Medicago sativa)\nMeadow Vetching (Lathyrus pratensis)\nRed Clover (Trifolium pratense)\nSainfoin (Onobrychis vicifolia)\nSweet Clover (Melitotus officinalis)\nTufted Vetch (Vicia cracca)\nWhite Clover (Trifolium repens)\nPart 3\nHerbs\nBurnet (Sanguisorba minor)\nChicory (Cichorium intybus)\nPlantain (Plantago)\nSheep’s Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)\nYarrow (Achillea millefolium)\n”.",
  "extent": "N.I.",
  "status": null,
  "version": "current",
  "annotations": [
    {
      "type": "I",
      "label": "I1",
      "text": "Reg. 2 in operation at 25.6.2026, see reg. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f1",
      "text": "S.R. 2025, No. 101"
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f2",
      "text": "EUR 1307/2013"
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f3",
      "text": "Directive 2009/147/EC"
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f4",
      "text": "Directive 92/43/EEC"
    }
  ],
  "outstanding_effects": [],
  "provenance": {
    "source": "legislation.gov.uk",
    "source_url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2026/105/regulation/2",
    "retrieved_at": "2026-10-29T00:23:22.187280+00:00"
  },
  "licence": "Open Government Licence v3.0",
  "licence_url": "https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/",
  "attribution": "Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives."
}