# The Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025

S.R. 2025/101 · made 29 May 2025 · revised to 25 June 2026

These Regulations establish the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme. The Scheme provides for payments to be made by the Department to eligible farm businesses which meet the eligible scheme actions and eligible supporting item requirements.

Made under: Agriculture Act 2020 (Section 48, Schedule 6 paragraph 5)

PDFs: Printed copy https://openlegislation.uk/farming-with-nature-scheme-regulations-northern-ireland-2025/pdf/nisr_20250101_en.pdf; NI Explanatory Memorandum https://openlegislation.uk/farming-with-nature-scheme-regulations-northern-ireland-2025/pdf/nisrem_20250101_en_001.pdf

## Introductory text

Agriculture
Made 29th May 2025
Coming into operation 19th June 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 48 of, and paragraph 5 of Schedule 6 to the Agriculture Act 2020 and Article 28(10)(2)(d) of Regulation (EU) No.1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013, makes the following Regulations:

## 1 Citation and commencement

These Regulations may be cited as the Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 and shall come into operation on 19th June 2025.

## 2 Interpretation

(1) In these Regulations—
“applicant” means an eligible farm business which has applied for a scheme payment under the scheme;
“authorised person” means any person authorised by the Department to act in matters relating to these Regulations;
“designated watercourse” means a watercourse designated by the Drainage Council under the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973
“the Department” means the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs;
“eligible farm business” means a farm business operating on the land upon which one of the eligible scheme actions listed in Schedule 1 and eligible supporting items listed in Schedule 2 occur and meets the eligibility criteria listed in regulations 4 to 7;
“eligible scheme actions” means the actions listed in Schedule 1;
“eligible supporting items” means the items listed in Schedule 2;
“EFS” means the Environmental Farming Scheme administered by the Department under Regulation (EU) No.1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No.640/2014;
“farm business” means a farm business which holds a DAERA Farm Business ID number;
“gate and two posts” means a gate and two posts which meet the criteria in Schedule 2;
“LPIS” means the Land Parcel Identification System maintained by the Department;
“machinery” includes–
(i)digging machines;
(ii)mobile cranes;
(iii)generators or compressors;
(iv)construction equipment, including wheel loaders, bulldozers, crawler tractors, crawler loaders, truck-type loaders, off highway vehicles and hydraulic excavators;
(v)agricultural equipment;
(vi)self-propelled agricultural vehicles including tractors and quad vehicles; and
(vii)fork-lift trucks
“management control” in relation to an applicant, means the power to manage the fields in which eligible scheme actions and eligible supporting items are implemented with a degree of autonomy in respect of those fields sufficient for the carrying out of eligible scheme actions and eligible supporting items;
“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;
“post” means a post which is—
(a)new and commercially available; and
(b)does not consist of wooden materials;
“protective fencing” means fencing which meets the criteria in Schedule 2;
“retention period” means the length of time stated in Schedule 1 for which the respective eligible scheme actions completed by the eligible farm business must be retained;
“scheme” means the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme administered by the Department;
“scheme payment” means a payment under regulation 8;
“scheme year” means–
(a)in the initial year of operation, the period beginning on 19th June 2025 and ending on 31st March 2026;
(b)in the second year, the period beginning on 1st April 2026 and ending on 31st March 2027;
“Tier 1 land” means fields that are within sites designated as special areas of conservation, special protection areas and Ramsar sites by the Department;
“Tier 2 land” means fields that are within sites designated as biological Areas of Specific Scientific Interest by the Department;
“Tier 3 land” means Northern Ireland priority habitats and species areas outside sites designated by the Department;
“watercourse” means any channel through which water may flow as identified by the Department using LPIS data.
(2) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 shall apply to these Regulations as it applies to an Act of the Assembly.

## 3 Scheme duration

The scheme shall, subject to the ongoing scheme liabilities and obligations, operate for a period of two scheme years ending on 31st March 2027.

## 4 Eligibility requirements; general requirements

(1) An eligible farm business shall—
(a) hold either a Category 1 or 2 DAERA Farm Business ID number; ...
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2) An applicant must have management control of the fields in which eligible scheme actions and eligible supporting items are implemented.

## 5 Eligible Scheme actions

An applicant carrying out eligible scheme actions in each specific scheme year must meet the criteria in Schedule 1.

## 6 Eligible Scheme actions

An applicant carrying out eligible supporting items in each specific scheme year must meet the criteria in Schedule 2.

## 7 Eligible Scheme actions

Eligible scheme actions and eligible supporting items are not permitted on Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 land under this scheme.

## 8 Scheme actions; payments

(1) The Department shall not make a payment to an applicant until the applicant has returned to the Department a signed form of acknowledgement and understanding of scheme payment conditions declaration in such form as the Department may determine.
(2) Subject to regulations 5 and 6 and to paragraph (1), the Department shall pay an applicant an amount not exceeding £20,000 for work completed in relation to eligible scheme actions and eligible supporting items each scheme year.
(3) Schedule 3 lists the payments rates the Department will use to pay applicants for work completed for eligible scheme actions and eligible supporting items.

## 9 Modification of Regulation (EU)1306/2013

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

## 10 Modification of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU)640/2014

In the application of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 640/2014 to this scheme–
(a) Article 19 shall not apply;
(b) in Article 36, the words from “The suspension” to the end of the article shall not apply.

## 11 Modification of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU)809/2014

In its application to this scheme, paragraph 1 of Article 32 of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU)809/2014 shall be read as if for “5%” in each place there were substituted “1%”.

## 12 Use of LPIS information

(1) The Department shall use the information recorded on LPIS to determine whether the requirements in Schedule 1 are met.
(2) The LPIS information shall be conclusive evidence unless otherwise rebutted or corrected to the satisfaction of the Department.

## 13 Withholding and recovery of overpayments

(1) This regulation applies where an application for payment has been approved by the Department and it becomes aware that the applicant—
(a) is not eligible to receive that payment;
(b) has without reasonable cause obstructed an authorised person in the exercise of their powers under regulation 14; or
(c) has failed to provide reasonably required assistance to an authorised person under regulation 15.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the Department may—
(a) revoke the approval of the application for payment; and
(b) where payment has not been made withhold the payment or any part of it; or
(c) where payment has already been made, recover from the applicant an amount equal to the whole or any part of the payment—
(i) as a civil debt; or
(ii) by way of offsetting against any sum otherwise payable to the applicant by the Department.
(3) Before exercising the power under paragraph (2), the Department must by a withdrawal or recovery notice, (“the notice”)—
(a) give the applicant a written explanation of the reasons for the proposed action; and
(b) afford the applicant the opportunity to make written representations within 14 days beginning with the date of the issue of the notice; and
(c) consider any representations made by or on behalf of the applicant.

## 14 Powers of authorised persons

(1) An authorised person may exercise any of the powers specified in paragraphs (2) to (4) for the purposes of these Regulations.
(2) An authorised person on producing, if so required, a duly authenticated document showing the person’s authority to do so, may at all reasonable hours enter any land other than a building used only as a dwelling house.
(3) An authorised person may—
(a) carry out any inquiries, checks, examinations, measurements and tests;
(b) take samples;
(c) inspect any part of the land (whether it is farmed or is withdrawn from agricultural production) have access to, inspect and copy any documents or records (in whatever form they are held) or remove such records to enable them to be copied;
(d) have access to, inspect and check the operation of, any computer and any associated apparatus or material which is or has been in use in connection with the documents or records; and for this purpose require any person having charge of, or otherwise concerned with the operation of, the computer, apparatus or material to afford such assistance as is reasonably required and, where a document or record is kept by means of a computer, reasonably require the document to be produced in a form in which it can be taken away;
(e) take a photograph of anything on the land; and
(f) remove anything reasonably believed to be evidence of any failure to meet the eligibility conditions.
(4) An authorised person entering any premises or land by virtue of this regulation may take with them such other persons as they consider necessary.
(5) For the purposes of this regulation a computer includes any electronic device.

## 15 Assistance to authorised persons

An applicant or any employee, agent, contractor or tenant of an applicant shall give an authorised person such assistance as may be reasonably required to enable the authorised person to exercise the powers conferred by regulation 14.

## 16 Offences and penalties

(1) Any person who—
(a) without reasonable cause obstructs an authorised person or a person accompanying the authorised person (see regulation 14(4)) in exercise of the power conferred on the authorised person by regulation 14; or
(b) without reasonable cause fails to comply with a requirement under regulation 15, shall be guilty of an offence.
(2) Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed as requiring any person to answer any question if to do so may incriminate that person.
(3) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (1)(a) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
(4) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (1)(b) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

## Signature

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on 29th May 2025
L.S.
George Moffett
A senior officer of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

## Schedule 1: Eligible Scheme Actions

## 1 Eligible scheme actions; planting new hedgerows

An applicant planting a new hedgerow must–
(a) plant a hedgerow–
(i) where no hedgerow currently exists; or
(ii) where there is a continuous gap of 10 metres or more between existing hedgerows;
(b) ensure each individual length of new hedgerow planted is a minimum of 10 metres;
(c) plant three or more species of native hedge plants listed in Schedule 4 with an average of 6 native plants per metre;
(d) protect newly planted hedgerows from damage by grazing livestock or wildlife on all sides;
(e) manage the hedgerow to prevent growth being negatively affected by weeds;
(f) manage and maintain the full length of hedgerow planted;
(g) complete all work related to this action by 28th February 2027;
(h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the quantity and species of native hedge plants used;
(i) not plant a new hedgerow–
(i) on permanent grassland sensitive areas;
(ii) against an existing hedgerow;
(iii) on the field side of a 2 metre riparian buffer strip;
(iv) under the shade of an existing treeline or woodland; or
(v) against a stone wall; and
(j) ensure if erecting protective fencing it meets the eligibility criteria in Schedule 2.

## 2 

An eligible farm business will receive a scheme payment for any protective fencing erected up to a maximum of twice the length of newly planted hedgerows which meet the eligibility criteria in paragraph 1.

## 3 Eligible scheme actions; creation of riparian buffer strips

An applicant creating a riparian buffer strip must–
(a) establish it–
(i) alongside a watercourse; or
(ii) alongside both sides of an internal watercourse;
(b) create a riparian buffer strip that is;
(i) a minimum distance of 2 metres from the edge of a watercourse; or
(ii) a minimum distance of 7 metres from the edge of a watercourse;
(c) erect continuous protective fencing adjacent to the entire length of the watercourse along–
(i) each field boundary; and
(ii) both sides of an internal watercourse;
(d) install a gate and two posts to riparian buffer strips 7 metres wide every 150 metres, or part thereof;
(e) ensure access to the watercourse for maintenance purposes is not obstructed;
(f) complete all work related to this action by 28th February 2027; and
(g) retain the riparian buffer strip for a period of at least 15 years beginning with 28th February 2027.

## 4 Eligible scheme actions; farmland tree planting

(1) An applicant planting trees must–
(a) not plant trees–
(i) on land within 5 metres of a designated watercourse;
(ii) on flood defence areas;
(iii) on riparian buffer strips;
(iv) within hedgerows; or
(v) on permanent grassland sensitive areas;
(b) plant three or more native tree species listed in Schedule 5;
(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;
(d) support and protect each newly planted tree from damage by grazing livestock or wildlife on all sides;
(e) exclude livestock from the area in which the new trees are planted;
(f) manage and maintain trees planted including the removal of grass or weeds negatively impacting tree growth;
(g) ensure that access to watercourses for maintenance purposes is unobstructed;
(h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the quantity and native tree species used;
(i) complete all work related to this action by 28th February 2027;
(j) retain planted trees for a minimum period of 20 years beginning with 28th February 2027; and
(k) ensure if erecting protective fencing it meets the eligibility criteria in Schedule 2.

## 5 Eligible scheme actions; retention of winter stubble

(1) The criteria in paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) apply to this action.
(2) This action may be completed on arable land on which is growing–
(a) cereal;
(b) oilseed rape;
(c) protein crop; or
(d) linseed.
(3) This action must not be completed on–
(a) permanent grassland sensitive areas; or
(b) stubble following the harvest of–
(i) maize; or
(ii) under-sown crops.
(4) An applicant may retain winter stubble on a minimum area of 0.1 hectare.
(5) An applicant retaining winter stubble must–
(a) not apply inorganic fertiliser after the harvest;
(b) not apply non-selective herbicides before or after the harvest;
(c) retain that winter stubble, in line with normal husbandry practice;
(d) retain it from after the harvest until 15th February 2027;
(e) ensure that straw is either–
(i) removed after the harvest;
(ii) stored in field as bales; or
(iii) left as chopped straw; and
(f) ensure stubble is not grazed or cut.

## 6 Eligible scheme actions; multi-species winter cover crop

(1) The criteria in paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) apply to this action.
(2) This action must be completed on arable land.
(3) An applicant establishing multi-species winter cover-crop must–
(a) not apply inorganic fertiliser;
(b) establish it across a minimum area of 0.1 hectare in line with normal husbandry practice;
(c) use a seed mix containing at least 4 species from 2 or more of the following plant families–
(i) brassicas;
(ii) legumes;
(iii) cereals or grasses; and
(iv) herbs;
(d) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used; and
(e) retain it until 15th February 2027 and then destroy it in line with normal husbandry practice.
(4) This action must not be completed on permanent grassland sensitive areas.

## 7 Eligible scheme actions; Arable – unharvested cereal margin between 3 and 12 metres

An applicant creating an unharvested cereal margin on arable land between 3 and 12 metres wide must–
(a) not create it on–
(i) permanent grassland sensitive areas; or
(ii) a maize crop;
(b) not apply–
(i) organic fertilisers;
(ii) inorganic fertilisers; or
(iii) lime;
(c) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;
(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;
(e) create it in a minimum area of 0.1 hectare;
(f) protect it from grazing and damage by livestock or machinery; and
(g) ensure that it is retained until 28th February 2027.

## 8 Eligible scheme actions; Arable – grass margin between 3 and 12 metres

An applicant creating a grass margin on arable land between 3 and 12 metres wide must–
(a) not create it on permanent grassland sensitive areas;
(b) not apply–
(i) organic fertilisers;
(ii) inorganic fertilisers; or
(iii) lime;
(c) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;
(d) create it along part or for the entire field boundary, where the main field crop is cereal in line with normal husbandry practice;
(e) create it in a minimum area of 0.1 hectare;
(f) establish it using an untreated seed mix of tussock forming grasses and fine grasses listed in Table 1 of Schedule 6;
(g) protect it from grazing and damage by livestock or machinery;
(h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used;
(i) establish it by 28th February 2027; and
(j) retain it for at least 5 years beginning with 28th February 2027.

## 9 Eligible scheme actions; Arable – flower-rich grass margin between 3 and 12 metres

An applicant creating a flower-rich grass margin on arable land between 3 and 12 metres must–
(a) not create it on permanent grassland sensitive areas;
(b) not apply–
(i) organic fertilisers; or
(ii) inorganic fertilisers; or
(iii) lime;
(c) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;
(d) create it along part or for the entire field boundary, where the main field crop is cereal, in line with normal husbandry practice;
(e) create it in a minimum area of 0.1 hectare;
(f) establish it using an untreated seed mix meeting the requirements in Schedule 7;
(g) protect it from grazing and damage by livestock or machinery;
(h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used;
(i) establish it by 30th September 2026; and
(j) retain it for at least 5 years beginning with 30th September 2026.

## 10 Eligible scheme actions; herbal ley

An applicant establishing a herbal ley must–
(a) not establish it on permanent grassland sensitive areas;
(b) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;
(c) not apply inorganic fertilisers containing nitrogen;
(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;
(e) establish it so that it–
(i) is a minimum of 0.1 hectare;
(ii) does not exceed 10 hectares; and
(iii) is in line with normal husbandry practice;
(f) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used;
(g) establish it by 28th February 2027; and
(h) retain it for at least 3 years beginning with 28th February 2027.

## 11 Eligible scheme actions; enhanced herbal ley

An applicant establishing an enhanced herbal ley must–
(a) not establish it on permanent grassland sensitive areas;
(b) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;
(c) not apply inorganic fertilisers containing nitrogen;
(d) not cut the crop for forage;
(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;
(f) establish it so that it–
(i) is a minimum of 0.1 hectare;
(ii) does not exceed 10 hectares; and
(iii) in line with normal husbandry practice;
(g) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used;
(h) establish it by 28th February 2027; and
(i) retain it for at least 3 years beginning with 28th February 2027.

## 12 Eligible scheme action; management of hedgerows

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–
(a) ensure growth is not negatively affected by weeds;
(b) replace dead species with species listed in Schedule 4 to maintain an average of 5 plants per metre;
(c) protect hedgerows on all sides as required from damage by grazing livestock and wildlife;
(d) if installed, maintain protective fencing in stock-proof condition; and
(e) complete all work relating to this action by 28th February 2027.

## 13 Eligible scheme actions; management of 7 metre riparian buffer strips

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–
(a) not apply–
(i) organic fertilisers;
(ii) inorganic fertilisers; or
(iii) lime;
(b) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;
(c) not cut the vegetation in the 2 metre width next to the watercourse;
(d) maintain protective fencing, access gate or gates and gate posts in stock-proof condition;
(e) cut the vegetation in the 5 metre width next to the field after the 31st August 2026 and remove the cuttings;
(f) ensure access to watercourses for maintenance purposes is not obstructed; and
(g) complete all work relating to this action by 28th February 2027.

## 14 Eligible scheme action; management of farmland tree planting

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–
(a) ensure each planted tree is supported, and protected from damage by grazing livestock and wildlife;
(b) replace dead trees with species listed Schedule 5 to maintain a minimum planting density of 1280 trees per hectare;
(c) ensure growth is not negatively affected by weeds;
(d) maintain protective fencing, access gate or gates and gateposts in stock-proof condition; and
(e) complete all work relating to this action by 28th February 2027.

## Schedule 2: Eligible supporting items

## 1 Protective fencing

An applicant installing protective fencing must–
(a) erect protective fencing using new and commercially available materials;
(b) erect protective fencing which is permanent; and
(c) construct the protective fencing using wire which–
(i) is galvanised;
(ii) is strained to straining posts; and
(iii) is erected with–
(aa) a minimum of five strands of wire; or
(bb) sheep mesh with two strands of wire.

## 2 Protective fencing

Where an applicant plants new hedgerows any protective fencing they erect must be no more than an average of 3 metres from the centre of the hedgerow.

## 3 Protective fencing

Where paragraph 2 applies then the maximum protective fencing for which payment may be made is twice the length of the hedgerow.

## 4 Protective fencing

Where an applicant plants farmland trees any protective fencing they erect must be no more than an average of 3 metres from the trees.

## 5 Protective fencing

Where paragraph 4 applies the maximum protective fencing that for which payment may be made is 150 metres per plot (see paragraph 4(c) of Schedule 1).

## 6 Gate and two posts

Where an applicant installs a gate and two posts, they must–
(a) erect that gate and two posts using materials which are new and commercially available;
(b) not use wooden posts; and
(c) install gates of at least 4.27 metres (14ft) wide.

## 7 Drinking trough

Where an applicant installs a drinking trough they must–
(a) install one which is new and commercially available;
(b) place it on a concrete base; and
(c) install the drinking trough and its concrete base at least 10 metres from any watercourse.

## 8 Pasture pump

Where an applicant installs a pasture pump, they must–
(a) install one which is new and commercially available; and
(b) install it at least 10 metres from any watercourse.

## Schedule 3 Payment rates

Table 1
Eligible scheme actions
Payment rate
Arable – Flower-rich grass margin between 3 and 12 metres
£1,422 per hectare
Arable – Grass margin between 3 and 12 metres
£1,308 per hectare
Arable - Unharvested Cereal Margin between 3 and 12 metres
£1,170 per hectare
Creation of riparian buffer strip – 2 metres
£1.41 per metre
Creation of riparian buffer strip – 7 metres
£4.93 per metre
Enhanced herbal ley
£521 per hectare
Farmland tree planting
£6,756 per hectare
Herbal ley
£467 per hectare
Management of 7 metre riparian buffer strips
£0.04 per metre
Management of farmland tree planting
£112 per hectare
Management of hedgerows
£0.96 per metre
Multi-species winter cover crop
£226 per hectare
Planting new hedgerows
£6.49 per metre
Retention of winter stubble
£99 per hectare
Table 2
Eligible supporting actions
Payment rate
Drinking trough and concrete base
£169.70 per set
Gate and two posts
£310.29 per set
Pasture pump
£239.06 per unit
Protective fencing
£6.52 per metre

## Schedule 4 

Table 1
Native hedge plant species
Blackthorn/Sloe
Dog Rose
Gorse/Whin
Guelder Rose
Hawthorn
Hazel
Holly
Spindle
Table 2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

## Schedule 5 

Native tree species
Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
Aspen (Populus tremula)
Bay Willow (Salix pentandra)
Bird Cherry (Prunus padus)
Blackthorn/Sloe (Prunus spinosa)
Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)
Damson (Prunus Insititia)
Dog Rose (Rosa canina)
Downy Birch (Betula pubescens)
Goat Willow (Salix caprea)
Gorse/Whin (Ulex europaeus)
Grey Willow (Salix cinerea)
Guelder Rose (Vibumum opulus)
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Hazel (Corylus avellana)
Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur)
Poplar (Populus spp.)
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea)
Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)
Whitebeam (Sorbus aria)
Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
Wild Pear (Pyrus communis)
Wild Plum (Prunus domestica)
Willow (Salix spp.)
Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra)

## Schedule 6 

Table 1
Tussock-forming grasses (15% of mix)
Fine grasses (85% of mix)
Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata)
Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris)
Timothy (Phleum pratense)
Creeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifera)
Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus)
Creeping Fescue (Festuca rubra)
Crested Dog’s-tail (Cynosurus cristatus)
Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis)
Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)
Rough-stalked Meadow Grass (Poa trivialis)
Sheep’s Fescue (Festuca rubra)
Smooth Meadow Grass (Poa pratensis)
Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)

## Schedule 7 

Table 1
Species
Minimum required
Composition of seed mix (%)
Native Grass Species (see Table 2)
4
Less than 90%
Irish Native Wildflower Species (see Table 3)
8
No individual species more than 25% of the total wildflower seed weight
Table 2
Native Grass Species Seed List
Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris)
Crested Dog’s-tail (Cynosurus cristatus)
Fescues (Fescua)
Sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)
Table 3
Irish Native Wildflower Species Seed List
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
Betony (Stachys officinalis)
Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
Black/Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)
Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)
Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris)
Corn Cockle (Agrostemma githago)
Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)
Devils-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis)
Dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris)
Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis)
Great Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus)
Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo)
Ivy-leaved Speedwell (Veronica hederifolia)
Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum)
Meadow Sweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis)
Musk Mallow (Malva moschata)
Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
Plantain (Plantago)
Ragged Robin (Silene flos-cuculi)
Red Campion (Silene dioica)
Red Clover (Trifoilium pratense)
Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor)
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris)
Sheep’s Sorrel (Rumex acetosella)
Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca)
White Campion (Silene latifolia)
White Clover (Trifolium repens)
Wild Carrot (Daucus carota)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

## Schedule 8: Herbal Ley Seed Mix Lists

## Part 1

Grasses
Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata)
Festulolium (Festuca x Lolium)
Hybrid Ryegrass (Lolium boucheanum)
Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)
Meadow Fescue (Lolium pratense)
Perennial Ryegrass (PRG) (Lolium perenne)
Sheep’s Fescue (Festuca ovina)
Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
Timothy (Phleum pratense)

## Part 2

Legumes
Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum)
Bird’s Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
Lucerne (Medicago sativa)
Meadow Vetching (Lathyrus pratensis)
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Sainfoin (Onobrychis vicifolia)
Sweet Clover (Melitotus officinalis)
Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca)
White Clover (Trifolium repens)

## Part 3

Herbs
Burnet (Sanguisorba minor)
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Plantain (Plantago)
Sheep’s Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

## Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations establish the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme. The Scheme provides for payments to be made by the Department to eligible farm businesses which meet the eligible scheme actions and eligible supporting item requirements.
The Scheme–
specifies the duration of the scheme (regulation 3);
specifies the eligibility criteria for eligible farm businesses (regulation 4);
specifies the eligibility criteria for eligible scheme actions and eligible supporting items (regulations 5, 6 and 7);
specifies payments available and criteria for receiving payments (regulation 8);
specifies Title VI of Regulation 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 will not apply to the scheme (regulation 9);
specifies Article 19 of the Commissioning Implementing Regulation (EU)640/2014 will not apply to the scheme (regulation 10);
specifies paragraph 1 of Article 32 of the Commissioning Implementing Regulation (EU)809/2014 will state on the spot checks will be 1% for the scheme (regulation 11);
specifies the use of LPIS information; (regulation 12);
provides the powers for withholding and recovery of overpayments (regulation 13);
provides the powers of authorised persons (regulation 14);
specifies the assistance to authorised persons (regulation 15);
provides for the offences and penalties (regulation 16);
specifies eligible scheme actions (Schedule 1);
specifies eligible supporting items (Schedule 2);
specifies payment rates for eligible scheme actions and eligible supporting items (Schedule 3);
specifies native hedge plant species (Schedule 4); and
specifies native tree species (Schedule 5).

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2025/101 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/farming-with-nature-scheme-regulations-northern-ireland-2025
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.