Paragraph 3 Eligible scheme actions; creation of riparian buffer stripsF1

Northern Ireland

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.

Annotations

F1: Sch. 1 para. 3 substituted (25.6.2026) by The Farming with Nature Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (S.R. 2026/105), regs. 1(1), 2(7)(b)