# The Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025, Paragraph 3: Eligible scheme actions; creation of riparian buffer strips

Extent: N.I.

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.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2025/101/schedule/1/paragraph/3 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/farming-with-nature-scheme-regulations-northern-ireland-2025/schedule-1/paragraph-3
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.