# The Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025, Paragraph 5: Eligible scheme actions; retention of winter stubble

Extent: N.I.

(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.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2025/101/schedule/1/paragraph/5 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/farming-with-nature-scheme-regulations-northern-ireland-2025/schedule-1/paragraph-5
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.