The Environmentally Sensitive Areas (South Wessex Downs) Designation Order 1993

Option 1—Downland Turf Creation

1.  As regards any land which is the subject of an agreement which is suitable for the creation of downland turf and which on 31st August 1992 was in arable cropping or had been in ley management for less than five years as part of an arable rotation–

(1) the farmer shall cease arable or ley grassland production and shall establish a grassland sward within 12 months of the start of the agreement using seed from species approved by the Minister;

(2) during a period of 12 months from the start of the agreement, the farmer shall not apply–

(a) any organic or inorganic fertiliser,

(b) lime, slag or any other substance designed to reduce the acidity of the soil, or

(c) any fungicide, insecticide or herbicide,

without obtaining the Minister’s prior written approval;

(3) during each of the three years following grassland establishment the farmer shall–

(a) cut the grass for hay or silage between 30th April and 1st July in each year and graze the aftermath, and

(b) cultivate using only a chain harrow or roller.

(4) the farmer shall observe the requirements of paragraph 1(1) to (13) inclusive of Schedule 1 from the start of the agreement. After the expiry of the 12-month period referred to in paragraph 1(1) above, he shall observe the requirements of paragraph 1(14) and paragraph 3(3) and (4) of Schedule 1, and after the expiry of the three-year period referred to in paragraph 1(3) above, he shall also observe the requirements of paragraph 3(1) and (2) of Schedule 1.