1
The Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)
Specification for REPS Planners
in the
Preparation of REPS 3 Plans
The Rural Environment Protection Scheme is a Measure included in the CAP Rural Development Plan, co-funded under the National Development Plan 2000 – 2006 and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund of the European Union in the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No1257/1999 as amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 1783/2003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIPTION OF EACH REPS MEASURE
DRAWING UP A REPS 2000 PLAN
Introduction
Summary of Mandatory Biodiversity Undertakings
Field Procedure by Planner
General Plan Preparation Guidelines
Measure 1
Nutrient Management
Introduction
Plan Preparation under Measure 1
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure
Measure 2
Grassland Management
Introduction
Plan Preparation under Measure 2
Measure 2 Options
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure
Measure 3
Protect and Maintain Watercourses, Waterbodies and Wells
Introduction
Plan Preparation under Measure 3
Measure 3 Options
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure
Measure 4
Retain Wildlife Habitats
Introduction
Plan Preparation under Measure 4
Measure 4 Options
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure
MEASURE 5
Maintain Farm and Field Boundaries
Introduction
Plan Preparation under Measure 5
Measure 5 Options
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure
Measure 6
Restricted use of Pesticides and Fertilisers
Introduction
Plan Preparation under Measure 6
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure
Measure 7
Protect Features of Historical and Archaeological Interest
Introduction
Plan Preparation under Measure 7
Measure 7 Options
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure
Measure 8
Maintain and Improve Visual Appearance of Farm and Farmyard
Introduction
Plan Preparation under Measure 8
Measure 8 Options
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure
Measure 9
Tillage Crop Production
Introduction
Plan Preparation under Measure 9
Measure 9 Options
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure
Measure 10
Training in Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices
Introduction:
Course Preparation under Measure 10
Plan Requirements for this Measure
Measure 11
The Maintenance of Farm and Environmental Records
Introduction
Plan Requirements for this Measure
Measure A
Conservation of Natural Heritage
Introduction
Plan Preparation Under Measure A
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure
Planning for Target Land Farmed Outside the General REPS Programme
Supplementary Measures
Introduction
Supplementary Measure 1
Corncrake Habitats
Supplementary Measure 2
Traditional Irish Orchards
Supplementary Measure 3
Conservation Of Animal Genetic Resources
Supplementary Measure 4
RIPARIAN ZONES
Supplementary Measure 5
LINNET (Land Invested in Nature, Natural Eco- Tillage) Habitats
SupplementaryMeasure6
ORGANIC FARMING
General Conditions......
Eligibility
Plan Preparation
In conversion
APPENDIX 1
APPROVED SOIL SAMPLING PROCEDURE
LABORATORIES APPROVED FOR SOIL ANALYSIS UNDER REPS
APPENDIX 2
Appendix 3
APPENDIX 4
Appendix 5
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Production Figures
APPENDIX 6
Central and Regional Fisheries Board Addresses
APPENDIX 7
Hedgerow Information
NON-NATIVE HEDGEROW SPECIES
APPENDIX 8
COMMONAGE ISSUES
Conservation of the Burren
Conditions For The Conservation Of The High Burren.
Conditions For The Conservation Of Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) In The Burren Foothills
Conditions For The Conservation Of Blanket Bogs, Heaths And Upland Grasslands Proposed Or Designated As NHAs Under The Rural Environment Protection Scheme
Farming Conditions for Sand Dune and Machair Areas
APPENDIX 9
Bird Boxes
INDEX
INTRODUCTION
The objectives of the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) are:
- To establish farming practices and production methods that reflect the increasing concern for conservation, landscape protection and wider environmental problems.
- To protect wildlife habitats and endangered species of flora and fauna.
- To produce quality food in an extensive and environmentally friendly manner.
The Specification for REPS Planners sets out the requirements to achieve these objectives. The Scheme is designed to reward farmers for carrying out their farming activities in an environmentally friendly manner. It is also designed to bring about environmental improvement on existing farms.
Participants in the Scheme must carry out their farming activities for a five-year period in accordance with an approved agri-environmental plan and the requirements set out in the REPS 3 Farmers Handbook. A plan, specific to each farm, shall be prepared by an Agency approved by the Department of Agriculture and Food. Each plan shall be reviewed/amended as appropriate.
Farmers who comply fully with the Scheme conditions will qualify for an annual payment as detailed in the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.
On entering REPS the farmer undertakes, as part of the agreement with the Department, to farm the lands (whether owned, leased, rented or used) according to the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme, his/her approved agri-environmental plan and/or the requirements of the REPS 3 Farmers Handbook.
Failure to comply with the approved plan and/or the requirements set out in the REPS 3 Farmers Handbook may result in a monetary penalty or suspension from the Scheme, and may require reimbursement of all or portion of payments already given.
Planners and farmers should note that the artificial creation/enlargement of holdings (i.e.the creation or enlargement of farming units for the purposes of drawing down or for topping up REPS payments) is not permitted.
This specification shall apply to all new REPS 3 plans, and all REPS plans transformed for existing REPS participants into new REPS 3 five year contracts.
DESCRIPTION OF EACH REPS MEASURE
Measure 1
Nutrient Management
This measure promotes the efficient use of nutrients in an environmentally friendly manner. It involves a systematic evaluation of all the nutrient sources available and required on the farm and sets limits on the application rates for chemical fertilisers, organic fertilisers and other nutrient sources. These limits must be fully in place on all participating farms from the commencement of the agreement.All necessary animal housing, feed and waste storage facilities to meet REPS requirements must be in place before the first winter after acceptance into the Scheme.
The objective of this measure is to protect the quality of our water resources by avoiding pollution from agriculture.
Measure 2
Grassland Management
Excessive poaching and overgrazing of grassland can result in siltation and nutrient enrichment of surface waters. The adoption of a specific grassland management plan by farmer participants will ensure a balance between agricultural and environmental demands.
The objective of this measure is to promote a sustainable grassland management plan that protects habitats, minimises poaching, overgrazing and soil erosion.
Measure 3
Protect and maintain watercourses and wells
Riparian margins are an important habitat to a wide range of flora and fauna. The development of streamside vegetation strengthens channel banks and acts as a buffer strip to intercept overland flow of nutrients. Buffer zones around wells also contribute to the protection of water quality.
The objective of this measure is to avoid the nutrient enrichment of water from agriculture and thus maintain or improve water quality. To this end the protection of watercourses enables natural streamside vegetation to develop and improve biodiversity by attracting a wide range of flora and fauna.
Measure 4
Retain Wildlife Habitats
Wildlife habitats can be on any area of the farm, but the most important ones are often areas peripheral to normal farming operations. These areas have largely been undisturbed by drainage, ploughing, re-seeding nor subjected to heavy fertiliser or herbicide use and retain their unique characteristics. Some habitats have developed naturally during the 10,000 years since the last ice age and are irreplaceable, while other habitats have developed as a result of centuries of traditional farming practice and are dependent upon the continuation of that management.
The objective of this measure is to retain habitats and to ensure that farming practices on these areas are carried out in a manner beneficial to the interests of wildlife and conservation generally.
MEASURE 5
Maintain Farm and Field Boundaries.
Linear boundaries which include stonewalls, earth or stone banks, hedgerows and mature trees give the Irish landscape its distinctive character and field pattern. These provide important habitats for flora and fauna and function as linear corridors permitting wildlife to move between habitats such as woodlands, wetlands etc.
The objective of this measure is to conserve, maintain and enhance boundary fences, roadside fences, stonewalls and hedgerows in the interest of stock control, bio-security, wildlife and scenic appearance of the area.
Measure 6
Restricted use of Pesticides and Fertilisers
The improper and/or inappropriate use of pesticides and fertilisers can dramatically upset the balance of flora and fauna resulting in a major reduction in biodiversity. Pesticides, apart from reducing biodiversity, may leave residues in water that are harmful to humans and animals. Fertiliser entering waterbodies adds to nutrient enrichment resulting in eutrophication and unwanted plant growth that impedes water flows.
The objective of this measure is to protect water resources and habitats for flora and fauna, by restricting the use of pesticides and fertilisers in the vicinity of field boundaries, ponds, streams and wells.
Measure 7
Protect Features of Historical and Archaeological Interest
The countryside of Ireland contains an important record of Irish history - a rich heritage of historical and archaeological monuments. Increasingly, mechanised farming practices and changes in land use have threatened this ancient landscape.
The objective of this measure is to promote greater awareness of these features on farms and to establish the management strategies required to protect them.
Measure 8
Maintain and Improve Visual Appearance of Farm and Farmyard
There are many examples of structurally sound old farm buildings of limestone, granite or sandstone construction.These structures, with some maintenance, can be preserved. Neglect of these buildings is a loss to the countryside because such structures are important historic features that contribute to the character of an area.
Considerable quantities of waste materials are generated by modern farming practices and their disposal should be carefully planned so as to avoid or minimise the risk of causing environmental pollution. These pose a threat to animal welfare as well as attracting vermin.
The objective of this Measure is to promote a greater awareness of the need to harmonise the visual impact of the farmyard and the farm with the surrounding countryside. This includes the retention of traditional farm buildings, the maintenance of existing farm buildings and the removal of visual eyesores and litter.
Measure 9
Tillage Crop Production
It is widely assumed that tillage land is of low conservation value compared to more marginal agricultural land where farming is less intensive. This may be true when farms are looked at individually but it does not mean that management of the typical tillage farm is of no significance to conservation.
Tillage land, especially when intermixed with grassland, provides an important habitat for many seed eating birds such as larks and finches and is also a safe habitat for ground nesting birds.
The objective of this measure is to encourage tillage farming practices and production methods that reflect the increasing concern for conservation, landscape protection and wider environmental problems.
Measure 10
Training in Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices
The increasing importance of environmental sustainability and the positive contribution the farming community can exert on the environment highlights the need for appropriate education. Training to equip farmers with the necessary skills to manage the farm in an environmentally friendly fashion is essential.
The objective of this measure is to provide participants with information on the environmental benefits arising from REPS, clarification of all the relevant scheme requirements and the knowledge and skills necessary to implement their REPS plan.
Measure 11
The Maintenance of Farm and Environmental Records
The timely recording of relevant management information has long been considered the keystone for effective farm management. Use of records as a management tool will result in a consequent improvement in the efficiency and viability of the farm unit.
The objective of this measure is to record management information and practices undertaken throughout each year of the REPS contract on the prescribed record sheets. This will assist the farmer in complying with the specific undertakings of the REPS plan.
Mandatory Biodiversity Undertakings
To achieve increased biodiversity at farm level, enhancement of the eleven basic Measures is desirable. By providing farmers with a choice from a series of optional undertakings, each farmer is given the opportunity to select the works most appropriate to the environmental or landscape features of the farm in question.
The objective of these mandatory undertakings is to further enhance the promotion of biodiversity on farms by encouraging farmers to select environmental options best suited to their own farm.
Measure A
Conservation of Natural Heritage
Designated target areas include Commonages, Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) proposed or designated by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, farmland-based Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated under Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats or Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the protection of Wild Birds. These target areas require specific prescriptions and conditions that set down detailed management plans for each identified habitat type.
The objective of Measure A is to provide a comprehensive approach to the conservation and/or regeneration of designated target areas. Farmers holding lands, in the designated target areas, must follow obligations set out under this measure as a condition of joining REPS.
Supplementary Measures
Supplementary Measure 1 Corncrake Habitats
The corncrake is a globally threatened migratory bird which was formerly widespread in hay meadows throughout Ireland. In recent decades it has become restricted to wetlands and poor farmland, possibly as a result of changing farming practices.
The objective of this supplementary measure is to enhance the habitat structure and availability of breeding sites for the corncrake over the summer and autumn months.
Supplementary Measure 2 Traditional Irish Orchards
Many varieties of Native Irish apple trees in existence were presumed extinct. This measure will provide an incentive to ensure the survival of this unique resource. Native varieties of apple trees may help to develop, through plant breeding techniques, new apple cultivars, or increase the disease resistant properties of modern apple varieties.
The objective of this supplementary measure is to recreate orchards containing traditional varieties of native Irish apple trees. This will increase the biodiversity of the local landscape and provide a habitat for wildlife on the farm.
Supplementary Measure 3 Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources
Local animal breeds play a significant role in maintaining the rural environment. Supporting the conservation of these genetic resources will allow for the long-term survival of this valuable genetic material, which could otherwise become extinct. These genetic resources represent a significant element of the cultural heritage of farming in Ireland.
The objective of this supplementary measure is to assist farmers participating in REPS to rear farm animals of local breeds, indigenous to the area, that are in danger of being lost to farming.
Supplementary Measure 4 Riparian Zones
Many Irish rivers and their tributaries contain salmonid spawning grounds that are important in the wider European context. The development of riparian zones provide a suitable habitat for flora and fauna that sustain food webs important in the river ecosystem.
The objective of this supplementary measure is to provide shade to overly exposed designated river channels and water bodies, to stabilise riverbanks and to intercept nutrients transported in overland flow.
Supplementary Measure 5 LINNET (Land Invested in Nature, Natural Eco-Tillage) Habitats
Over the past three decades, farming enterprises have become increasingly specialised in response to market demands This has resulted in a decline in traditional mixed farming systems. These changes, together with a reduced acreage of spring cereals, have led to a reduction in the populations of farmland bird species because of a reduced food supply over winter.
The objective of this supplementary measure is to alleviate the trend of landscape homogenisation and simplification by encouraging the small-scale production of cereal plots, especially in areas dominated by grassland.
Supplementary Measure 6 Organic Farming
Organic agriculture improves the sustainability of farming activities, thus contributing to the various environmental and market aspirations emerging from society in general.
The objective of this supplementary measure is to encourage producers in REPS to respond to the market demand for organically produced food.
DRAWING UP A REPS 2000 PLAN
Introduction
An approved planner drawing up a REPS plan must prepare the plan in accordance with this Manual and the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.
To assist the Planner and provide clarity of information for the participant, the scheme requirements under each Measure are divided into a number of sections as follows:
Introduction to the Measure (including on site assessment of the farm).
Plan Preparation.
Mapping and Plan Requirements.
The specific requirements includingMandatory Biodiversity Undertakings (REPS Options) are set out in detail under each Measure. These are summarised as follows:
Summary of Mandatory Biodiversity Undertakings
Category 1 Options
/Category 2 Options
OPTION / DESCRIPTION / OPTION / DESCRIPTIONOption 4A / Creation of a New Habitat / Option 2A / Traditional Hay Meadows
Option 5A / Hedgerow Rejuvenation / Option 2B / Species Rich Grassland
Option 5B / New Hedgerow Establishment. / Option 3A / Increased Watercourse Margin.
Option 5C / Additional Stonewall Maintenance / Option 3B / Exclude all Bovine Access to Watercourses
Option 9A / Green Cover Establishment / Option 4B / Broad Leaved Tree Planting
Option 9B / Environmental Management of Setaside / Option 4C / Nature Corridors
Option 9C / Increased Arable Margins / Option 7A / Increase in Archaeological Buffer Margins
Option 7B / Management of Publicly Accessible Archaeological Sites
Option 8A / Landscaping Around the Farmyard
Participants in REPS must select two Options, one of which must be from Category 1. The options chosen cannot be changed during the course of the plan.