TheRural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)
Specification
for
REPS Planners
in the
Preparation of REPS 4 Plans
The Rural Environment Protection Scheme is a Measure included in the National Rural Development Plan, co-funded under the National Development Plan 2007–2013 and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund of the European Union in the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIPTION OF EACH REPS MEASURE
DRAWING UP A REPS 4 PLAN
Introduction
Summary of Mandatory Biodiversity Options
General Planning Guidelines
Desk Procedure by Planner
Field Procedure by Planner
Measure 1
Nutrient Management
Measure 2
Grassland and Soil Management
Measure 3
Protect and Maintain Watercourses, Waterbodies and Wells
Measure 4
Retain Wildlife Habitats
MEASURE 5
Maintain Farm and Field Boundaries
Measure 6
Restricted use of Pesticides and Fertilisers
Measure 7
Establish Biodiversity Strips Surrounding Features of Historical and Archaeological Interest
Measure 8
Maintain and Improve Visual Appearance of Farm and Farmyard
Measure 9
Tillage Crop Production
Measure 10
Training in Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices
Measure 11
The Maintenance of Farm and Environmental Records
REPS Biodiversity Options
Summary of Mandatory Biodiversity Undertakings
Option 2A Traditional Hay Meadows
Option 2B Species Rich Grassland
Option 2C Use of Clover in Grassland Swards
Option 2D Use of Trailing Shoe Technology
Option 2E Control of Invasive Species
Option 3A Increase Watercourse Margin
Option 3B Exclude all bovine access to watercourses
Option 3C Use of Planted Buffer Zone
Option 4A Creation of a New Habitat
Option 4B Broadleaved Tree Planting
Option 4C Nature Corridors
Option 4D Farm Woodland Establishment
Option 5A Hedgerow Coppicing
Option 5B Hedgerow Laying
Option 5C New Hedgerow Establishment
Option 5D Additional Stonewall Maintenance
Option 7A Increase in Archaeological and Historical Buffer Margins
Option 8A Traditional Irish Orchards
Option 8B Install Bird and/or Bat Boxes
Option 9A Green Cover Establishment
Option 9B Environmental Management of Setaside
Option 9C Increased Arable Margins
Option 9D Low Input Spring Cereals
Option 9E Minimum-tillage
Conservation of NATURA 2000 and Other Priority Sites (Formerly Measure A)
Supplementary Measures
Introduction
Supplementary Measure 1
Wild Bird Habitat
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
Supplementary Measure 6
Low Input Spring Cereals.
Supplementary Measure 7
Minimum-tillage
Supplementary Measure 8
Traditional Sustainable Grazing
Supplementary Measure 9
Incorporation of Clover into Grassland swards.
Supplementary Measure 10
Mixed Grazing
Supplementary Measure 11
Lakes and Catchments
Supplementary Measure 12
Heritage Buildings
APPENDIX - 1 Approved Soil Sampling Procedure
APPENDIX – 2 Reference Tables
APPENDIX – 3 Reference Tables
APPENDIX 4 - Central and Regional Fisheries Board Addresses
APPENDIX 5 – Hedgerow Information
APPENDIX – 6 Orchard Information
APPENDIX 7 – Commonage Issues
APPENDIX – 8 The Burren and Other Areas
Conditions for the Conservation of the Burren to be applied under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)
Conditions For The Conservation Of Blanket Bogs, Heaths And Upland Grasslands Under The Rural Environment Protection Scheme
Farming Conditions for Sand Dune and Machair Areas
Farming Conditions For The Conservation of Corncrake Habitats
Farming Conditions for the Conservation of River SAC
APPENDIX - 9
APPENDIX – 10 Milk Production Partnerships......
INTRODUCTION
The objectives of the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) are:
- To promote:
a)Ways of using agricultural land which are compatible with the protection and improvement of the environment, biodiversity, the landscape and its features, climate change, natural resources, water quality, the soil and genetic diversity
b)Environmentally-favourable farming systems.
c)The conservation of high nature-value farmed environments which are under threat.
d)The upkeep of historical features on agricultural land.
e)The use of environmental planning in farming practice.
- To protect against land abandonment.
- To sustain the social fabric in rural communities.
- To contribute to positive environmental management of farmed NATURA 2000 sites.
This specification sets out the requirements for planners in drawing up REPS 4 plans. The specification also includes guidelines for the inclusion of NATURA 2000 sites where present on the holding.
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.
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 Scheme Terms and Conditions. An approved REPS planner must prepare a REPS plan, specific to each farm.
DESCRIPTION OF EACH REPS MEASURE
Measure 1
Nutrient Management
This measure promotes the efficient use of nutrients in an environmentally friendly manner. It involves the systematic evaluation of all the nutrient sources available and required on the farm in accordance with crop requirements, the environmental sensitivity of the lands that goes beyond the requirements of the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006.
The objectives of this measure are to protect water quality, promote the efficient and environmentally sensitive use of chemical and organic fertiliser and enhance biodiversity.
Measure 2
Grassland and Soil Management
Excessive compaction, poaching and overgrazing of grassland can result in siltation and nutrient enrichment of surface waters. The adoption of a specific grassland and soil management plan by farmers will ensure a balance between agricultural and environmental demands.
The objective of this measure is to promote a sustainable grassland and soil management plan that protects habitats, minimises poaching, overgrazing, the potential for soil erosion and prevent land abandonment.
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 permanent 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
Establish Biodiversity Buffer Strips Surrounding 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 establish and maintain biodiversity buffer strips (including management strategies) surrounding features of historical and archaeological interest and to promote greater awareness of these features on farms.
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.
Measure 9
Produce Tillage Crops Respecting Environmental Principles.
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 improved 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.
Mandatory Biodiversity and Environmental 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 biodiversity and environmental 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 deliver on those environmental issues most relevant to their own farm.
Supplementary Measures
Supplementary Measure 1 Wild Bird Habitat
The associated habitats of many threatened wild bird species have developed through farming practices carried out over the centuries and their existence is dependent on continued active environmentally sensitive farming.
This Supplementary Measure is targeted to deliver on the priority themes of biodiversity and landscape.
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 wild birds thus delivering on the priority themes of biodiversity and assisting nature in coping with climate change.
Supplementary Measure 2 Traditional Irish Orchard.
Many varieties of native Irish top fruit trees in existence were presumed extinct. This measure will provide an incentive to ensure the survival of this unique resource. Native varieties of top fruit trees may help to develop through plant breeding techniques new cultivars or increase the disease resistance properties of modern varieties. These orchards will also create habitat in and around farmyards for wildlife to exploit.
The objective of this Supplementary Measure is to support our plant genetic resource by creating orchards containing traditional varieties of native Irish fruit trees.
This Supplementary Measure is targeted to deliver on the priority themes of biodiversity and landscape.
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.
This Supplementary Measure is targeted to deliver on the priority theme of biodiversity.
Supplementary Measure 4 Riparian Zones
Many Irish rivers and their tributaries contain salmonid spawning grounds and other important aquatic species such as Freshwater Pearl Mussel and Freshwater Crayfish. The development of riparian zones provides 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.
This Supplementary Measure is targeted to deliver on the priority themes of biodiversity and water quality.
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 mitigate the trend of landscape homogenisation and simplification by encouraging the small-scale production of cereal plots, especially in areas dominated by grassland.
This Supplementary Measure is targeted to deliver on the priority theme of biodiversity.
Supplementary Measure 6 Low Input Cereals
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 encourage the production of low input spring cereals in grassland dominated farms by allowing stubble regeneration over the winter after harvest providing winter feed for birds and wildlife.
This Supplementary Measure is targeted to deliver on the priority theme of biodiversity and landscape and support an increase in farmland bird populations.
Supplementary Measure 7 Minimum-Tillage
For REPS purposes minimum-tillage is taken to be the non-inversion of the soil for the purpose of crop establishment.
The objective of this Supplementary Measure is to encourage the use of minimum tillage practices thus increasing soil organic matter and improving soil structure.
This Supplementary Measure is targeted to deliver on the priority themes of biodiversity, water quality and climate change.
Supplementary Measure 8 Traditional Sustainable Grazing
Certain grassland habitats have developed through farming practices carried out over the centuries and their existence is dependent on continued active environmentally sensitive grazing practices using traditional breeds of cattle and sheep.
The objective of this Supplementary Measure is to maintain farming activity on specific grassland habitats that are most in danger of abandonment.
This Supplementary Measure is targeted to deliver on the priority themes of biodiversity and water quality.
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Supplementary Measure 9 Incorporation of Clover into Grassland Swards
White clover has the potential to half the amount of chemical nitrogen used on the majority of grassland farms in Ireland and also to increase the biodiversity of predominantly grassland swards.
The objective of this Supplementary Measure is to contribute to the delivery of water quality by promoting the incorporation of clover into grassland swards thus reducing the dependency on nitrogenous fertilisers.
This Supplementary Measure is targeted to deliver on the priority themes of water quality and biodiversity.