MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

An analysis of the intentions of farmers and landowners in respect of marsh management post ESA and Environmental Stewardship.

Strumpshaw Fen, RSPB

Produced by Farm Conservation. Funded by the Broads Authority and the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership. October 2014 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

The report is a Broads Authority and Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership initiative, undertaken by Farm Conservation Limited, supported by Broads Authority for mapping, and working with Natural England.

Project manager Andrea Kelly, Senior Ecologist (Broads Authority) Anne Casey, Coordinator Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership Acknowledgements: ;OHURZHYLK\L[V[OLTHU`MHYTLYZHUKSHUKVÛLYZÔV[VVR[OL[YV\ISL[VÄSSPUVUSPULVYWHWLY X\LZ[PVUUHPYLZ4HU`V[OLYMHYTLYZ[OLUHSZV[VVRWHY[PU[LSLWOVULX\LZ[PVUUHPYLZVYMHJL[VMHJLPU[LY]PL^Z ;OHURZHSZVNV[VZL]LYHS-HYT(K]PZLYZÔVNH]L[OLPYHK]PJLHUK[OLILULÄ[VM[OLPYL_WLYPLUJLMYLLS`HUK generously, particularly Robert Camps and Richard MacMullen. Thanks also to Andrea Kelly, Broads Authority and Mike Edwards, Natural England for assisting with design of the questionaire and scoping the project, to Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership who funded the work, and to Sam Neal at NBIS who provided some of the data. We also acknowledge the contribution made by the Communications Team at Anglia Farmers, particularly :HT)HYYLSSHUK7H\S)HSLÔVOLSWLKKL]LSVW[OLVUSPULX\LZ[PVUUHPYLHUKMVY[OLÄUHSWYVK\J[PVU of the report. Citation: Authors: Gelpke S, Thompson H, and Walker H, (29th October 2014) Management of the Marshes. Broads Authority Report. The Broads, UK. Published by: Broads Authority

Terms and Conditions for use of maps in this document i) @V\HYLNYHU[LKHUVUL_JS\ZP]LYV`HS[`MYLLYL]VJHISLSPJLUJLZVSLS`[V]PL^[OLSPJLUZLKKH[HMVY UVUJVTTLYJPHSW\YWVZLZMVY[OLWLYPVKK\YPUN^OPJO[OL)YVHKZ(\[OVYP[`THRLZP[H]HPSHISL ii) You are not permitted to copy, sub licence, distribute, sell or otherwise make available the Licensed Data to third parties in any form iii) Third party rights to enforce the terms of this licence shall be reserved to Ordnance Survey Credits: All photos by Henry Walker and Heidi Thompson. Copyright Farm Conservation Limited.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 2 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Contents Purpose of this Report 5 Executive Summary 6 The Marshes of the Broads 7 The Value of the Broads marshes 7 (NYP,U]PYVUTLU[:JOLTLZ ;OL)YVHKZ,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLH The Transition to Environmental Stewardship 9 New Environmental Land Management Scheme (NELMS) 9 Methodology 11 Sample size 11 RESULTS OF THE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE 13 Q1 Do you intend to continue managing grassland as you have under the ESA? 13 Q2 If you do not intend to continue managing grassland as under the ESA, 13 what changes do you intend to make? Intensively Managed Grassland 14 Q4 How much grassland has been intensively managed? 14 Q5 How much grassland will be intensively managed in the future? 14 :WLJPÄJ4HUHNLTLU[*OHUNLZ 15 Q6 How much nitrogen fertiliser did you routinely apply to the marshes 15 Q7 How much nitrogen fertiliser will you routinely apply to the marshes in the future? 15 8 /HZSPTLILLUYLN\SHYS`HWWSPLK[VYLK\JLHJPKP[`& Q9 When did you last reseed? 16 Q10 By what means did you reseed? 16 Q11 What mechanical operations have been carried out on the grassland 17 in the last 15 years? 8 +V`V\NYHaL`V\YTHYZOSHUK& Q14 When do you normally turn out? 19 Q15 When would you normally bring livestock in off the marshes? 19 Q16 Do you make hay or silage from your marshland? 20 Q17 When would you normally cut hay / silage? 21 8 (YLJ\[[PUNKH[LZSPRLS`[VJOHUNLPU[OLM\[\YLHUKPMZVOV^& Water Level Management 21 Q19 Are you able to control water levels on your land? 21 Q20 At what height do you maintain dyke water levels in reaction to mean marsh level? 21 Q21 How is water level management likely to change in future? 23 Q22 Do you think the ESA was a good scheme? 24 Q23 Do you consider the ESA to be a cost effective scheme? 25 +PKP[KLSP]LY]HS\LMVY[H_WH`LYZ»TVUL`& 8 /V^KV`V\[OPUR[OL,:(ZJOLTLILULÄ[LK[OLNLULYHSW\ISPJ& ELS/HLS Options 8 /H]L`V\LU[LYLK,U[Y`3L]LS:[L^HYKZOPW,3:& Q26 What proportion of your grassland is under an ELS management option? 29 Q27 Have you considered or applied for Higher Level Stewardship (HLS)? 30

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The Future of the Marshes on the Expiry of Environmental Stewardship Agreements 31 The Future of Agri-environmental Schemes 34 8 /V^^PSS[OL*(7NYLLUPUNTLHZ\YLZPUÅ\LUJL`V\YKLJPZPVUTHRPUN in regards to grassland? Q30 Would you be interested in seeing how others are managing the transition period 35 between the ESA schemes and forthcoming new environmental land management schemes? 8 >OH[KV`V\JVUZPKLY[VIL[OLV\[SVVRMVYHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[ZJOLTLZ& Q32 Would you be willing to work with neighbours to deliver wider conservation 37 work at a landscape scale? 8 +V`V\MLLS`V\OH]LYLJLP]LKLUV\NOPUMVYTH[PVUHIV\[M\[\YLM\UKPUNVWWVY[\UP[PLZ HUKSLNPZSH[PVU[VRUV^^OPJO^H`[V[HRL`V\YI\ZPULZZUL_[ 8 >OH[PUMVYTH[PVUKV`V\YLX\PYL^V\SK`V\SPRL[VYLJLP]LHUK^OVKV`V\ seek advice from regarding future options? Attitudes Towards Ecosystem Services And Conservation 41 Q35 Would you be interested in being paid for delivering ecosystem services? 41 Q36 Is increasing food production a priority when considering the future of the marshes? 41 Q37 Do you think that by maintaining low intensity grazing systems you are providing 41 ecosystem services and contributing to climate change mitigation? 8 >OVKV`V\[OPURZOV\SKILWH`PUNMVY[OLZLY]PJLZ`V\VMMLYI`THPU[HPUPUN low intensity grazing marshes? Knowledge of Regulations Pertaining to Changing Grassland Management 43 Q39 What measures will you take before making a decision on the future of the marshes? 43 Q40 Are you aware of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations for uncultivated land? And 43 8 /H]L`V\OLHYKVMJVHZ[HSHUKÅVVKWSHPUNYHaPUNTHYZO)(7OHIP[H[HUKP[ZYVSLPU[OL EIA decision making process? Q42 Do you think that EIA Regulations apply to you? 44 Q43 Are you aware that the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) now 44 includes grassland options? Q44 Are you likely to take up voluntary measures for low input grass? 44 Q45 Are you aware of Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) regulations? 45 Impact of the ESA on Habitats and Wildlife 46 8 +VHU`VM`V\YTHYZOLZJVU[HPU^PSKÅV^LYZLNVYJOPKZYHNNLKYVIPUPYPZL[J& Q47 Has wildlife increased on your farm over the last 25 years? 46 8 /HZ^PSKSPMLKLJYLHZLKVU`V\YMHYTV]LY[OLSHZ[`LHYZ& 8 >OH[^PSKSPML^V\SK`V\SPRL[VZLLTVYLVMPU[OL)YVHKZ& 8 (YL`V\JVUZPKLYPUNPTWYV]PUNVYJYLH[PUNOHIP[H[ZMVY^PSKSPMLV]LY[OLUL_[Ä]L`LHYZ& Maintenance of Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh 49 Q51 What do you love about farming on the broads? 51 Conclusion 52 5L_[:[LWZ References 54 Glossary 56 (UUL_6UL!,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLHZ:JOLTL7YLZJYPW[PVUZMVY[OL)YVHKZ,:( (UUL_;^V!,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLHZ,:(ZHUK,U]PYVUTLU[HS:[L^HYKZOPW,:! Summary information for Broads ESA (Natural England 2012) (UUL_;OYLL!:\Y]L`8\LZ[PVUUHPYL

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Purpose of this Report )L[^LLU HUK HYV\UK VMNYHaPUNTHYZO^HZSVZ[PU[OL)YVHKZ1(NYPLU]PYVUTLU[ZJOLTLZ such as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) have contributed greatly to the protection and restoration of JVHZ[HSHUKÅVVKWSHPUNYHaPUNTHYZO .P]LU[OLYPZRZ[VJVHZ[HSHUKÅVVKWSHPUNYHaPUNTHYZOHZZVJPH[LK^P[O[OLL_WPY`VM[OL,:(ZJOLTL[OL Broads Authority and Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership (NBP) suggested this preliminary survey to: +L[LYTPUL[OLJ\YYLU[L_[LU[VM*VHZ[HSHUK-SVVKWSHPU.YHaPUN4HYZOPUHUKV\[ZPKLHNYP environment schemes, to see whether the 2005 level of 29,500 ha is being maintained, as aspired to in the Norfolk Habitat Action Plan (HAP). 0KLU[PM`[OLTVZ[SPRLS`V\[JVTLMVYSHUKV\[VM(NYP,U]PYVUTLU[(NYLLTLU[Z^P[OWHY[PJ\SHY focus on Tier 1 (Permanent Grassland) and Tier 4A (Arable Reversion to Permanent grassland). These ESA Tiers have greater potential to be drained or intensively managed, either as grassland or reverted to arable land. 6]LY[OLSHZ[[OYLL`LHYZJ ,:(ZJOLTLZL_WPYLKJV]LYPUNRTPU5VYMVSR4HU`SHYNLYOVSKPUNZ have entered Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreements, whilst smaller holdings were referred to Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) (Henry Walker pers.comm2.). However, not all ESA land was transferred into Environmental Stewardship Schemes. Although uptake of ELS and HLS was relatively high, the actual area of land under THUHNLTLU[VW[PVUZOHZYLK\JLKZPNUPÄJHU[S`I` 2a). This leaves land vulnerable to agricultural PTWYV]LTLU[ZHZMHYTLYZYLZWVUK[V\W[VH SVZZVM(,Z\WWVY[3. ;OLYLPZHM\Y[OLYYPZRVMPU[LUZPÄJH[PVUK\L[V[OL[^V`LHYM\UKPUNNHWK\YPUN[OL[YHUZP[PVUHSWLYPVKIL[^LLU [OLJ\YYLU[HUKUL_[9+7,M\UKPUNYV\UKZ(SZV[OLUL^*(7NYLLUPUNTLHZ\YLZ^OPJOPUJS\KLHUVISPNH[PVU for farmers to maintain all permanent pasture at the 2015 level, could have an adverse effect, encouraging farmers to plough before the regulations take effect.

Grazing Marshes on Halvergate

1 Doarks, Clive (1998, revised 2005) Norfolk BAP: Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh English Nature. 2 Average size of ELS farm = 133ha. Average size of HLS farm = 200ha. NE Data. 2a ESA grassland options covered 19,423ha, ES grassland options 9,418ha. NE Data. 3 ESA tier 1 payment = £130 per ha. ELS payment £30 per ha. Broads ESA Information Sheet.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 5 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

,_LJ\[P]L:\TTHY` ;OL)YVHKZ(\[OVYP[`HUK5VYMVSR)PVKP]LYZP[`7HY[ULYZOPWJVTTPZZPVULK-HYT*VUZLY]H[PVU[VÄUKV\[[OL intentions of farmers and landowners in respect of grazing marsh management post Environment Sensitive Area (ESA) and Environmental Stewardship (ES) Schemes. (NYPLU]PYVUTLU[PUJVTLMVYMHYTLYZPZKYVWWPUN;OL,:(ZJOLTLILNHU[VWH`MHYTLYZ[VYL[HPUTHYZOLZPU grass. It is not surprising that many are choosing to intensify management in some way in response to falling WH`TLU[Z;OPZYLWVY[ZLLRZ[V[LHZLV\[ÔH[MVYT[OPZPU[LUZPÄJH[PVUTPNO[[HRLHUKÔH[HYL[OLKYP]PUN factors behind it. It also looks at what farmers thought of the ESA scheme and how they feel about future schemes. An increase in inputs to the marshes, or drastic change in land use could have implications for water quality in the Broads. ;OLYLZWVUZL[V[OLZ\Y]L`^HZSV^MHYTLYZVY VMMHYTLYZNYHaPUNTHYZOLZÔV^LYLZLU[[OLZ\Y]L` ZVYLZ\S[ZHYLUV[KLÄUP[P]L/V^L]LY[OLH\[OVYZILSPL]L[OLYLZWVUZLYH[L^HZZ\MÄJPLU[[VNP]LHÅH]V\YVM[OL intentions for future management of the Broads marshes, and to draw some conclusions from this. ;OLZ\Y]L`PUKPJH[LZ[OH[[OLYL^PSSILVUS`SPTP[LKWSV\NOPUNVMTHYZOLZ;OLYLHZVUZMVY[OPZHYLJVTWSL_ but include factors such as; tradition, ownership of stock, familiarity with this type of farming, unsuitability of land for arable, and love of the landscape and wildlife. Environmental Impact Assessment regulations and requirements to retain permanent pasture under Greening also play a part. However with volatile markets and further changes in beef and dairy sectors farmers may need to react quickly to future opportunities. (S[OV\NO\USPRLS`[VKPZHWWLHY\UKLY[OLWSV\NO[OLYLZ\S[ZZ\NNLZ[[OH[[OLYLTHÌLZPNUPÄJHU[PU[LUZPÄJH[PVU PU[LYTZVMTHUHNLTLU[HUKPUW\[ZHWWSPLK>OPSL VMYLZWVUKLU[ZPU[LUKUVJOHUNL[VNYHZZSHUK THUHNLTLU[ HYLPU[LUKPUN[VTHRLZVTLJOHUNL^P[OPUJYLHZLKMLY[PSPZLYHWWSPJH[PVUILPUN[OLTVZ[ JVTTVUWSHUULKJOHUNLHUKSV^LY^H[LYSL]LSZPU[OLTHYZOK`RLZHSZVILPUNHMYLX\LU[YLZWVUZL3P]LYÅ\RL was the common reason given for wanting to lower levels. Water level is affected by neighbouring land manager decisions. This means that landowners and the IDB need to invest in water management structures. This may include a network of smaller drainage areas where farmers who have similar water requirements are served by smaller pumps. :VTLVM[OLWSHUULKJOHUNLZTPNO[ILSLZZKYHZ[PJ[OHUWYLKPJ[LKOV^L]LY-VYL_HTWSLZVTLMHYTLYZZHPK[OH[ following the ESA closure, they would be more likely to follow the ground conditions to make decisions on the [PTPUNVMZ[VJR[\YUV\[/V^L]LYVUS` ZHPK[OH[J\[[PUNKH[LZMVYOH`HUKZPSHNL^V\SKJOHUNL One factor which came out strongly in the survey, is the effect of wheat prices on this type of decision within [OLMHYTI\ZPULZZ>OLU[OPZWYVQLJ[^HZÄYZ[JVUJLP]LKÔLH[^HZH[WLY[VUUL([[OL[PTLVM^YP[PUN ÔLH[OHKOHS]LK[V[VUUL;OPZTLHUZ[OLPUJLU[P]L[V[\YUTHYZOLZ[VHYHISLPZZPNUPÄJHU[S`YLK\JLK at the moment, but in a volatile market this is unlikely to stay the case for very long. The situation may be JVTWV\UKLKI`[OLMHJ[[OH[WYPJLZYLTHPUOPNOMVYIPVM\LSJYVWZZ\JOHZ(UHLYVIPJ+PNLZ[PVU(+4HPaL A further element of uncertainty is the precise payments and detail of the New Environmental Land Management Scheme (NELMS), which will replace the ESA and Environmental Stewardship. What is certain is that the budget for NELMS will be smaller and more tightly targeted than its predecessors. Former Tier 1, and Tier 4A grassland is unlikely to be eligible for the higher tier in NELMS, as much of this grassland was ineligible under HLS. Early indications are that the scheme will be targeted towards land supporting breeding waders, wintering birds and protecting biodiverse dyke communities, many of which are within nationally and internationally designated areas. There is possibly an assumption among farmers that land which had been eligible for lower ESA payments PZNVPUN[VILLSPNPISLMVY5,34:0M[OPZ[\YUZV\[UV[[VIL[OLJHZLPU[LUZPÄJH[PVUTH`PUJYLHZL6ULHWWYVHJO that may work is to facilitate complementary NELMS applications, encourage best practice in delivery through HK]PJLHUK[YHPUPUNHUK[VZLJ\YLUVU5,34:YLZV\YJLZ[VKLSP]LYZ\WWSLTLU[HY`TLHZ\YLZ[OH[^V\SK TH_PTPZLIV[O5,34:WYPVYP[PLZHUKV[OLYLU]PYVUTLU[HSV\[JVTLZ;OL)YVHKSHUK*H[JOTLU[7HY[ULYZOPW is key in delivering this.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 6 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

The Marshes of the Broads ;OL<2*VHZ[HSHUK-SVVKWSHPU.YHaPUN4HYZO/HIP[H[(J[PVU7SHUKLÄULKTHYZOLZHZ" “periodically inundated pasture, or meadow with ditches which maintain the water levels, containing standing brackish or fresh water. The ditches are especially rich in plants and invertebrates. Almost all areas are grazed HUKZVTLHYLJ\[MVYOH`VYZPSHNL:P[LZTH`JVU[HPUZLHZVUHS^H[LYÄSSLKOVSSV^ZHUKWLYTHULU[WVUKZ^P[O emergent swamp communities, but not extensive areas of tall fen species like reeds; although they may abut with fen and reed swamp communities”. The Wildlife Value of the Broads marshes The Broads drained marshes represent a considerable wildlife resource supporting internationally important populations of wintering waterfowl and raptors, aquatic plant and wet woodland communities. Nationally important populations of breeding waders and waterfowl and other plant and invertebrate communities, are also supported4. Through the use of a network of dykes, water control structures and pumps, the system can be manipulated to allow a wide range of potential land uses on the marshes. With low water levels and high inputs, arable farming is possible. However, it is possible to raise water levels to give virtually no freeboard in the dykes and ÅVVKLKZJYHWLZWYV]PKPUNHZ\TTLYNYHaPUNZ`Z[LT^P[O^PU[LYÅVVKPUN0[PZ[OPZ]LY`ÅL_PIPSP[`[OH[THRLZ[OL THYZOLZZV]\SULYHISL[V[OL]HNHYPLZVMHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[ZJOLTLZNV]LYUTLU[WVSPJ`HUKJLYLHSWYPJLZ ;OLTHYZOLZWYV]PKLTHU`LJVZ`Z[LTZLY]PJLZPUJS\KPUNÅVVKH[[LU\H[PVUU\[YPLU[ZZPURZJHYIVUZ[VYHNLHUK SHUKZJHWL]HS\L;OL`HSZVWYV]PKLSVJHSQVIZHUKMVVK;OL]HS\LVM[OLZLY]PJLZÅ\J[\H[LZHJJVYKPUN[V[OL J\YYLU[SHUK\ZLVM[OLTHYZOLZ)YVHKS`ZWLHRPUN[OL]HS\LYPZLZPUSPUL^P[O^H[LYSL]LSZ^P[OSV^^H[LY levels giving low ecosystem service values, and high water levels correlating to high values.

Box 1: Ecological & environmental risks of HNYPJ\S[\YHSPU[LUZPÄJH[PVU +LZ[Y\J[PVUVM)(7OHIP[H[-LU*VHZ[HS -SVVKWSHPU Grazing Marsh, Lowland meadow etc.) ,\[YVWOPJH[PVUVM^H[LYJV\YZLZ[OYV\NOPUJYLHZLK use of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers leading to HSVZZVMÅVYHKP]LYZP[` WVVYLY^H[LYX\HSP[` 7V[LU[PHSS`QLVWHYKPZLZJOHUJLVMTLL[PUN WFD targets. 6_PKH[PVUVMZVPSZ[OYV\NOKYHPUHNLVM^L[NYHZZSHUK 9LSLHZLVMJHYIVUSVJRLK\W\UKLYSV^PU[LUZP[` grassland systems. 9LK\JLKÅVVK^H[LYZ[VYHNLHZSV^LYSL]LSZHYL maintained for arable production.

4 Pillow Nathalie, Brennan Sarah, Lucking Robert (2001) Broads Drained Marsh Strategy. Report commissioned by RSPB, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, English Nature and the Broads Authority

www.farmconservation.co.uk 7 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

(NYP,U]PYVUTLU[:JOLTLZ ;OL)YVHKZ^LYL[OLIPY[OWSHJLVMHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[ZJOLTLZ^OLUW\ISPJV\[JY`H[[OLKYHPUPUNHUKWSV\NOPUN \WVM/HS]LYNH[L4HYZOLZSLK[V[OL )YVHKZ.YHaPUN4HYJO*VUZLY]H[PVU:JOLTL;OLYL^HZPUJYLHZPUN H^HYLULZZVM[OLLJVSVNPJHSHUKLU]PYVUTLU[HSYPZRZJH\ZLKI`HNYPJ\S[\YHSPU[LUZPÄJH[PVUVU[OL)YVHKZ)V_ 1), coupled with the need to integrate sustainable food, environmental protection and economic stability. In YLZWVUZL+,-9(PU[YVK\JLK[OL,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLHZ:JOLTLZPU HZHUPUJLU[P]LMVYMHYTLYZ[V adopt agricultural practices which would conserve and enhance areas of high landscape, wildlife and/or historic value, and to help to protect and/or enhance habitats and species of importance in the designated area. The Broads Environmentally Sensitive Area ;OL)YVHKZ,:(^HZVULVMÄ]L,:(ZSH\UJOLKPU HPTPUN[V" “protect, and where possible, enhance the distinctive pastoral landscape character of the area and its wildlife and historic resources by encouraging extensive grassland and fen management” 5

The objectives of the 1992 Broads ESA were: ;VTHPU[HPUHUKLUOHUJLSHUKZJHWLX\HSP[`I`YL[LU[PVUVML_PZ[PUNWLYTHULU[NYHZZSHUK and by increasing the area of permanent grassland. 2 To maintain and enhance the wildlife conservation value of permanent grassland without detriment to the landscape. 3 To maintain and enhance the wildlife conservation value of dykes and ditches without detriment to the landscape. 4 To enhance landscape quality through management of characteristic landscape elements. 5 To maintain and enhance archaeological and historic features.

0U [OL)YVHKZ,:(^HZL_[LUKLKI`OH[VOHHUKM\Y[OLYL_[LUKLKPU I`OH By 2001 it covered over 43,190 hectares of river valleys, arable areas, grazing marshes and fen in Norfolk and North Suffolk. Table 1 shows the uptake in hectares by Tier for the Broads ESA.

Table 1: ESA Uptake statistics for the Broads ESA 20016

5 DEFRA (2002) Environmentally Sensitive Areas Broads ESA: Guidelines for Farmers. England Rural Development Programme 6 Review Of Agri-Environment Schemes - Monitoring Information And R &D Results (Ref: Rmp/1596) Final Report (2003) Technical Appendices. Report prepared for DEFRA by Ecoscope Applied Ecologists and CPM Environmental Planning and Design Ltd, CJC Consulting

www.farmconservation.co.uk 8 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

The Transition to Environmental Stewardship The ESA scheme was closed to new applications in 2004 and was superseded by the Environmental Stewardship ,::JOLTLHZHTLHUZ[VI\PSK\WVUHUKTHPU[HPU[OLLU]PYVUTLU[HSILULÄ[ZHJOPL]LK[OYV\NO,:(>OPSL the ESA scheme incentivised farmers through payments to safeguard land from harmful land management JOHUNLZ[OL,:ZJOLTLVMMLYLKWH`TLU[Z[VWYVTV[LILULÄJPHSTHUHNLTLU[VM[OLZHTLMLH[\YLZ[OYV\NO a range of Entry Level Scheme (ELS) and Higher Level Scheme (HLS) options. ,3:VMMLYLKWH`TLU[ZMVYHIHZPJSL]LSVMLU]PYVUTLU[HSSHUKTHUHNLTLU[[OH[^LU[IL`VUKJYVZZJVTWSPHUJL and typically covered Tier 1 of the ESA scheme. It was available to land that could secure entry points KL[LYTPULK[OYV\NOHUHZZLZZTLU[VML_PZ[PUNMLH[\YLZ/3:VMMLYLKH^PKLYYHUNLVMTHUHNLTLU[VW[PVUZ LUJVTWHZZPUNHSS,:(;PLYZ^P[OLU]PYVUTLU[HSV\[JVTLZTLHZ\YLK[OYV\NOº0UKPJH[VYZVM:\JJLZZ»[V supplement the prescriptions. Entry into HLS was determined by an assessment of the quality of key features on [OLSHUKJVTWHYLK[VV[OLYOVSKPUNZPUHWHY[PJ\SHYM\UKPUN`LHY:LL(UUL_;^V 4HWZOV^Z[OLM\SSL_[LU[VM[OL)YVHKZ,:(IV\UKHY`ÔPJO^HZL_[LUKLK[VPUJS\KL[OL>LUZ\T=HSSL` This surprised many Wensum Farmers, who had never considered themselves part of the Broads. Today this “catchment based approach” is seen as the way forward. New Environmental Land Management Scheme (NELMS) Following a major review of the Common Agricultural Policy, new schemes have emerged and are well underway. There are 3 major changes: ;OL:PUNSL7H`TLU[:JOLTLOHZILLUYLWSHJLK^P[O[OL)HZPJ7H`TLU[:JOLTL .YLLUPUNTLHZ\YLZOH]LILLUPU[YVK\JLKÔPJOYLX\PYLMHYTLYZ[VMVSSV^ZWLJPÄJLU]PYVUTLU[HS farming practices. ;OLUL^9\YHS+L]LSVWTLU[7YVNYHTTLMVY,UNSHUK9+7,OHZILLUHUUV\UJLKHUK^PSSILNPUVU 1st January 2015. VVKSHUK.YHU[ZJOLTLZ^PSSILYLWSHJLK with a single new scheme. Farmers, foresters or other land managers (conventional or organic) will be HISL[VHWWS`,HYSÌYPLÄUNZMYVT5H[\YHS,UNSHUKPUKPJH[L[OLZJOLTL^PSSIL[HYNL[LK[V^HYKZKLSP]LYPUN PTWYV]LTLU[Z[VIPVKP]LYZP[`HUK^H[LYIV[OÅVVKPUNHUK^H[LYX\HSP[`

www.farmconservation.co.uk 9 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Map 1: The Broads ESA (outlined in green)

www.farmconservation.co.uk 10 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Methodology Farmers were invited to take part in an online survey through newsletters. Following low returns of completed online questionnaires, paper copies with return envelopes were sent to farmers within the Broadland catchment. -HYTLYZÔVPUKPJH[LKPU[OLX\LZ[PVUUHPYLHUPU[LYLZ[PUKPZJ\ZZPUN[OL,:(L_WPYPLZHUKJVUZLX\LU[SHUK management plans were interviewed either on farm or by telephone. (ZLJVUKZV\YJLVMPUMVYTH[PVU^HZWYV]PKLK[OYV\NO]HYPV\ZTHWWPUNL_LYJPZLZ;OL)YVHKZ(\[OVYP[`)( in conjunction with Natural England and Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS) developed the following maps: .0:HUHS`ZPZVMOPZ[VYPJHUKM\[\YLJV]LYHNLVM)(7/HIP[H[ZPU(,:JOLTLZ" :LX\LU[PHS)YVHKZ,:(L_WPYPLZHUKZ\IZLX\LU[,3: /3:JV]LYHNL[VPKLU[PM`[OLHYLHVMSHUKPU and outside of AE Agreements. Sample size ([V[HSVM X\LZ[PVUUHPYLZ(UUL_;OYLL^LYLZLU[V\[I`WVZ[VYJVTWSL[LKVUSPUL^P[OH[V[HSVM YLZWVUZLZZLU[IHJRNP]PUNHYLZWVUZLYH[LVM ;LSLWOVULVYMHJL[VMHJLPU[LY]PL^Z^LYLHSZVJVUK\J[LK ^P[OMHYTLYZÔVL_WYLZZLKHUPU[LYLZ[MHYTLYZ[V[HS;OLSL]LSVMYLZWVUZLPZMHPYS`SV^HUKJHUVUSÌL ]PL^LKHZHZHTWSLUV[HJVTWSL[LJLUZ\Z;OLZ\Y]L`KVLZWYV]PKL\ZLM\SPUMVYTH[PVUHIV\[YLZWVUKLU[»Z ]PL^ZHIV\[[OLL_WPY`VM,:(ZHUKZ\IZLX\LU[SHUKTHUHNLTLU[KLJPZPVUZ^P[OPU[OL)YVHKZ,:( The distribution of respondents by farm size and Tier 1 and 4A agreements is shown in Figure 1, with Tier 1 OHOH]PUN[OLOPNOLZ[\W[HRL;OLZL[PLYZ^LYLZLSLJ[LKHZILPUN[OLTVZ[]\SULYHISL[VYL]LYZPVU to arable. Tier 1 being drier marshes and Tier 4A having been arable before reversion to pasture.

Broads ESA Tier and Size of Holding

Figure 1: Uptake of Tiers 1 and 4A by percentage of respondents.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 11 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

4HWWYLZLU[Z[OLOPZ[VYPJHSL_[LU[HUKJV]LYVM;PLYZHUK(PU[OL)YVHKZ,:(;PLY^HZHWVW\SHYVW[PVU for farmers in ESA agreements as it was the least prescriptive and allowed the greatest amount of Nitrogen/ha (125kg), with the other Tiers being more restrictive in terms of fertiliser application, stocking rates, turn out time and with higher water levels. This map shows that Tier 1 was popular in the river valleys. ;PLYPZTVZ[]\SULYHISL[VPU[LUZPÄJH[PVUHZP[PZUV[KLLTLK[VILVMOPNOLUV\NO]HS\LPU[LYTZVMIPVKP]LYZP[` [VYLJLP]LM\UKPUN\UKLYLP[OLY/3:VY5,34:6[OLY,:(;PLYZ ^LYL[OV\NO[[VILH[SV^LYYPZRVM PU[LUZPÄJH[PVUK\L[V[OLPY^L[ULZZHUKOPNOLYIPVKP]LYZP[`]HS\L/V^L]LY[LSLWOVULPU[LY]PL^ZOH]LZOV^U that Tier 2 and even Fen tier have been improved.

MAP 2: Historical extent and cover of Tiers 1 and 4A in the Broads ESA

www.farmconservation.co.uk 12 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Results Of The Survey Questionnaire ;OLÄYZ[ZLJ[PVUVM[OLX\LZ[PVUUHPYL8[V8HZRLK^OL[OLYMHYTLYZPU[LUKLK[VTHUHNLNYHZZSHUKHZ[OL` had under their ESA agreement, and if not, what changes they would make. Management changes here include TLJOHUPJHSVWLYH[PVUZSL]LSZVMMLY[PSPZLYYLZLLKPUNHUKNYHaPUN0[HSZVL_WSVYLK[OLOPZ[VYPJHUKM\[\YLSL]LSZ of intensive management of grassland outside of ESA agreements. Q1 Do you intend to continue managing grassland as you have under the ESA? -PN\YLZOV^Z[OH[ VMYLZWVUKLU[ZPU[LUK[VTHPU[HPUNYHZZSHUKTHUHNLTLU[HZ\UKLY,:(^P[O PU[LUKPUN[VJOHUNLTHUHNLTLU[

Post ESA Management Intentions of Respondents

Figure 2: Intended changes in grassland management by percentage respondents.

Q2 If you do not intend to continue managing grassland as under the ESA, what changes do you intend to make? Permanent Grassland under Tier 1 and 4A were subject to management regulations which are presented PUM\SSPU(UUL_6UL!:JOLTL7YLZJYPW[PVUZMVY[OL)YVHKZ,:(Z\TTHYPZLKHZMVSSV^Z! Tier 1 is designed to maintain the Broads’s ESA landscape and grassland. Grassland is to be maintained and limited grazing and cutting is permitted. The use of fertilisers, fungicides, herbicides and insecticides is limited. Drainage systems are not to be altered and dykes are to be maintained and controlled. Hedges, ponds and reedbeds are to be maintained and care is to be taken not to damage or destroy any feature of historical interest. Permission is necessary before any future constructions or woodland management. Almost a half (48%) of eligible land was under Tier 1 agreements in 1995. ;PLY(HNYLLTLU[PZ[VYL]LY[HYHISLSHUK[VWLYTHULU[NYHZZSHUK0U[OLÄYZ[`LHYJLY[HPUWYHJ[PJLZ^OPJOHYL ‘prohibited’ in Tier 1 are allowed to enable the grass sward to establish. Participants stop arable production HUKLZ[HISPZOHUL^NYHZZZ^HYK^P[OPUTVU[OZVM[OLZ[HY[VM[OLHNYLLTLU[+\YPUN[OLÄYZ[TVU[OZ of the agreement there must be no application of pesticides, organic or inorganic fertiliser, lime, slag or any other substance to reduce the acidity of the soil, without obtaining prior approval. After the initial 12 months WHY[PJPWHU[ZMVSSV^[OLYLX\PYLTLU[ZVM;PLY7 ([V[HSVM VMYLZWVUKLU[ZPUKPJH[LK[OLPYPU[LU[PVU[VHKVW[PU[LUZPÄJH[PVUTHUHNLTLU[WYHJ[PJLZUV[ WLYTP[[LK\UKLY,:(HZPSS\Z[YH[LKPU-PN\YL0UJYLHZPUNMLY[PSPZLYHWWSPJH[PVUPZ[OLTVZ[WVW\SHYVW[PVU ^P[O PU[LUKPUN[VJYVW[OLSHUKHUK PU[LUKPUN[VLP[OLYPUJYLHZLSHUKKYHPUHNLVYZ[VJRPUNVYYLZLLK

7 DEFRA (2003) Review Of Agri-Environment Schemes - Monitoring Information And R &D Results (Ref: Rmp/1596) Final Report . Technical Appendices. Report prepared for DEFRA by Ecoscope Applied Ecologists and CPM Environmental Planning and Design Ltd, CJC Consulting

www.farmconservation.co.uk 13 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Telephone interviews revealed the reasons behind these intended changes and offered insight into the hard choices farmers have to make in light of the new CAP changes and falling agricultural income. Interviews with farmers who did not intend to change management options suggested that the land in question was either low quality grazing marsh, or in smaller parcels/holdings that would be too costly to improve. Respondents PU[LUKPUN[VPU[LUZPM` THKL[OLMVSSV^PUNJVTTLU[Z" ;LUHU[LKSHUKUV[PU/3:^PSSOH]LP[ZWYVK\J[P]P[`PUJYLHZLKHUKSHUKPTWYV]LK 7SV\NO\WL]LY`[OPUN Telephone interviews revealed that where ploughing was the intention in most cases this has already happened. One respondent said they had ploughed 35ha of tier 1 and 32ha of tier 4A arable reversion. 6m margins left HYV\UK[OLTHYZOLZOHKILLULU[LYLKPU[V,3:^OPSL[OLTPKKSLVM[OLÄLSKOHKILLUYL[\YULK[V[OLHYHISL YV[H[PVUNYV^PUN^OLH[THPaLVYZ\NHYILL[;OLLJVUVTPJJHSJ\SH[PVUZHUKLU]PYVUTLU[HSPTWHJ[HZZLZZTLU[ had been undertaken when wheat prices were still high. >OPSLV[OLYZHYLPU[LUKPUN[VYL[HPUNYHZZSHUKI\[THUHNLP[TVYLWYVÄ[HIS`" .YHZZSHUK^PSSILTHUHNLKHZILMVYL^P[O[OLL_JLW[PVUVMHSP[[SLPUJYLHZLPUMLY[PSPZLY[VPTWYV]L`PLSK 0UKPMMLYLU[ÄLSKZ0OH]LPU[LUZPÄLKZSPNO[S`VUNYHZZSHUK^P[O[OLSLHZ[LU]PYVUTLU[HSWV[LU[PHSHUKJVTWLUZH[LK for this by de-intensifying other areas awhile adding features to encourage further the existing wildlife. .YHZZSHUKHYLHZ^PSSILTHUHNLKTVYLPU[LUZP]LS`[VLUHISLHUL^Z[VJRLU[LYWYPZL[VILY\ULJVUVTPJHSS`. Intensively Managed Grassland A number of respondents had intensively managed grassland that was not included in their ESA Agreement. These questions were asked to ascertain the proportion of grassland outside ESA and therefore the area of intensively managed grassland.

Q4 How much grassland has been intensively managed?

Q5 How much grassland will be intensively managed in the future? -PN\YLZOV^Z[OH[\UKLY,:( VMYLZWVUKLU[ZOHKUVPU[LUZP]LS`THUHNLKNYHZZSHUKHS[OV\NO respondents indicate that in future they will have less low input grassland. Under all holding sizes intensive management appears to be on the increase. This indicates that management of grassland is likely to be PU[LUZPÄLKPUHYLHZ[OH[^LYLWYL]PV\ZS`\UKLY,:(^P[OHJVYYLZWVUKPUNKLJYLHZLPU[OLHYLHVMSHUK[OH[ was never intensively managed (0 hectares).

Hectarage of intensively managed grassland during an intended post ESA

Figure 10: Intentions to change the amounts of intensively managed grassland post ESA

www.farmconservation.co.uk 14 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

:WLJPÄJ4HUHNLTLU[*OHUNLZ 8\LZ[PVUZHUK[V L_WSVYLK[OLJOHUNLZ[OH[[OL VMMHYTLYZPU[LUKLK[VTHRLPUZWLJPÄJHZWLJ[ZVM grassland management, including changes to fertiliser and lime applications, reseeding, mechanical operations, grazing on marshland, and cutting of hay or silage.

Q6 How much nitrogen fertiliser did you routinely apply to the marshes?

Q7 How much nitrogen fertiliser will you routinely apply to the marshes in the future?

Intended Changes in Grassland Management Post ESA Expiry

Figure 3 : Intended Changes to Grassland Management Following ESA Expiries.

Two prescriptions covered fertiliser use under ESA Tier 1 and 4A: +VUV[L_JLLK`V\YL_PZ[PUNSL]LSVMPUVYNHUPJMLY[PSPZLYHUKPUHU`JHZLKVUV[L_JLLKRNVMUP[YVNLU 75kg of phosphate and 75kg of potash per hectare (100 units of nitrogen, 60 units of phosphate and 60 units of potash per acre) per year.

Intended Change in Fertiliser Application

Figure 4

www.farmconservation.co.uk 15 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Telephone interviews with farmers who have increased fertiliser show that on the whole, this increase is minimal: 0OH]LHWWSPLKMLY[PSPZLYVUZVTLSHUKI\[SLZZ[OHURNOH[VPTWYV]LWYVK\J[P]P[` 6UOH0OH]LPUJYLHZLKMLY[PSPZLYI\[[OLYLPZUVJOHUNLVU[OLYLZ[VMT`OVSKPUN ;OLPUJYLHZLK5PUZVTLÄLSKZPZZ[PSSILSV^RNOH[VPUJYLHZL`PLSKMVYOH`PUZVTLHYLHZ compensating for my wetter HK15 land.

Q8 Has lime been regularly applied to reduce acidity? ESA prescriptions for lime under Tier 4A: +\YPUN[OLÄYZ[TVU[OZVM[OLHNYLLTLU[KVUV[HWWS`HU`VM[OLMVSSV^PUN^P[OV\[VI[HPUPUNWYPVY approval: organic or inorganic fertiliser; lime, slag or any other substance to reduce the acidity of the soil; pesticides. 6US` VMYLZWVUKLU[ZOHKWYL]PV\ZS`HWWSPLKSPTL[VYLK\JLHJPKP[`VUNYHZZSHUK\UKLY,:(HNYLLTLU[Z One respondent indicated in an interview that he intended to reintroduce the “traditional” practice which had stopped under ESA restrictions.

Q9 When did you last reseed?

Q10 By what means did you reseed? ;PLY (WYLZJYPW[PVUZMVYYLZLLKPUNHUKTLJOHUPJHSVWLYH[PVUZ^LYLHZMVSSV^Z! 4HPU[HPUNYHZZSHUKHUKKVUV[WSV\NOSL]LSVYYLZLLK[OLSHUK@V\TH`\ZLHJOHPUOHYYV^ or roller but no other form of cultivation is allowed.

;OLTHQVYP[`VMMHYTLYZ OH]LUL]LYYLZLLKLK[OLPY,:(SHUKHUKVUS` VMYLZWVUKLU[ZYLZLLKLKPU [OLSHZ[Ä]L`LHYZ;HISLZOV^Z[OLTLHUZVMYLZLLKPUNI`[OLZL]LU[LLUMHYTLYZ^OVOH]LYLZLLKLKPU the last 15 years.

Table 2: Dates and means of reseeding by respondent (n=99%)

6ULMHYTLYZHPKOLOHKHSYLHK`YLZLLKLKHJYLZVMZPSHNLSHUKOHSMKPYLJ[KYPSSLKPU[VL_PZ[PUNZ^HYKHUK half was sprayed off and drilled into the aftermath. This was former Tier 2 land. Nitrogen application has KV\ISLK(M\Y[OLYHJYLZ^PSSYLJLP]LHZPTPSHY[YLH[TLU[V]LY[OLUL_[`LHYZ/PZ(,WH`TLU[ZOH]L KLJYLHZLKI` WVZ[,:(

www.farmconservation.co.uk 16 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q11 What mechanical operations have been carried out on the grassland in the last 15 years? Figure 5 shows that most respondents kept to the regulations for mechanical operations on ESA Tier 1 and 4A SHUK(JVTIPULK OH]LVUS`\ZLKTLJOHUPJHSVWLYH[PVUZ[VWWPUNYVSSPUNHUKOHYYV^PUNHZWLYTP[[LK under ESA in the last 15 years.

Species rich fen disced prior to re-seeding

Figure 5: Mechanical operations carried out by respondents in the last 15 years (1998- 2013)

www.farmconservation.co.uk 17 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q12 Do you graze your marshland? ;PLY (WYLZJYPW[PVUZMVYNYHaPUNOHKYLZ[YPJ[PVUZVUZ[VJRPUNYH[LZNYHaPUNWLYPVKZHUK\UKLY;PLYHUK(" .YHaL^P[OSP]LZ[VJRV[OLY[OHUWPNZVYWV\S[Y`I\[H]VPKWVHJOPUN\UKLYNYHaPUNVYV]LYNYHaPUN 0M`V\J\[[OLNYHZZMVYOH`VYZPSHNLNYHaL[OLHM[LYTH[O

Livestock used for Grazing on the Marshes

Figure 6: Types of livestock used to graze in the Broads ESA

(YV\UK VMYLZWVUKLU[Z\ZLK[OLPYVÛSP]LZ[VJR\ZLKMVYNYHaPUN^P[O \ZPUN[OLSP]LZ[VJRVMV[OLYZ 6US` KPKUV[NYHaL[OLPYTHYZOLZPUZ[LHK\ZPUNP[ZVSLS`MVYOH`THRPUN-PN\YLZOV^Z[OH[[OLTHQVYP[` VMYLZWVUKLU[Z\ZLKILLMZ\JRSLYJH[[SLHS[OV\NOZL]LYHSMHYTLYZ \ZLTVYL[OHUVUL[`WLVMSP]LZ[VJR MVYNYHaPUN VMYLZWVUKLU[ZPU[LUK[VZ[VWNYHaPUN ;LSLWOVULPU[LY]PL^ZWYV]PKLKTVYLPUMVYTH[PVUVUMHYTLYZ»PU[LU[PVUZHUK[OLYLHZVUZMVYTHRPUN[OLZL choices. Several farmers commented that they would not be changing their grazing regime as the land used PZVM[VVSV^X\HSP[`MVYHYHISLJYVWZHUKPZTVYLWYVÄ[HISL[VRLLWHZNYHaPUNTHYZO ,:(HSSV^LKTL[OLVW[PVUVMRLLWPUNHZTHSSILLMOLYKVUZTHSSWHYJLSZVMSHUK :[VJRPUNKLUZP[`TH`PUJYLHZLHSP[[SLHZ^LUVÔH]LHKKP[PVUHSZTHSSU\TILYZVMZOLLW^P[OV\YILLMZ\JRSLY cattle, this additional livestock means that we will still maintain ESA land as permanent grassland >L^PSSRLLWNYHaPUNHZNLULYHSS`[OLZHTLKLWLUKPUNVU^LH[OLYHUKZVPSJVUKP[PVUZ>L\ZLV\YZ\JRSLY OLYKPUHKLX\H[LX\HSP[ÌVNN`HYLHZHUKV]LY^PU[LYJV^Z:[VJRPUNVUHSSNYHZZSHUKPZTHYNPUHSS`KVÛ but we do bring in additional grassland either for silage or extra grazing. VMYLZWVUKLU[ZPU[LUK[V¸:[VWNYHaPUNRLLW[VWWPUNVYOH`JYVW¹

Cattle on Halvergate Marsh

www.farmconservation.co.uk 18 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q14 When do you normally turn out? -PN\YLZOV^Z[OH[[OLTHQVYP[`VMYLZWVUKLU[Z[\YULK[OLPYHUPTHSZV\[PU(WYPS HZZWLJPÄLK\UKLY,:( prescriptions. In telephone interviews, farmers stated that they preferred to follow seasonal changes, since YLN\SH[PVUZ\UKLY,:(VY,3:/3:VW[PVUZZVTL[PTLZTHKLNYHaPUNTVYLKPMÄJ\S[ HULHYS`ZWYPUNTLHU[[OH[NYHZZ^HZV]LYSVUNMVYZOLLW[VNYHaLLHZPS`I\[^LOHK[V^HP[[V[\YU[OLTV\[ ,:(NH]LN\PKHUJLVUOV^[VTHUHNLNYHaPUNI\[VU;PLY^L^LYLUV[TLHU[[VNYHaL\U[PS4H`HUK the grass got too long for sheep and when they come in early in autumn they leave long grass. This was troublesome as seasonal differences weren’t taken into account.

Turning out dates by respondent

Figure 7: Turning Out dates by respondent in the Broads ESA

Q15 When would you normally bring livestock in off the marshes?

Bringing in dates by respondent

Figure 8

www.farmconservation.co.uk 19 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

-PN\YL ZOV^Z[OH[[OLTHQVYP[`VMYLZWVUKLU[ZIYV\NO[PUSP]LZ[VJRPU5V]LTILY ^P[O IYPUNPUN them in during October. The changes that respondents intended to make included: 0^PSS^PU[LYV\[ILLMZ\JRSLYJH[[SL[OH[OHKWYL]PV\ZS`ILLUIYV\NO[PU :VTLILLMZ\JRSLYZHUKILLMÄUPZOLYZZ[HY[LYZ^PSSZ[H`V\[\U[PS5V]LTILYVYTH`ILSH[LY 0^PSSUVSVUNLYV\[^PU[LYILLMZ[HY[LYZÄUPZOLYZ /VYZLZ^PSSJVTLPUH[UPNO[MYVT6J[VILYHUKNVV\[K\YPUN[OLKH`

Soay Sheep on Limpenhoe Marsh

Q16 Do you make hay or silage from your marshland? ESA Prescriptions for hay and silage were simple; ;HRLUVTVYL[OHUVULJ\[VMOH`VYZPSHNLLHJO`LHY :VTLYLZWVUKLU[Z THKLIV[OOH`HUKZPSHNL^OPSL VUS`THKLOH`HUK VUS`THKLZPSHNL ;OLSHYNLZ[WLYJLU[HNLVMYLZWVUKLU[Z THKLULP[OLYMYVT[OLPY,:(;PLYHUK(SHUK

Hay bales on grassland, Hickling

www.farmconservation.co.uk 20 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q17 When would you normally cut hay / silage? Figure 9 shows the dates of cutting hay and silage by percentage of respondents. June is the most popular month MVY[OLZLHJ[P]P[PLZHS[OV\NO[LSLWOVULPU[LY]PL^ZJVUÄYTLK[OH[ZLHZVUHS^LH[OLY^HZVM[LU[OLKL[LYTPUPUN factor in cutting dates.

Cutting dates for Silage and Hay under Broads ESA Scheme

Figure 9 Cutting Dates for Hay and Silage in the Broads ESA

Q18 Are cutting dates likely to change in the future, and if so how? 6M[OLYLZWVUKLU[Z^OVHUZ^LYLK[OPZX\LZ[PVU ZHPK[OH[J\[[PUNKH[LZ^V\SKJOHUNLPUM\[\YL:L]LYHS Z[H[LK[OH[J\[[PUN^V\SKILZSPNO[S`LHYSPLYKLWLUKPUNVU[OLZLHZVUHS^LH[OLY^OPSL J\[[PUNKH[LZ^V\SK not change. Telephone interviews produced reasons for this answer. *\[PU1\S`HZSHUKUV^PU/3:VW[PVU @LZ[VILTVYLPURLLWPUN^P[OZLHZVUYH[OLY[OHUKH[LZ 0[^PSSHSSILWSV\NOLK\WMVYHYHISL

Water Level Management Questions 19 to 21 focused on water management on holdings with ESA Agreements. Ditches or dykes are THUTHKLZ[Y\J[\YLZÔPJOHYLPTWVY[HU[HUKJOHYHJ[LYPZ[PJMLH[\YLZVM[OL*VHZ[HSHUK-SVVKWSHPU.YHaPUN 4HYZO)PVKP]LYZP[`(J[PVU7SHU)(77YPVYP[`/HIP[H[,:(HNYLLTLU[OVSKLYZ^LYLL_WLJ[LK[VTHUHNLHUK maintain ditches and dykes and enhance their value for biodiversity, as set out in the ESA prescriptions for ;PLYZ (ILSV^! “Maintain water at a suitable level for livestock to graze on grazing marshes by ensuring that; at least 30 cm (12”) of water in the dykes between 31 October and 1 March, and to increase dyke water levels to summer SL]LSZUVSH[LY[OHU4HYJO[VLUZ\YLHKLX\H[LK`RL^H[LYK\YPUN[OLZ\TTLY¹ Q19 Are you able to control water levels on your land? ([V[HSVM VMYLZWVUKLU[ZOH]L[OLHIPSP[`[VJVU[YVS^H[LYSL]LSZVU[OLPYSHUK Q20 At what height do you maintain dyke water levels in reaction to mean marsh level? Figure 11 shows the seasonal water levels retained by farmers with water control in dykes in relation to mean THYZOSL]LSZ/V^L]LYP[PZOHYK[VL_[YHWVSH[LÔL[OLYMHYTLYZHIPKLKI`[OL,:(WYLZJYPW[PVUZÔPJOHYL measured from the base of the dyke. It appears that summer marsh levels were in general lower than those prescribed in the ESA agreements.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 21 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

3P]LYÅ\RL^HZHJVTTVU[OLTLHTVUNZ[HRLOVSKLYZPUYLSH[PVU[VYHPZLK^H[LYSL]LSZ/PNO^H[LYSL]LSZ ^LYLZLLU[VIYPUNLSL]H[LKYPZR^P[OJV^ZJHS]PUNPUW\KKSLZZLLUHZHWHY[PJ\SHYIYLLKPUNNYV\UKMVYÅ\RL

Seasonal water levels in dykes in relation to mean marsh level

Figure 11: Water level management by 46% respondents with water control

Dyke at Halvergate Marshes

www.farmconservation.co.uk 22 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q21 How is water level management likely to change in future? Figure 12 shows the intended changes to water level management from all respondents (those who do and KVU»[OH]LJVU[YVSVM^H[LYSL]LSZ>OPSL[OLTHQVYP[` Z[H[L[OH[[OLYL^PSSILUVJOHUNLOHSMVM[OLZL respondents have no control over water levels.

Intended changes to water level management post ESA

Figure 12: Intended changes to water management post ESA

Only a quarter of the respondents who stated that water levels will be lowered/more drained, actually have JVU[YVSVM^H[LYSL]LSZVU[OLPYSHUK;OPZTPNO[ILL_WSHPULKI`[OLJVTTLU[ZVM[^VVM[OL ^OVJV\SK not control water levels, who said that the IDB tended to set water levels to suit arable land, rather than to maintain grazing marsh.

Breydon water

www.farmconservation.co.uk 23 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

;OLUL_[ZLJ[PVUVMX\LZ[PVUZ8[V8ZV\NO[MHYTLYZ»H[[P[\KLZ[V^HYKZ[OL,:(ZJOLTL;LSLWOVUL interviews helped to substantiate some of the comments from the survey questionnaire.

Q22 Do you think the ESA was a good scheme? ;OLTHQVYP[`VMMHYTLYZMLS[,:(^HZHNVVKZJOLTL JP[PUNLHZLVMTHUHNLTLU[[OH[^VYRLK^LSS^P[O the farming calendar, and the help and encouragement that ESA offered farmers to maintain the marshes as SV^PUW\[NYHaPUN Those who thought it was a good scheme gave a number of reasons. A common theme that respondents TLU[PVULK^HZ[OLLMÄJHJ`VM,:(HZHSHUKZJHWLHWWYVHJO" ,:(^HZH[HSHUKZJHWLZJHSLHSSV^PUNMHYTLYZTVYLZWHJL[VWSH`^P[O[OLWYLZJYPW[PVUZ^OPJOZ\P[LK both farming and conservation ,:(^HZHNVVKZJOLTL]LY`T\JOHSHUKZJHWLV]LYHZPUNSLOHIP[H[HWWYVHJOHUKÅL_PISL/3:KVLZPUJ\Y greater management and planning and it is harder to make the balance between the loss of return on some land compared to the subsidy for environmental payments-that is getting the options balance right while still farming cost-effectively.

Was ESA a good scheme?

(ML^MHYTLYZTLU[PVULK[OH[[OL,:(WH`TLU[ZHSSV^LKMVYLU]PYVUTLU[HSJVUZLY]H[PVU[OH[Ä[[LK well with farming; ,:(^VYRLK^LSSHUKHKKLKMHPYS`[PNO[S`PU[VV\YMHYTPUNZ`Z[LTHZP[^HZH[[OL[PTL(SZVP[^HZ comparatively simple to implement. 0[OLSWLK[VTHRLRLLWPUNZ[VJRVU[OL,:(THYZOLZH]PHISLVW[PVUVUSHUK[OH[JV\SKV[OLY^PZL OH]L[\YULK[VHYHISL0[HSZVTHKLKLPU[LUZPÄJH[PVUVM[OLYLTHPUPUNSHUKHUVW[PVU 0[LUHISLK\Z[VRLLW[OLTLHKV^Z^P[OV\[PU[LUZP]LNYHaPUN >LOHKHKHPY`OLYK\U[PS`LHYZHNV>LOHK,:(MYVT[OLZ[HY[HUKP[^VYRLK]LY`^LSSMVY\Z *VUZLY]H[PVU^VYRLKIL[[LYVUTHYNPUHSSHUKHUK[OL,:(HSSV^LKMHYTLYZTVYLZWHJL[VWSH`^P[O prescriptions to suit both farming and conservation.

“ESA certainly made a difference to biodiversity but may have been seen as expensive by public. I regret the passing of the ESA scheme because it allowed us to maintain grasslands and also provided capital funding for hedgerows, fencing, water management and coppicing, which helped to improve the whole habitat. Since ESA funding has stopped a lot of this work has slowed down, and ELS did not offer this type of funding”.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 24 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

(TVUN[OLº@LZ»]V[LZ[OLYL^LYLZVTLYLZLY]H[PVUZHIV\[[OLV]LYHSSLMMLJ[P]LULZZVM[OL,:(ZJOLTLZ! )YPSSPHU[ZJOLTLPUP[PHSS`>L[VVRLUVYTV\ZWYPKLPUTHPU[HPUPUNULZ[PUNSHW^PUNV`Z[LYJH[JOLYZZUPWLHUK YLKZOHUR;OLÅVYPZ[PJ]HS\LVM[OLTHYZOLZ^HZLUVYTV\Z^OLU^LLU[LYLK[OL,:(0[ZH]LKV\YNYHZZSHUK MYVT[OLWSV\NOPU ;OLSV^LY[PLYZ^LYLLX\HSS`PTWVY[HU[[V[PLY;OLZJOLTLSVZ[P[Z^H`HZ[PTL WYVNYLZZLK^P[OHÄ_H[PVUVUJ\[[PUNJVZ[HUKKV^UNYHKPUN[OLSV^LY[PLYZ"HUK 0[^HZHIP[VMHIS\U[PUZ[Y\TLU[H[[PTLZHUKJV\SKUV[IL[HPSVYLK[VÄ[HZ^LSSHZP[ZOV\SKOH]LILLU

;^VVM[OL ÔVKPKUV[[OPUR,:(^HZHNVVKZJOLTL^LYLNYHaPLYZÔVOPNOSPNO[LK[OLKPZHK]HU[HNLZ of ESA transfers into ELS/HLS, as follows: ;VZ[HY[^P[OP[^HZHNVVKZJOLTLI\[UV^SHUKVÛLYOHZ:-7,3: /3:HUKNYHaPLYNL[ZUV[OPUNI\[ has all the costs. The Subsidy rates are worked out on income foregone. Hence marshes deteriorate under environmental stewardship. Supplementary feeding is common place now grass is poor :-7,3: /3:NV[VSHUKSVYK.YHaPLYTHUHNLZTHYZOLZI\[PZUV[WHPK[VKVZV

Strumpshaw fen

Q23 Do you consider the ESA to be a cost effective scheme? Did it deliver value for tax payers’ money? (YV\UK VMYLZWVUKLU[ZMLS[P[^HZJVZ[LMMLJ[P]LHUKKPKKLSP]LY]HS\LMVY[H_WH`LYZ»TVUL`/V^L]LY several respondents felt the scheme could have been better organised, both in terms of measurable outputs, and PU[LYTZVM[OLYLSH[PVUZOPWIL[^LLUMHYTLYZHUKNYHaPLYZVYYLLKHUKZLKNLJ\[[LYZ^OVKPKUV[WYVÄ[HZ^LSS as farmers from the scheme. 5LLKZ[VJVUZPKLY>-+PZZ\LZHZ^LSSHZ/HIP[H[+PYLJ[P]LPZZ\LZHUKULLKZ[VILTVYLQVPULK\WIL[^LLU claimants and graziers. Also on reed options there needs to be on going agreements between claimants and reed & sedge cutters to get best value for money. 9:7)HYLHIPNJSHPTHU[KV[OL`\ZLHU`VM[OPZZ\IZPK`MVYSVII`PUN^VYR&;OPZTVUL`KVLZUV[LUK\W in the farming community and therefore the scheme is not working ,:(JV\SKOH]LILLUJSL]LYLYH[KLSP]LYPUNTVYLWYLJPZLHUKTLHZ\YHISLV\[JVTLZ 0[^HZVUS`LMMLJ[P]LPUZVTLHYLHZ

www.farmconservation.co.uk 25 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

6[OLYYLZWVUKLU[ZJVTTLU[LKVU[OLLMMLJ[VU^PSKSPMLHZHILULÄ[[V[H_WH`LYZI\[HSZVVU[OLULNH[P]L impact of prescriptions on species and habitats; 0[KLSP]LYLKO\NL]HS\L[V[OL[H_WH`LYVU[OPZMHYTPUP[PHSS`/V^L]LY[OLJVUZ[YHPU[ZVM;PLYTLHU[[OH[ ILULÄ[Z[VWSHU[ZZ\JOHZVYJOPKZHUKX\HRPUNNYHZZHUKULZ[PUN^HKLYZ^LYLKPTPUPZOLK:LKNLHUKY\ZO ILJHTL^PKLZWYLHKILJH\ZLVMSHJRVMÅL_PIPSP[`PU^H[LYSL]LSZ4HYZOLZ[OH[^V\SKOH]LILLUJVU]LY[LK[V arable were not ploughed in 1985/6/7 because of the ESA (formerly Broads Grazing Scheme). Designation of :::0OHZZ\IZLX\LU[S`YVIILK\ZVM[OLVW[PVUVMYL]LY[PUN[VHYHISL>LMLLSSL[KVÛI`[OLHIHUKVUTLU[ VM[OL,:(ZJOLTLL]LU[OV\NO[OLÄUHUJPHSILULÄ[MYVT,:(MLSS`LHYVU`LHYPU[OLSH[LY`LHYZ ,:(OHZKLÄUP[LSÒLSWLK^PSKSPML )PYKSPML[OH[^HZHSYLHK`NVVKOHZILLUTHPU[HPULKVYLUOHUJLK ,:(Z[VWWLKMHYTLYZMYVTWSV\NOPUN\WNYHZZSHUKHUKNYHaPUNTHYZOLZÔPJO^HZHNVVK[OPUN

As regards the future sustainability of the ESA scheme; (M[LYHSS[OLTVUL`[OH[OHZILLUZWLU[VU[OLZJOLTLP[PZHZOHTL[VZLLP[HIHUKVULK

;OLYL^HZVUS`VULJVTTLU[MYVT[OVZLYLZWVUKLU[Z[OH[MLS[P[^HZUV[JVZ[LMMLJ[P]L " ,:(^HZWYVIHIS`TVYL^VY[O^OPSL[OHUHSV[VM^OH[[H_WH`LY»ZTVUL`PZZWLU[VU

8/V^KV`V\[OPUR[OL,:(ZJOLTLILULÄ[LK[OLNLULYHSW\ISPJ& -V\YV\[VMYLZWVUKLU[Z MLS[,:(OHKUV[ILULÄ[[LK[OLW\ISPJ4VZ[VM[OLZLMLS[[OH[,:(^HZMVY LU]PYVUTLU[HSYLHZVUZHUKILULÄ[[LKJSHPTHU[ZTVYL[OHU[OLW\ISPJ*VTTLU[ZPU[OPZJH[LNVY`PUJS\KLK" 0[OHZUV[P[ZVUS`ILULÄ[[LKJSHPTHU[Z(YL[OLYLYLHSS`TVYLIPYKZPU[OL,:([OHU`LHYZHNV5V :VP[OHZUV[ILULÄ[[LK[OLNLULYHSW\ISPJ >L^V\SKWSV\NOPM^L^LYLHSSV^LK 0[KPKUV[ILULÄ[[OLW\ISPJHZZ\JOI\[OHZILLUH]LY`IPNILULÄ[[VJVUZLY]H[PVUPU[OL)YVHKSHUKHYLH

(YV\UK VMYLZWVUKLU[ZX\LZ[PVULK[OLPU[LYLZ[VYH^HYLULZZVM[OLW\ISPJJVUJLYUPUNJVUZLY]H[PVUVY farming management, while others found the public to have a negative impact on conservation, suggesting HULLKMVYIL[[LYW\ISPJLUNHNLTLU[HUKLK\JH[PVU:LL)V_

Box 2: Comments from respondents who felt the public were not aware of the ESA Scheme’s Aims ;OLNLULYHSW\ISPJOHZUVPKLHZWLJPHSPZ[RUV^SLKNLPZULLKLK 0KVU»[[OPUR[OL`KVHZ[OL`KVU»[RUV^^OH[[OL`HYLMVYVYHIV\[ @LZPM[OL`HYLPU[LYLZ[LKPU^PSKSPMLVYY\YHSTH[[LYZH[HSS 0[^HZ^OH[HSV[VM[OLW\ISPJ^HU[LK[VZLL 4`,:(OHKHW\ISPJMVV[WH[O[OYV\NO[OLTPKKSLHS[OV\NOP[^HZOHYK[V [LSSPM[OLW\ISPJLUQV`[OLJVUZLY]H[PVU^VYR7LVWSLHSSV^LK[OLPYKVNZ[V chase hares and they are all killed now. -VY[OVZL[OH[^LYLPU[LYLZ[LKP[KLSP]LYLKJVU[PU\P[`VMSHUKZJHWLHUK habitat and for those that were disinterested it was inoffensive.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 26 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

;OLTHQVYP[`VMYLZWVUKLU[Z MLS[[OH[[OLNLULYHSW\ISPJILULÄ[[LKMYVT[OLJVUZLY]H[PVUVMNYHZZSHUK and grazing marsh habitats and landscapes and the accompanying improvements in species diversity. .YLH[VU[OLL`L¶NYLLUÄLSKZHUKJH[[SLHKLSPNO[[VZLL 6UV\YMHYT[OL^PSKSPMLPZT\JOHWWYLJPH[LKI`[OLZJOVVSHUK]PSSHNLNLULYHSS` 3VVRLKUPJL [OLNYHZZNV[NYHaLK.YHaPUNJH[[SLSVVRHSV[UPJLY[OHUHYHISLJYVWZ;VKH`»ZOLH]` machinery would have made a mess of these low lying areas. ;OL,:(OLSWLK[VJVU[YVS[OLJOHUNPUNJV\U[Y`ZPKLMVY[OLNLULYHSW\ISPJ ,:(HSSV^LK\Z[VYL]LY[HYHISL[VNYHZZSHUKHUKPTWYV]PUNIPVKP]LYZP[`PU[OLIYVHKZHYLH

Strumpshaw Fen, RSPB

:VTLSPURLK[OLLU]PYVUTLU[HSILULÄ[Z[V[OLW\ISPJ^P[O[OLLJVUVTPJZVMMHYTPUNNYHaPUN marsh and livestock rearing. ;OLZJOLTL^HZSHUKZJHWLIHZLKÔPJOPU[\YUWYVK\JLKOHIP[H[HUKZWLJPLZILULÄ[Z[OLM\UKPUNHSZV supported grazing livestock systems which experienced economic downturn, this slowed down the migration of livestock from the marshes and helped to maintain a pastoral landscape setting much valued by the public and the tourism industry. ;OL,:(ZJOLTLILULÄ[LK[OLW\ISPJI`YL[HPUPUNHO\NLISVJRVMNYHaPUNTHYZOSHUKPUHUHYLHUV[LKMVY HYHISLMHYTPUNT\JOVMÔPJO^V\SKOH]LV[OLY^PZLILLUWSV\NOLK\W0U [OLWYVÄ[HIPSP[`VMNYHaPUN SP]LZ[VJRJVSSHWZLKHSVUN^P[OTHYZOYLU[Z(YHISLMHYTPUN^HZWYVÄ[HISLWHY[PJ\SHYS`MVYTHYZOVÛLYZÔV had upland arable farms, as we do. Assuming that the general public prefer to see grazing livestock, tumbling SHW^PUN^PSKÅV^LYZ5VYMVSR/H^RLYKYHNVUÅPLZZRLPUZVMWPURMVV[NLLZLHZVWWVZLK[VÄLSKZVMÔLH[ HUKZ\NHYILL[[OLU[OLÌLULÄ[LKO\NLS` ;OLYL^HZTVYLSPRLSPOVVKVMHKP]LYZLZ^HYKJVTWHYLK^P[OPU[LUZP]LS`MHYTLKNYHZZNYVÛW\YLS`MVY production for which the farmer was compensated for. 0M[OLNLULYHSW\ISPJPZTVYLPU[LYLZ[LKPUSV^MVVKWYPJLZ[OHUIPVKP]LYZP[`[OLU[OL`SVZ[V\[[V[OL,:( 0[OPUR[OLW\ISPJILULÄ[LK:HKS`[OLJVZ[^HZL]LU[\HSSÌVYULSHYNLSÌ`VÛLYZUV[I`[OLW\ISPJ[H_WH`LY ;OL,:(YHUV\[VMZ[LHTSHYNLSÌLJH\ZLZLSMPU[LYLZ[LKSVIIPLZMHPSLK[VJVTWYVTPZLZ\MÄJPLU[S` 7YV]PKLKHMHU[HZ[PJOHIP[H[IV[OMVY[OL^PSKSPMLHUK]PZ\HSS`MVY[OLNLULYHSW\ISPJ0[PZ^P[OYLNYL[[OH[0^PSS WSV\NO\W[OL]HZ[THQVYP[`VMT`,:(SHUK[OPZZ\TTLYHUKKYPSS^P[OÔLH[UL_[(\[\TUI\[[OLLJVUVTPJZ of farming make it a necessity.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 27 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Hare and Marsh Harrier on Haddiscoe Marshes

A further group of respondents made the connection between good farming, conservation, and landscape enhancement, as follows: .YHZZSHUK^HZRLW[[PK`HUK^VYRZIL[[LYNVVKNYHaPUNSHUKMVYX\HSP[ÌLLMHUKWSHU[SPML ,:(THPU[HPULKHUPTWVY[HU[SHUKZJHWL[OH[JHUVUSÌLSPRLP[PZ^P[ONYHaPUNHUPTHSZ ,:(HSSV^LKMVYWYV[LJ[PVUVMWYLJPV\Z)YVHKSHUKZLU]PYVUTLU[WYV[LJ[PUNJHYIVUZ[VYHNLVUWLH[THYZOLZ and increased wildlife habitat and biodiversity 0[THPU[HPULK[OLTHYZOLZPUHZ[H[L[OH[^HZ]LY`NVVKMVYJVUZLY]H[PVUILZPKLZILPUN]LY`\ZLM\SRLLWPUN reasonable levels of stock ,:(!4HPU[HPULKWHZ[\YL,UJV\YHNLKNYHaPUN+P[JOWYVÄSPUNÔPJOOLSWLKÅVYH/LSWLKIYLLKPUN^HKLYZ .VVKMVYPU]LY[LIYH[LZ.YHU[HPKHZZPZ[LKNYHaPLYZ>H[LYX\HSP[`ZOV\SKOH]LPTWYV]LKHIP[VYH[SLHZ[SL]LSZ of nutrient ingress should have been reduced. Soil ingress should have been reduced. Probably carbon storage too - but that’s a bit technical for me. ELS/HLS Options 8\LZ[PVUZ[V SVVRLKZWLJPÄJHSS`PU[V,3:/3:4HUHNLTLU[6W[PVUZMVSSV^PUNVUMYVT,:( Q25 Have you entered Entry Level Stewardship (ELS)? 0U5H[\YHS,UNSHUKPU[YVK\JLK[OL,U]PYVUTLU[HS:[L^HYKZOPW:JOLTLNP]PUNºYH[PVUHSLZ»MVY[YHUZMLYZVM agreements under ESAs into ES; “almost all ESA land can be transferred into ES, but there is no automatic right [VLU[LYPU[V/3:^P[O/3:ILPUNKLZPNULK[VZ\WWVY[KLSP]LY`VMWYPVYP[`LU]PYVUTLU[HSILULÄ[Z¹2LÒHIP[H[ HUKZWLJPLZVWWVY[\UP[PLZMVY,:PU)YVHKZ,:(Z^LYLPKLU[PÄLKHUK,:LX\P]HSLU[ZMVY,:(;PLYZ^LYL PKLU[PÄLK:LL(UUL_;^V 8\LZ[PVUZ[V SVVRPU[V[OLKLJPZPVUZYLZWVUKLU[ZTHKLHIV\[ÔL[OLY[V[YHUZMLY,:(SHUKPU[V ELS/HLS options, and their reasons behind these decisions. :L]LU[`Ä]LWLYJLU[VMYLZWVUKLU[ZOHKLU[LYLKPU[V,3:ÔPSL OHKUV[6M[OPZSH[[LY ZVTLOHK entered into HLS. Figure 13 shows the proportion of respondents that entered or considered entering ES schemes.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 28 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Uptake of ELS/HLS Options

Figure 13: Proportion of entry into different agri-environment schemes from ESA

;LSLWOVULPU[LY]PL^Z^P[OMHYTLYZNH]LTVYLPUZPNO[PU[VMHYTLYZ»H[[P[\KLZ[V^HYKZKPMMLYLU[ HNYPLU]PYVUTLU[HSZJOLTLZ" >L^LYL[LTW[LKUV[[VLU[LYPU[V,:ILJH\ZL^LOHK[V[HRLHSP[[SLHYHISLSHUKV\[VMWYVK\J[PVU /V^L]LY^LKLJPKLK[VZHJYPÄJLZVTLTHYNPUHSSHUKHZ^LILSPL]LK[OH[Z\JOZJOLTLZJV\SKILJVTL compulsory, and largely uncompensated. Time has proved us correct. )LJH\ZL0^HZJVUZPKLYPUNHWWS`PUNMVY/3:0OHK[OLLU[Y`HSSYLHK`VUSPUL[VZ\ITP[HUK^HZHK]PZLK not to submit it by my Natural England advisor. 6\Y,:(ZJOLTLÄUPZOLZVU(\N\Z[ @V\ULLK[VWH`WLVWSL^LSS[VZ[VW[OLTWSV\NOPUN3V[ZVMMHTLYZOH]LUVWHZZPVUMVY^PSKSPMLHUKHYL all money people because of past years funding agreements. RSPB are buying marsh to stop it being ploughed up, good, but now nature organisations are conserving habitats not farmers.

Q26 What proportion of your grassland is under an ELS management option? ;OLSHYNLZ[WYVWVY[PVUVMYLZWVUKLU[Z OHKTV]LKHSSVM[OLPY,:(NYHZZSHUKPU[VHU,3:6W[PVU /V^L]LY VMYLZWVUKLU[ZOHKVUS`TV]LK VM[OLPY,:(SHUKPU[V,3:

Proportion of total holding under an ELS Option

Figure 14: Percentage of respondents and the proportion of their land under ELS Options

www.farmconservation.co.uk 29 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q27 Have you considered or applied for Higher Level Stewardship (HLS)? ,:(SHUKJV\SKHSZVIL[YHUZMLYYLKPU[V/3:0U[OLZ\Y]L` VMYLZWVUKLU[ZZHPK[OLÒHKHWWSPLKI\[UV[ ULJLZZHYPSÌLLUHJJLW[LKÔPSL ZHPK[OLÒHKUV[LU[LYLKI\[THÒH]LHWWSPLK9LZWVUKLU[ZÔVOHK UV[LU[LYLKPU[VHU/3::JOLTL^LYLHZRLK[VL_WSHPUÔ`\ZPUNHWYLKL[LYTPULKSPZ[VMYLHZVUZHZZOVÛPU -PN\YL;OLTHPUYLHZVUNP]LU^HZ[OLJVTWSL_P[`VM[OLZJOLTL MVSSV^LKI`[OLSHJRVMÅL_PIPSP[` VM[OLZJOLTL

Reasons selected for not entering HLS Management Options

Figure 15: Respondents’ Key Deterrents to opting into HLS

Respondents were asked if there were any other reasons why they chose not to enter HLS. Three responded that they had received no communications on transferring either into ELS or HLS. Five of the respondents had prepared their plans but were refused when they applied. Several respondents mentioned that it would have YLX\PYLKL_[YHTHUHNLTLU[VYKPKUV[JVTWLUZH[LLUV\NOMVY[OLYLZ[YPJ[PVUZILPUNHWWSPLK" >LKYL^\WHZJOLTLHUKKLJPKLKUV[[VHWWS`;OLUH[\YLVM/3:TLHU[[OH[^L^V\SKOH]L[V[HRLTVYL HYHISLSHUKV\[VMWYVK\J[PVU>P[OÄ_LKJVZ[ZVMTHJOPULY`HUKSHIV\YH[[HJOLK[VV\YI\ZPULZZHUK[OL social responsibility of employing rural labour, we could not afford to go into the HLS, as it may have meant making labour unemployed, and reducing our ability to run our own machinery. >V\SKOH]LSPRLK[VOH]LLU[LYLK[OPZI\[[VVT\JOHYHISLSHUKYLX\PYLK &>H`[VVT\JO ;VVWYLZJYPW[P]LHUKYLX\PYPUNL_[YHTHUHNLTLU[MVYHYLHZPU[OLMHYT ;VVT\JOVM[OPZNVPUNVU^LHYLMHYTLYZUV[M\SS[PTLJVUZLY]H[PVUPZ[Z>LOH]LSVVRLKHM[LY[OL countryside well in the past without going overboard.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 30 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

0OHKL_PZ[PUNOLHKSHUKZI\[,:L_WLJ[LKTL[VWSV\NO\WHUKYLWSHJL^P[OOLHKSHUKZI\[0WYLMLYYLK [VHSSVÛH[\YHSYLNLULYH[PVU5VÅL_PIPSP[`PU/3:ZJOLTLZÔPJO^HU[[VZ[HY[HUL^YH[OLY[OHU^VYR with what is there. 0UJVTLZ[YLHTZ[PSSZWLUKPUNTVUL`VUTHPU[HPUPUN/3:Z[HY[LKPU[VTHPU[HPUMLH[\YLZ ÔH[^PSSOHWWLUÔLU/3:LUKZ& /3:[HRLZHSV[TVYL^VYR[OV\NO[HUKWSHUUPUN[VTHRLP[^VYR¶`V\^VYROHYKLYMVY[OL money you receive. 7VZ[,:(Y\SLZHYL[PNO[LYM\UKPUNIV\UKHYPLZUV[ZVNLULYV\Z,3:ZJOLTL^HZLHZPLY[VTHUHNL HUKÄ[[LK^LSS^P[OMHYTWSHU +,-9(ZLLTZ[VWYVTV[LQVIZMVY[OLIV`ZZVHSV[TVYLWVSPJPUNOHWWLU0[ZLLTZ[OLYLHYLTVYL +,-9(WLVWSLVU[OLMHYT[OHUMHYTLYZ

6ULYLZWVUKLU[ÔVOHKLU[LYLK[OLZJOLTLZHPKP[Ä[[LK^LSS^P[OOPZMHYTTHUHNLTLU[WSHU" /3:Ä[^HZUV[[VVIHKTHPUMVJ\ZVUTHYZOSHUKSV^SHUKNYHaPUN^P[OZVTLLUOHUJLK^PSKIPYKZLLKTP_ HUKÅVYPZ[PJHSS`LUOHUJLKNYHZZTHYNPUZPUHYLHZ[OH[KVU»[NYV^T\JOHUKSVVRNVVK/3:6W[PVUZTH` enhance the shoot but that’s not its not main purpose. ;OL-\[\YLVM[OL4HYZOLZVU[OL,_WPY`VM Environmental Stewardship Agreements 4HWZHUKZOV^[OLZLX\LU[PHSL_WPY`KH[LZVM)YVHKZ,3:6,3:HUK/3:(NYLLTLU[Z^P[OPU[OLWYL]PV\Z ,:(IV\UKHY`Z[HY[PUNMYVT[OLWYLZLU[KH`\U[PS MVY,3:Ä]L`LHYHNYLLTLU[ZHUKMVY/3: [LU`LHYHNYLLTLU[Z Map 3 [pg32]: In general, ESA Tier 1 land transferred into ELS/OELS Options, or underpinned HLS Options. ;OLZLTHYZOLZ^LYLVM[LUZTHSSLYWHYJLSZVYVMSV^HNYPJ\S[\YHS]HS\LPUHYHISL[LYTZ0[PZKPMÄJ\S[[VWYLKPJ[ ÔH[^PSSOHWWLU[V[OLZLTHYZOLZVU,3:L_WPY`;OL ,3:HNYLLTLU[OVSKLYZÔV»ZZJOLTLZL_WPYLPU will have to wait until January 2016 for an agreement under NELMS. A few will be selected by NE for the Higher ;PLYÔPSZ[[OLYLTHPUPUN^PSSOH]L[VTHRLHUHWWSPJH[PVU[OLTZLS]LZ\ZPUNHUL^VUSPULZ`Z[LT>P[OZPUNSL annual start dates, there is a risk that rather than wait and lose a years cropping, farmers will plough up options [OH[L_JLLK[OL.YLLUPUNYLX\PYLTLU[Z;OLZLZTHSSSV^LU]PYVUTLU[HSX\HSP[`SHUKWHYJLSZZLLT\USPRLS`[V TLL[[OL5,34:[HYNL[PUNJYP[LYPHMYVT[OL5,IYPLÄUNZH[[LUKLKZVMHY7HZ[\YLVM[OPZUH[\YL^HZUV[LSPNPISL under HLS. Perhaps the only solution to this is to return to the landscape concept, with farms combining land under joint agreements to increase the chances of entering NELMS, and managing water levels across whole levels instead of on individual holdings. Map 4 [Table 4]: The Broads ESA was a high priority area for HLS, requiring specialist management to conserve OHIP[H[ZHUKZWLJPLZHUKYL[HPUILULÄJPHS^H[LYSL]LSZ(Z[OLZLHNYLLTLU[ZL_WPYLP[PZOVWLK[OH[T\JOVM[OPZ SHUK^PSSLU[LYPU[VUL^5,34:HNYLLTLU[ZI\[[OH[ÔPJOYLTHPUZV\[ZPKL[OLHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[Z`Z[LTPZH[ YPZRVMPU[LUZPÄJH[PVU

www.farmconservation.co.uk 31 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Map 3: Sequential Broads ELS Expiries

Table 3: Sequential Broads ELS Expiries

Year Agreement Count Area (ha) 2014 12 2,542 2015 149 77,007 2016 327 276,027 2017 319 240,735

www.farmconservation.co.uk 32 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Map 4: Sequential HLS Agreement Expiries

Table 4: Sequential Broads HLS Expiries

www.farmconservation.co.uk 33 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

;OL-\[\YLVM(NYPLU]PYVUTLU[HS:JOLTLZ ;OLUL_[ZLJ[PVUMVJ\ZZLKVUMHYTLYZ»VWPUPVUZHIV\[M\[\YLHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[HSZJOLTLZPUWHY[PJ\SHY the CAP Greening measures and the upcoming transition period.

8 /V^^PSS[OL*(7NYLLUPUNTLHZ\YLZPUÅ\LUJL`V\YKLJPZPVUTHRPUNPUYLNHYKZ[VNYHZZSHUK& Since the online survey was sent out before DEFRA issued more concrete details on CAP Greening, it was natural that a number of farmers were uncertain and needed more information. The paper surveys were sent V\[HM[LY+,-9(»Z.\PKHUJLZOLL[ZVU.YLLUPUN^P[OHUZ^LYZPU[OPZIH[JOZOV^PUN[OH[YLZWVUKLU[ZHWWLHYLK to be more informed. However, Figure 16 shows that there appears to still be a degree of uncertainty about [OLKL[HPSZVM.YLLUPUN (YV\UK PU[LUK[VRLLWTHUHNLTLU[HZP[^HZ\UKLY,:(YLNHYKSLZZVM the new Greening measures.

0UÅ\LUJLVM*(7.YLLUPUN4LHZ\YLZVU.YHZZSHUK+LJPZPVUZ

Figure 16: Decisions for future Grassland management based on CAP Greening measures

;LSLWOVULPU[LY]PL^ZWYV]PKLKPUZPNO[PU[VMHYTLYZ»PUKLJPZPVUVU[OLUL^*(7.YLLUPUN" (Z`L[\URUV^UHKLJPZPVU^PSSILTHKL^OLU[OLTLHZ\YLZHYLKLÄULK[OLYLPZHSPTP[[VOV^T\JO NYLLUPUNLU]PYVUTLU[HSZLY]PJLZHOVSKPUNJHUJHYY` >LHYL[Y`PUN[V^VYRV\[[OLPTWSPJH[PVUZH[[OLTVTLU[^P[OV\[HSS[OLPUMVYTH[PVU[OH[^LULLK

VMYLZWVUKLU[Z^P[O,3:6W[PVUZHUK VM/3:6W[PVUZOVSKLYZWSHUULKUV[[VJOHUNLTHUHNLTLU[ \U[PS[OLZLZJOLTLZL_WPYL" “Management will change very little as most of our grassland is in some scheme or another.”

www.farmconservation.co.uk 34 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

(M\Y[OLY VM/3:OVSKLYZZHPK[OL`^V\SKTV]L/3:PU[V,-(VYKLJPKL^OLU*(7.YLLUPUNILJVTLZJSLHYLY" 0[KLWLUKZ]LY`T\JOOV^[OLY\SLZKV]L[HPS^P[OZ[L^HYKZOPWYLX\PYLTLU[ZHUKWH`TLU[SL]LSZ

A couple of farmers who had not transferred from ESA into ES noted that the new CAP Greening may penalise those who did; ¸>LHYLOV^L]LY]PUKPJH[LKPUV\YKLJPZPVUTHRPUNYLNHYKPUN,3:/3:HZJVTW\SZVY`NYLLUPUN TLHZ\YLZ4(@KPZHK]HU[HNL\ZM\Y[OLY¹ ¸*HUUV[ZH`\U[PSKL[HPSZVMSL[[LYMYVT5,HUKPZZ\LZYLNHYKPUNKV\ISLM\UKPUN¹

/PNO^H[LYSL]LSZPU[OL@HYL=HSSL`

Q30 Would you be interested in seeing how others are managing the transition period between the ESA schemes and forthcoming new environmental land management schemes? 6M[OVZLMHYTLYZ[OH[YLZWVUKLK ^V\SKILPU[LYLZ[LKHUK UV[PU[LYLZ[LKPUZLLPUNOV^ others are managing the transition period.

Q31 What do you consider to be the outlook for agri-environment schemes? Comments in this section range from the positive, “If driven by a balanced view between the environment and production they have a great future”, to the more pessimistic, “Bleak. They are much less accessible to many MHYTLYZ[OLYLI`KLZ[YV`PUN[OLILULÄ[ZVMWYL]PV\ZZJOLTLZ;OL`^PSSWH`SLZZ[VV¹ 6]LYHSSHYV\UK VMYLZWVUKLU[ZMLS[[OLM\[\YLVM(,^HZ¸ISLHRNYPTVYWVVY¹^P[O \UZ\YLVM[OL future. Some of the comments from those that felt the future was bleak included; )SLHR5V^NYLLUPUNPZJVTPUN\WP[TH`UV[ILX\P[LZVISLHRI\[HWWLHYZ[VILSLZZNLULYV\Z and less on a landscape level. .VVKUH[PVUHSS`WVVYSVJHSS` ([YPZRMYVT[OLSPRLZVM6^LU7H[[LYZVU

www.farmconservation.co.uk 35 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

“You can’t be green while you’re in the red!” The Broads ESA was managed as a landscape plan so it was easier for neighbours [VHJOPL]LP[ZHPTZL]LUPM[OL`KPKU»[ZWLJPÄJHSS`^VYR[VNL[OLY;OL/3:^HZTVYL restrictive and it was not easy to link up with other farmers as each HLS plan was not joined and quite restrictive. If you were willing to work with NE advisors and there ^HZUVJVUÅPJ[`V\JV\SKLUK\W^P[OHNVVKZJOLTLI\[P[ZLLTLKPM`V\Y\IILK [OLT\W[OL^YVUN^H`[OLZO\[[LYZJHTLKV^UHUK`V\JV\SKU»[NL[VU[OLZJOLTL The scheme should have been made available to all and funded, maybe by modulating between pillars 1 and 2? Otherwise it was a postcode lottery. ;OLUL^5,34:PZUV[^VY[O[OLWHWLYP[»Z^YP[[LUVUHUKTH`LUK\WJYLH[PUN wildlife deserts since it will not ensure the right habitats are in place to encourage biodiversity. If it was regionalised it might have a better chance. If the return on putting in place environment schemes is poor, why would a farmer do it? Comment in telephone interview.

Several respondents referred to the need for balance between food security and conservation: 62ÔPSLMVVKPZWSLU[PM\S 9LHZVUHISLILHYPUNPUTPUK^LHYLMHYTLYZWYVK\JPUN]LYÙLLKM\SWYVK\JL 0MKYP]LUI`HIHSHUJLK]PLÎL[^LLU[OLLU]PYVUTLU[HUKWYVK\J[PVU[OLÒH]LHNYLH[M\[\YL +PZHZ[LYHZHSSSHUK^PSSILULLKLK[VWYVK\JLMVVKMVY[OL^VYSKPU[OLM\[\YL ;OLÒH]L[OLPYWSHJLI\[NVVKHNYPJ\S[\YHSSHUKZOV\SKUV[IL[HRLUV\[VMWYVK\J[PVUQ\Z[ILJH\ZLHJP]PS ZLY]HU[ZH`Z^LOH]L[V6ULY\SLKVLZUV[Ä[HSSHUK0[OPURMVVKZLJ\YP[`PZILPUNV]LYSVVRLKHUK[OLYLPZ too much emphasis on environment matters. If the country side is to environmentally sustainable it also has to pay for farmers to take land out of production. 5L^(NYPLU]PYVUTLU[HSZJOLTLZT\Z[MVJ\ZVUMVVKZLJ\YP[`HUKLU]PYVUTLU[LX\HSS`

Some respondents suggested ways to improve the outlook for AE schemes: 4VYL[HYNL[PUNTVYLJVTWL[P[PVUMVYSLZZM\UKPUNTVYLLSLTLU[ZVM[OLZJOLTLHIHZPJ\UM\UKLK YLX\PYLTLU[[PNO[LYWYLZJYPW[PVUZ 0^HZOVWPUN`V\^V\SK[LSSTL0OH]LHIPN/3:HUK^PSSILSVVRPUN[VYLUL^PU[V5,34:PU 7VZP[P]LI\[WYVIHIS`HKTPUPZ[LYLKPUHMVYT\SHPJHUK[OLYLMVYLPUHWWYVWYPH[LTHUULY HUKJVUZLX\LU[S`SLZZH[[YHJ[P]LHUKWYVK\J[P]L[OHU[OL`JV\SKIL 9LK\JLKZWLUKTVYLYLN\SH[PVUOVWLM\SS`TVYL[HYNL[LK[VILULÄJPHYPLZ]HS\L

Others linked environmental conservation and agricultural economics:

www.farmconservation.co.uk 36 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

7YVIHIS`^PSSJVU[PU\LZV9:7)^PSSILULÄ[NYLH[S` .VVKPMVULVÛZHU:::00MUV[P[SVVRZSPRLTVUL`PZKLZ[PULKMVY5.6»Z ;OLÙLLK[VJVU[PU\L[VTHPU[HPU[OLWVZP[P]LLU]PYVUTLU[HSIPVKP]LYZP[`[OLÌYPUN

Q32 Would you be willing to work with neighbours to deliver wider conservation work at a landscape scale? ;OL,:(^HZLZZLU[PHSS`JVUZLY]H[PVUVUHSHUKZJHWLZJHSL;OPZX\LZ[PVU^HZHZRLK[VNH\NLMHYTLY»Z VWPUPVUZHIV\[[OPZHWWYVHJOHUK[VÄUKV\[[OLKLNYLLVMJVUULJ[PVUIL[^LLUMHYTZPU[LYTZVM^PKLY environmental conservation. 4VZ[MHYTLYZ ^V\SKILPU[LYLZ[LKPUJVUZLY]H[PVUH[SHUKZJHWLZJHSL^OPSL ^V\SKUV[^HU[[V^VYR [OPZ^H`(U\TILYVM[OLHUZ^LYZZLLTLK[VKLWLUKVU[OLYLSH[PVUZOPWMHYTLY»ZOHK^P[O[OLPYULPNOIV\YZ rather than the concept of landscape conservation. Comments from those that answered that they would work with neighbours; 3HUKZJHWLKLSP]LY`^PSSILPTWVY[HU[HUKOHZL_JP[PUNWVZZPIPSP[PLZ 0^PSSKVHU`[OPUN[OH[LUOHUJLZ[OLUH[\YHSILH\[`VM[OL)YVHKZ">PSKSPMLTHUHNLTLU[L[J >LHSYLHK`[Y`[VKV[OPZ ;OL)YVHKZHYLH[YPZRMYVT[VVT\JO^H[LYHIZ[YHJ[PVU5VVULPZWH`PUNH[[LU[PVU @LZPU[OLL_HJ[SVJHSP[` ;VWYV]PKLHJVYYPKVYMVY^PSKSPML (S^H`ZWVZZPIPSP[PLZPU[OLM\[\YL ^LHYLHSYLHK`PU]VS]LK^P[OULPNOIV\YZ[VHJOPL]LH^PKLYZJHSLLMMLJ[ ^LKVUV^ OH]LHS^H`Z^VYRLK^P[O[OLTPU[OLWHZ[ ;OLTHYZOLZHYLPUHJVUZLY]H[PVUHYLHZV^LHSYLHK`^VYR[VHNYLH[LYWSHU 6\YMHYTPZZ\YYV\UKLKI`SPRLTPUKLKLU[LYWYPZLZ^OVYLJVNUPaL[OH[PU[LYHJ[P]LWSHUUPUNNP]LZ more bang for the buck =VS\U[HY`JVVWLYH[PVU\UKLYWPUULKI`ÄUHUJPHSPUJLU[P]LT\Z[ILHNVVK^H`MVY^HYKMVY farming and the environment. We all gain. 7YV]PKLK[OLYLPZHULJVUVTPJILULÄ[ >LOH]LHSHYNLYHYLH[VVMMLY

6[OLYZOPNOSPNO[LK[OLKPMÄJ\S[PLZPU^VYRPUN^P[OULPNOIV\YZ! 0OH]LVULYP]LYIHUR4ÒHUKZHYL[PLKPM[OLVJJ\WPLYVM[OLV[OLYYP]LYIHURKVLZUV[^HU[[VQVPU )\[UV[^PSSPUN[VILKVTPUH[LKI`ZOVY[[LYTLU]PYVUTLU[HSKLJPZPVU+LJPZPVUZT\Z[ILTHKLVU SVUN[LYTWYVÄ[HISLI\ZPULZZIHZPZ ;OLYLPZHO\NLJVUÅPJ[IL[^LLUMHYTLYZSHUKVÛLYZV]LY9+7,TVUL`*OHUNLZ[VJH[JOTLU[THUHNLTLU[ must be done on landscape scale and environmentalists must draw back from the current position >LKVUV[OH]L[OLYLX\PYLKRP[ZVJV\SKVUS`^VYR^P[OULPNOIV\YZ^PSSPUN[VZOHYLYLZV\YJLZ ;OPZ^V\SKILSPRLNL[[PUN;\YRL`Z[V]V[LMVY*OYPZ[THZ>OV^V\SKILPUV]LYHSSJVU[YVS&>OV^V\SK be willing to have more invasive management options on their land when your neighbours could have LHZPLYVW[PVUZ& 4ÙLPNOIV\YZHYLHSSHYHISLZVP[^V\SKILOHYK[VÄUKH^H`[V^VYRMVYLU]PYVUTLU[HSILULÄ[Z 0[JVTWSPJH[LZP[TVYL ;OLYP]LYHUK[^V:::0UH[\YLYLZLY]LZHYLTÙLPNOIV\YZVYIV\UKHY`VULULPNOIV\YOHZSP[[SLLUNHNLTLU[ with active conservation the other has little physical common boundary.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 37 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Comments from those who voted “No” highlighted the following issues; ;OLJVTWL[P[PVUMVYSHUKPZ[VVZ[YVUNPU[OPZHYLH ;VVILH\YVJYH[PJMVY[OLWH`TLU[ZPU]VS]LK 4`IPNNLYULPNOIV\YZ^LYL^HU[LKMVY/3:0^HZU»[ZV^O`ZOV\SK0& (ZH[LUHU[0OH]LSLZZJOVPJL 5VULLK -HYTLYZOH]LKPMMLYLU[VWPUPVUZ 0KVU»[HWWYV]LVMZVTLJVUZLY]H[PVUTL[OVKZ

Marshes at Hickling Broad

Sources of Information concerning AE Schemes and Conservation How do farmers get the information they need to make decisions about the future of the marshes, and where do [OL`ÄUK[OLHUZ^LYZ&8\LZ[PVUZ[VHUKHZ^LSSHZ[LSLWOVULPU[LY]PL^Z[YPLK[VHUZ^LY[OLZLX\LZ[PVUZ

Q33 Do you feel you have received enough information about future funding opportunities and legislation to know which way to take your business next? ;OPY[ÙPULWLYJLU[VMYLZWVUKLU[ZMLS[[OLÒHKUV[YLJLP]LKLUV\NOPUMVYTH[PVUÔPSL MLS[[OLÒHK ;OLYLTHPUPUN KPKUV[HUZ^LY[OPZX\LZ[PVU

Q34 What information do you require / would you like to receive and who do you seek advice from regarding future options? A large proportion of respondents wanted greater clarity on the new CAP Greening regulations: *VUZLY]H[PVUPZHSVUN[LYT[OPUN:VPZZ[VJRTHUHNLTLU[>LULLK[VRUV^ÔH[[OLM\[\YLOVSKZHUK we need a much longer term approach from the government so we understand where these schemes are going into the future so we can plan. 8\PJRLYJSHYPÄJH[PVUVUNYLLUPUNVM*(7^V\SKOLSWSVVRÔLUSVVRPUNH[YLHSPZ[PJVW[PVUZ -\Y[OLYVW[PVUZPMH]HPSHISL (J[\HSJSHYP[`VMÔH[PZNVPUNVU.L[5H[\YHS,UNSHUK[VW\SS[OLPYÄUNLYV\[HUKÄUHSS`KLJPKLVU[OL new schemes. (next 2 months) >LHSSULLKJSHYPÄJH[PVUVUKV\ISLM\UKPUN

www.farmconservation.co.uk 38 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Others needed more information about the transition from ELS/HLS into Greening and NELMS: (SYLHK`PU,3:/3:0Z[OLYLHU`SVUN[LYTNV]LYUTLU[Z[YH[LN`& 0^PSSULLKOLSWÔLUT`,3:ÄUPZOLZ 0OH]LHU/3:ZJOLTL^P[O`LHYZ[VY\UHUK0ULLK[VOH]LZVTLPKLHVMÔH[^PSSZ\JJLLKP[HUKOV^ [OH[^PSSÄ[PU^P[O[OLULLKZVMTÒVSKPUN0^V\SKZLLR[OH[HK]PJLMYVTHSS[OLZV\YJLZ[OH[0JHUÄUK[OH[ have the ability to see the bigger picture. 0»THIP[^VYYPLK[VRUV^ÔH[»ZIL`VUK/3:ÔH[^PSSYLTHPUHUKOV^P[^PSSWPJR\WLHYSPLY,:(SHUK (SV[VM[OLMLH[\YLZVU[OLMHYTHWWLHY[VZH[PZM`[OLUL^NYLLUPUNYLX\PYLTLU[ZZV0[OPUR^L^PSSIL62

More general information required by respondents included: /LSW[VILJSL]LYLYH[PU[LNYH[PUN[OLVW[PVUZ^P[O[OLMHYTI\ZPULZZULLKZ (SS[OH[PZH]HPSHISLPUWHY[PJ\SHY!TVYLPUMVYTH[PVUHIV\[[OLHK]LYZLLMMLJ[ZVM^H[LYHIZ[YHJ[PVU /H]LSP[[SLPUMVYTH[PVUVUM\UKPUNVWWVY[\UP[PLZHUKSLNPZSH[PVUI\[[OH[»ZWYVIHIS`K\L[VTL .YHU[Z

(U\TILYVMYLZWVUKLU[ZTLU[PVULK[OLMYHNTLU[LKHUKVM[LUV]LY^OLSTPUNHTV\U[VMPUMVYTH[PVU[OL`YLJLP]L! >LNL[I\UKSLZVMPUMVYTH[PVUMYVTHSSJVYULYZ!-YVT[OL5-<[OL*3(3HUK(NLU[ZHUKTVYL¶P[»ZHSS[VV T\JOPUMVYTH[PVU[VZVY[V\[;VKH`YLJLP]LKHSL[[LYMYVT5,VU*(7YLMVYTZHZ^LOH]LKV\ISLM\UKPUNMVY V\Y,3:VUVULOVSKPUN`L[TVYLWHWLY^VYR 5H[\YHS,UNSHUKZOV\SKJVVYKPUH[LHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[PUMVYTH[PVUSPRL[OL-VYLZ[Y`*VTTPZZPVUKVMVY woodland management grants, which provides links to other information. ;OVZL[OH[ILULÄ[MYVTHSS[OLZL(,ZJOLTLZHYL[OLSHUKHNLU[Z\USLZZMHYTLYZKV[OL^VYRMVY[OLTZLS]LZ ;OLYLPZQ\Z[[VVT\JOPUMVYTH[PVUMVYLSKLYS`HUKZTHSSMHYTLYZ[VKLHS^P[O(SSHK]PJLKPMMLYZHIP[0Q\Z[ want to be a farmer not a bookkeeper.

Figure 17 illustrates the range of information sources where respondents seek advice on AE schemes. ;OLTHQVYP[`\ZLVUSPULYLZV\YJLZHS[OV\NO[OPZPUJS\KLZ[OLOVTLWHNLZVMVYNHUPZH[PVUZZ\JOHZ[OL5-< *3(HUKV[OLYZ>OLYLZWLJPÄJVYNHUPZH[PVUZHYLTLU[PVULK[OLPUMVYTH[PVUJVTLZLP[OLY[OYV\NOKPYLJ[ phone calls, postal information or workshops/seminars.

Sources of information on AE Schemes

Figure 17: Respondents selection of information sources (Telephone interviews)

www.farmconservation.co.uk 39 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

The telephone survey found that farmers received their information on conservation from a range of sources, with the predominant organisation being Norfolk FWAG (although this might be biased since questionnaires were posted to farmers were either FWAG members or members of Anglia Farmers, where FWAG is based. 6[OLYZV\YJLZVMPUMVYTH[PVUMVYJVUZLY]H[PVUHK]PJLHYLZOV^UPU-PN\YL 0[T\Z[ILYLTLTILYLK[OH[[OPZ is a very small sample, and potentially not representative of all farmers in the Broads.

Environmental Advice Sources by percentage of respondents

Figure 18: Sources of Conservation Information from telephone interviews

Some respondents provided comments on conservation advice they had received: >LMV\UK[OL9:7)¸4HRPUN*VUZLY]H[PVU>VYR¹HK]PJLPZOLSWM\SI\[MLLS[OLPYHNLUKH[VZLJ\YL funds is a deterrent. 6\YMHYTIVYKLYZBHSHYNLd,Z[H[L^OPJOOHZH]LY`RUV^SLKNLHISL,Z[H[L4HUHNLY6\YJVUULJ[PVU also allows for some conservation on landscape scale under HLS 0NL[TVZ[VMT`PUMVYTH[PVUI`UL[^VYRPUNHUK[HSRPUN[VV[OLYMHYTLYZPUHUPUMVYTHS^H`PUMVYTHS -HYT]PZP[ZOH]LILLUH\ZLM\SZV\YJLVMPUMVYTH[PVU 5VYMVSR->(.OHZHJSLHYHNLUKHHUKOHZVMMLYLKSV[ZVMOLSWM\SHK]PJLHUKN\PKHUJL

www.farmconservation.co.uk 40 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Attitudes Towards Ecosystem Services And Conservation 8\LZ[PVUZ[V L_WSVYLK^OL[OLYMHYTLYZMLS[[OL`^LYLKLSP]LYPUNLJVZ`Z[LTZLY]PJLZI`THPU[HPUPUNSV^ PU[LUZP[`NYHaPUNZ`Z[LTZ[OYV\NO(,ZJOLTLZZ\JOHZ,:((NYPLU]PYVUTLU[ZJOLTLZ[VKH[LOH]LUV[ILLU IHZLKVU7H`TLU[ZMVY,JVZ`Z[LT:LY]PJLZ7,:HS[OV\NO[OLYLPZHJVUZPKLYHISLIVK`VM^VYRVU[OLLMÄJHJ` VM[OPZHWWYVHJO;OL4PSSLUUP\T,JVZ`Z[LT(ZZLZZTLU[PKLU[PÄLK[^LU[`MV\YZWLJPÄJLJVZ`Z[LT services, of which the big three include climate change mitigation, watershed services and biodiversity JVUZLY]H[PVU*VUZ[HUaHL[HS LZ[PTH[LK[OH[[OLHUU\HS]HS\LVMNSVIHSLJVSVNPJHSILULÄ[ZH[ [YPSSPVU;OL,JVUVTPJZVM,JVZ`Z[LTZHUK)PVKP]LYZP[`;,,)KYH^ZH[[LU[PVU[V[OLLJVUVTPJILULÄ[ZVM IPVKP]LYZP[`PUJS\KPUN[OLNYV^PUNJVZ[VMIPVKP]LYZP[`SVZZHUKLJVZ`Z[LTKLNYHKH[PVUHUKLUJV\YHNLWVSPJ` makers to recognize, demonstrate and capture the values of ecosystem services and biodiversity.

Q35 Would you be interested in being paid for delivering ecosystem services? 4VZ[VM[OLYLZWVUKLU[Z Z[H[LK[OH[[OL`^V\SKILPU[LYLZ[LKPUILPUNWHPKMVYLJVZ`Z[LTZLY]PJLZ ^OPSL ^LYLUV[PU[LYLZ[LK

Q36 Is increasing food production a priority when considering the future of the marshes? This question related to the decisions respondents might make in terms of future use of their land, either as low PUW\[NYHaPUNTHYZOVYMVYHYHISLJYVWWYVK\J[PVU;OLYLZ\S[Z^LYLL]LUS`ZWSP[^P[O ZH`PUN`LZHUK ZH`PUNUV;OLZLYLZ\S[ZYLÅLJ[[OLJVTTLU[Z\UKLY8\LZ[PVU^OPJOOPNOSPNO[[OLZWSP[PUVWPUPVUZ HIV\[[OLW\YWVZLHUKV\[JVTLZVMHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[ZJOLTLZ

Q37 Do you think that by maintaining low intensity grazing systems you are providing ecosystem services and contributing to climate change mitigation? Figure 21 shows that most respondents felt that the main ecosystem services they provided by low input NYHZZSHUKTHUHNLTLU[^LYLÅVVKHSSL]PH[PVU PTWYV]LK^H[LYX\HSP[` PTWYV]PUNOHIP[H[ JVUULJ[P]P[` HUKPUJYLHZPUNIPVKP]LYZP[` 6US` MLS[[OH[[OLPYLJVZ`Z[LTZLY]PJLZOHKHUPTWHJ[ on IDB payments, which would be less if there was less need to drain and pump water out of dykes. Just under half the respondents understand the connection between the importance of conserving habitats and ZWLJPLZMVY[V\YPZ[Z HZ^LSSHZIL[^LLUSV^PU[LUZP[`NYHZZSHUKHUKJHYIVUZLX\LZ[YH[PVU *\YYLU[S` farmers are not compensated directly for the delivery of ecosystem services under NELMS, although the value of their engagement in ESA and subsequent ES schemes is huge in terms of ecosystem services.

Figure 21: Ecosystem Services respondents provide through low intensity grazing marsh maintenance.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 41 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q38 Who do you think should be paying for the services you offer by maintaining low intensity grazing marshes? -PN\YLZOV^Z[OH[[OLTHQVYP[`VMYLZWVUKLU[Z MLLS[OH[5H[\YHS,UNSHUKZOV\SKILWH`PUNMVY[OLZL ZLY]PJLZ^P[O MLLSPUN+,-9(ZOV\SKWH`(SV^LYWLYJLU[HNL [OV\NO[[OL,

Figure 22: Respondents opinions on sources of payments for ecosystem services.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 42 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Knowledge of Regulations Pertaining to Changing Grassland Management *OHUNPUNNYHZZSHUKTHUHNLTLU[PZZ\IQLJ[[VHU\TILYVMYLN\SH[PVUZ8\LZ[PVUZHUK [VL_WSVYLK what decisions farmers intend to make in light of regulations on changing grassland management.

Q39 What measures will you take before making a decision on the future of the marshes? ;OLTHQVYP[`VMYLZWVUKLU[Z ZHPK[OL`^V\SKJHYY`V\[HI\ZPULZZHZZLZZTLU[PSS\Z[YH[PUN[OLULLK[V be economically viable yet savvy about the best way to balance farming and environment considerations in [OLSPNO[VMUL^*(7.YLLUPUNTLHZ\YLZ(,ZJOLTLZHUKLJVSVNPJHSWYPVYP[PLZ;OLMHJ[[OH[ TLU[PVU LJVSVNPJHSHZZLZZTLU[PUJS\KPUN,0(HUK JOVZLSHUKKYHPUHNL^P[O JOVVZPUNZVPS[LZ[PUNTH`IL an indication of respondents intention to consider intensively managing or cultivating ESA grasslands in future. Figure 19 present the responses given for this question.

Intended Assessment Measures taken prior to Farming Decisions

Figure 19: Intended Assessment measures prior to respondents farming decisions

Q40 Are you aware of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations for uncultivated land?

8/H]L`V\OLHYKVMJVHZ[HSHUKÅVVWSHPUNYHaPUNTHYZO)(7OHIP[H[HUKP[ZYVSLPU[OL,0(KLJPZPVU making process? -HYTLYZÔV^PZO[VHNYPJ\S[\YHSS`PTWYV]LV]LYOHVM\UPTWYV]LKVYZLTPUH[\YHSSHUK*VHZ[HS-SVVKWSHPU .YHaPUN4HYZO[OH[OH]LUV[ILLUJ\S[P]H[LKWO`ZPJHSS`VYJOLTPJHSS`PU[OLSHZ[`LHYZT\Z[HWWS`[V Natural England for an EIA screening decision. Agricultural improvements include increased levels of fertiliser or soil improvers; sowing seed; physically cultivating soil (e.g. by ploughing, tine harrowing, rotavating); draining SHUK"VYJSLHYPUNL_PZ[PUN]LNL[H[PVULP[OLYWO`ZPJHSS`VY\ZPUNOLYIPJPKLZ ;OPY[`ZL]LUWLYJLU[VMYLZWVUKLU[Z^LYLH^HYLVM,0(YLN\SH[PVUZÔLYLHZ ZHPK[OL`^LYLUV[-PN\YL presents respondents levels of awareness of the regulations mentioned in questions 40 to 45. Permanent grassland is land that has been used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage (that has not been PUJS\KLKPU[OLJYVWYV[H[PVUVM[OLOVSKPUNMVY`LHYZVYTVYL0[JHUILZLSMZLLKLKVYZVÛ If the percentage of permanent grassland in England – compared to the area of agricultural land – falls by more [OHU MHYTLYZÔVOH]LWSV\NOLKWLYTHULU[NYHZZSHUKTHÒH]L[VYLPUZ[H[LP[0[^V\SKHSZVTLHU[OH[ there would be restrictions on any further ploughing of permanent grassland.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 43 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

In the recent Defra CAP reform guidance there is a new rule around what is counted as permanent grassland, ^OPJO^PSSPUJYLHZL[OLUH[PVUHSHYLH¸0M[OLSHUKOHZILLUYLZV^U^P[ONYHZZVYV[OLYOLYIHJLV\ZMVYHNL during the past 5 years, it is still permanent grassland. Therefore large areas of temporary grass will suddenly ILJSHZZPÄLK¸WLYTHULU[¹PU0UYLHSP[`[OV\NOHZP[^PSSOH]LOHKJOLTPJHSVYWO`ZPJHSJ\S[P]H[PVUPU[OL SHZ[`LHYZP[PZZ[PSS\USPRLS`[VILZ\IQLJ[[VHU,0( (YLHZVMWLYTHULU[NYHZZSHUKJV]LYLKI`[OL>PSK)PYKZHUKVY/HIP[H[Z+PYLJ[P]LZ5H[\YHJHU»[IL ploughed up.

Q42 Do you think that EIA Regulations apply to you? ([V[HSVM [OV\NO[,0(YLN\SH[PVUZHWWSPLK[V[OLT^OPSL MLS[[OL`KPKUV[(Z[OPZ^HZHUHUVU`TV\Z Z\Y]L`P[PZUV[WVZZPISL[VKV\ISLJOLJR^OL[OLY[OLYLZWVUKLU[Z»HZZLZZTLU[VM,0(HWWSPJH[PVUPZJVYYLJ[

Q43 Are you aware that the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) now includes grassland options? ;OL*HTWHPNUMVY[OL-HYTLK,U]PYVUTLU[*-,W\ISPZOLKHZL]LUWVPU[JVUZLY]H[PVUTHUHNLTLU[WSHU[V guide lowland farmers on how they can best improve their farmed environment most effectively “Conservation 4HUHNLTLU[(K]PJLMVY`V\Y3P]LZ[VJR)\ZPULZZ¹0[HPTZ[VWYV[LJ[VYPTWYV]LOHIP[H[Z^OPSLÄ[[PUNPU[V business plans, drawing on best practice in soil management, crop nutrition and fertiliser and pesticide use. VMYLZWVUKLU[Z^LYLH^HYLVM[OPZ^OPSL ^LYLUV[

Q44 Are you likely to take up voluntary measures for low input grass? With the introduction of greening under the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and changes to ,UNSHUK»ZHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[ZJOLTLZMHYTLYZ^PSSULLK[VKLJPKLOVÎLZ[[VJVTIPULWYVK\J[P]LMHYTPUN^P[O environmental management. The CFE voluntary environmental measures are an unpaid form of environmental SHUKTHUHNLTLU[ÔPJOILULÄ[[OLLU]PYVUTLU[ÔPSZ[ILPUNHNYVUVTPJHSS`WYHJ[PJHS,U]PYVUTLU[HSTLHZ\YLZ NVIL`VUK[OVZLYLX\PYLKI`JYVZZJVTWSPHUJLHUKHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[ZJOLTLZ0U4HYJO*-,JHYYPLKV\[ a survey to assess the uptake of voluntary measures in lowland farms involving OVSKPUNZ^P[OHYLZWVUZLYH[LVM ;OL`MV\UK[OH[ VMSV^SHUKOVSKPUNZOHKSHUK^P[OPUVULVM the 22 listed voluntary measures. They found that a strong link with the level of understanding of CFE; uptake YVZLMYVTHYV\UK VM[OVZL^P[OSPTP[LK\UKLYZ[HUKPUNVYSP[[SLUVPKLHHIV\[*-,[V VM[OVZL^P[OH good understanding. (DEFRA 2013) ;HISLZOV^Z[OH[ ZHPK[OL`^V\SK[HRL\W]VS\U[HY`TLHZ\YLZHNHPUZ[ ÔVZHPK[OL`^V\SKUV[ 6M[OLZL ^LYLH^HYLVM*-,HUK^V\SK[HRL]VS\U[HY`TLHZ\YLZ" ^LYLH^HYLI\[^V\SKUV[[HRL ]VS\U[HY`TLHZ\YLZ;OVZLÔV^LYLUV[H^HYLVM[OL*-,VW[PVUZ ^V\SKZ[PSS[HRL\W]VS\U[HY`TLHZ\YLZ ÔPSL ^V\SKUV[

;HISL!

This survey found that there was no correlation between awareness of CFE Grassland voluntary measures and uptake. In fact a number of respondents who did not know about grassland measures were considering taking up voluntary measures. It is not possible to assess which voluntary measures farmers are considering, since this study was anonymous.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 44 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q45 Are you aware of Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) regulations? The EC Council Directive 91/676/EEC concerns the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (Nitrates Directive). Nitrate Vulnerable Zones are areas of land which drain into polluted waters or waters at risk of pollution and which contribute to nitrate pollution Most of The Broads are designated as NVZ and subject to Codes of Good Agricultural Practice and limitation of fertilizer application TPULYHSHUKVYNHUPJ[HRPUNPU[VHJJV\U[JYVWULLKZHSSUP[YVNLUPUW\[ZHUKZVPSUP[YVNLUZ\WWS`TH_PT\T HTV\U[VMSP]LZ[VJRTHU\YL[VILHWWSPLKJVYYLZWVUKPUN[VRNUP[YVNLUOLJ[HYL`LHY(UPTWYLZZP]L VMYLZWVUKLU[ZHYLH^HYLVM5=AYLN\SH[PVUZ^P[OVUS` Z[H[PUN[OL`HYLUV[H^HYL

Figure 20: Awareness of regulations and options by percentage of respondent.

(ZL_WLJ[LK[OLTHQVYP[`VMYLZWVUKLU[Z^LYLH^HYLVM5=A HZ[OLZLMHYTLYZ^LYLHSZVYLN\SH[LKVU fertiliser applications under the ESA Tiers. It is interesting that awareness of the EIA Regulations, particularly in YLSH[PVU[V)(7/HIP[H[YLN\SH[PVUZPZSV^LY6US` MLS[[OH[,0(9LN\SH[PVUZHWWSPLK[V[OLPYMHYT^OPJOTH` be because a number of ESA Agreements fell below 2 hectares, or may signify a need to better inform farmers of their obligations under EIA.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 45 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Impact of the ESA on Habitats and Wildlife The Broads ESA sought to conserve Broads landscapes, habitats, wildlife and species of importance. These aims ^LYLYLÅLJ[LKPU[OL5VYMVSR*VHZ[HSHUK-SVVKWSHPU.YHaPUN4HYZO/(7 YL]PZLKPUHZMVSSV^Z" 4HPU[HPU[OLL_PZ[PUNOHIP[H[L_[LU[ OHHUKP[ZX\HSP[` 9LOHIPSP[H[L OH VM[OL[V[HSYLZV\YJLPU5VYMVSRVMNYHaPUNTHYZOOHIP[H[PUPU[LUZP]L management by 2010 (PT[VJYLH[LOHVMNYHaPUNTHYZOMYVTHYHISLSHUKVU[OL5VY[O5VYMVSR*VHZ[I`;OPZ[HYNL[ is in addition to any habitat creation that may be necessary as a result of changes in coastal management). What has been the impact of the Broads ESA on habitats, species and wildlife? An RSPB report in 2004 JVUJS\KLK[OH[ VMÄLSKZJVTWSPLK^P[O[OLHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[HSZJOLTLWYLZJYPW[PVUZJVTIPULK,:(HUK *V\U[Y`ZPKL:[L^HYKZOPWKH[H`L[VUS` JVTWSPLK^P[OHZL[VMPKLHSIYLLKPUN^HKLYOHIP[H[JYP[LYPH >P[OYLNHYK[VJYLH[PUNPKLHSJVUKP[PVUZMVYIYLLKPUN^HKLYZÄLSKZMHPSLKTVZ[S`VUZ^HYKJVUKP[PVUHUK^H[LY levels. Incorrect sward condition accounted for more failures than water levels. This is perhaps surprising, as Z^HYKTH`ILZLLUHZWV[LU[PHSS`TVYLJVU[YVSSHISL4HU`ZP[LZ^LYL\UKLYNYHaLKVYOHKZ^HYKZ^P[O[VV much ruderal vegetation or rush. ;OLZ\Y]L`X\LZ[PVUZ[V MVJ\ZZLKVU[OLÄYZ[OHUKRUV^SLKNLHUKVIZLY]H[PVUZVMMHYTLYZ[VWYV]PKL further insight into the impact of the ESA scheme on wildlife and habitats over the past 25 years.

8+VHU`VM`V\YTHYZOLZJVU[HPU^PSKÅV^LYZLNVYJOPKZYHNNLKYVIPUPYPZL[J& ;OLPTWHJ[VM[OL,:(VUTHPU[HPUPUNZWLJPLZHWWLHYZ[VOH]LILLULMMLJ[P]LPU[OH[ VMYLZWVUKLU[ZZ[H[L [OH[[OLPYTHYZOLZJVU[HPU^PSKÅV^LYZ^OPSL ZH`[OL`KVUV[HS[OV\NO[OLYL^LYLUVJVTTLU[ZVU[OPZ question to clarify why they gave the answers they did.

Q47 Has wildlife increased on your farm over the last 25 years? 5V[HSSYLZWVUKLU[ZHUZ^LYLK[OPZX\LZ[PVU6M[OVZL^OVKPK ZHPK[OH[[OL`OHKZLLUHUPUJYLHZLPU^PSKSPML V]LY[OLWHZ[`LHYZ-PN\YLJVTWPSLZ[OLZWLJPLZ[OH[OH]LPUJYLHZLKHJJVYKPUN[VYLZWVUKLU[Z»VIZLY]H[PVUZ as a result of the ESA and subsequent ES schemes. It is clear there has been an increase in species richness overall although linking this increase to the quality of habitats on different farms is not possible from this study.

+\[[7OPSPW(UHZZLZZTLU[VMOHIP[H[JVUKP[PVUVMJVHZ[HSHUKÅVVKWSHPUNYHaPUNTHYZO^P[OPUHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[HS schemes. RSPB and DEFRA

www.farmconservation.co.uk 46 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Wildlife perceived to be increasing /HYLZ:X\PYYLSZ-V_LZ)HKNLYZ9HIIP[Z6[[LYZ9LK+LLY4\U[QHJZ*OPULZL Water Deer, Roe Deer, Red Deer Owls, Barn Owl , Crows, Jackdaws, Rooks, Magpies, Buzzards, Marsh Harriers, Kestrels, Sparrowhawks, Jays English Partridge (Grey Partridge), Pigeons 6`Z[LYJH[JOLYZ3P[[SL,NYL[,N`W[PHU.LLZL.YL`SHN.LLZL*HUHKH.LLZL7PUR Footed Geese, Bittern, Common Crane, Avocet, Lapwing, Redshank, Snipe, Teal, >PNLVU/LYVU:OLSK\JR:HUK4HY[PU*\YSL^)SHJR;HPSLK.VK^P[ Green Woodpecker, Fieldfares, Woodcock Skylark, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Finches, Turtle Dove, Yellowhammers, All Species Of Tits Mud Snails :^HSSV^[HPS)\[[LYÅPLZ+YHNVUÅPLZ

Figure 23: Respondents observations on species that have increased during the ESA Scheme

Comments from telephone interviews backed up the lists of increasing species from the questionnaires; 0MLLSP[PUT`IVULZ >H[LYX\HSP[`OHZPTWYV]LKHUK[OLYL^P[O[OLYLSL]HU[WSHU[Z

Q48 Has wildlife decreased on your farm over the last 25 years? 6M[OVZL[OH[HUZ^LYLK[OPZX\LZ[PVU Z[H[LK[OH[[OL`OHKZLLUHKLJYLHZLPU[OLZWLJPLZHZZOV^U in Figure 24. Telephone interviews gave some insight into these observations; 5LZ[PUN^HKLYZOH]LKLJYLHZLKILJH\ZLVM[VVT\JOWSHU[NYV^[O\UKLY;PLYTHUHNLTLU[ :VTLKY`PUNOHZVJJ\YYLKMYVTHIZ[YHJ[PVU >P[OYLK\JLKZ[VJR^LOH]LML^LYZTHSSIPYKZPU[OL`HYKZ

Wildlife perceived to be decreasing 9LKZOHUR.YLLU7SV]LY»ZULZ[Z:UPWL3HW^PUN Kestrels Sparrows, Various tits, Thrushes, Corn Buntings, Wildfowl, Starling, Skylark, Wrens, Finches 4HSSHYK2PUNÄZOLY Water vole, Hares Some weed species

Figure 24: Respondents’ observations of species that have decreased during the ESA

www.farmconservation.co.uk 47 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q49 What wildlife would you like to see more of in the Broads? Figure 25 provides a list of wildlife that respondents would like to see more of in the Broads. Two farmers mentioned the importance of good quality habitats as an attraction for wildlife; >LQ\Z[OH]L[VOHUNVU[V[OLOHIP[H[^LOH]LNV[5VNVVK^VYY`PUNHIV\[[OLZWLJPLZ[VVT\JO Q\Z[WYV]PKLNVVKOHIP[H[ 4HRL[OLOHIP[H[HUK[OL`^PSSJVTL

Wildlife Wish List Red shank, Greenplovers, Snipe, Newts and Frogs 0UKPNLUV\ZUVUÄZOLH[PUNZWLJPLZ No more otters or mink Kestrels )\[[LYÅPLZ Wildfowl, Bittern, Water vole 5VUWYLKH[VYZWLJPLZ Red squirrels, Lapwing chicks that survive! Everything apart from deer! 4VYLOHYLZKVNZOH]LRPSSLK[OLTHSS Barn Owls +\JRZNLLZLOH]LKLJYLHZLKYLJLU[S`^O` &

8(YL`V\JVUZPKLYPUNPTWYV]PUNVYJYLH[PUNOHIP[H[ZMVY^PSKSPMLV]LY[OLUL_[Ä]L`LHYZ& (YV\UK VMYLZWVUKLU[ZWSHUULK[VPTWYV]LOHIP[H[ZMVY^PSKSPML^OPSL OHKUVWSHUZ[VKV[OPZ Some of those who did plan were under HLS options. ;OL6^STHUJHTLYV\UK[VW\[IV_LZ\WI\[[OL`OH]LU»[TV]LKPU /H]LILLUKVPUN[OPZ[OYV\NO/3:*\YYLU[S`NV[HKPNNLYW\[[PUNPUHZJYHWL 5V[Z\YLPM0JHUJVU[PU\L[OL^PSKSPML^VYRTHKLWVZZPISL\UKLY,:(NP]LUSVZZPUPUJVTL HUKHNYPJ\S[\YHSÄUHUJLZ[OLZLKH`Z

Common Cranes on Hickling Marshes

www.farmconservation.co.uk 48 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Maintenance of Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh 4HWV]LYSLHMZOV^Z[OL26W[PVUZ,3:,26W[PVUZMVYNYHZZSHUKHUK/3:/26W[PVUZMVYNYHZZSHUK (merged) covering Priority Habitat (Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh), adapted to show the ESA boundary. Table 7 shows the amount of priority habitat coming out of agreement each year.

Dykes are an integral part of marshland landscape and biodiversity

www.farmconservation.co.uk 49 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

4HW!,_WPYPUN26W[PVUZ^P[OPU[OL,:()V\UKHY`

;HISL!*VHZ[HS ÅVVKWSHPUNYHaPUNTHYZOUV[THUHNLK\UKLY,:NYHZZSHUKVW[PVUZ

www.farmconservation.co.uk 50 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q51 What do you love about farming on the broads? Almost all the respondents mentioned the landscape or wildlife as one of the main reasons the loved farming on the Broads: >LQ\Z[OH]L[VOHUNVU[V[OLOHIP[H[^LOH]LNV[5VNVVK^VYY`PUNHIV\[[OLZWLJPLZ[VVT\JO Q\Z[WYV]PKLNVVKOHIP[H[ 4HRL[OLOHIP[H[HUK[OL`^PSSJVTL

The wildlife that is part of everything I do The variety of wildlife, the landscape in different seasons The open spaces. The clean environment, the biodiversity, the big skies. The open space and large vistas with secret little corners The contrast between intensive agriculture and stunning wild life habitats surviving side by side 4HUHNPUN[OLJSVZLWYV_PTP[`VMWYVK\J[P]LMHYTPUNHSVUNZPKLZLUZP[P]LOHIP[H[ The outstanding beauty of the area ;OLUH[\YHSTP_VMSP]LZ[VJRHUKIPYKZ Beautiful landscape and tranquillity The ecology The unspoilt countryside environment Beautiful and productive environment Grass marshes growing good food for livestock, and wildfowl. ;OLILH\[`VM[OLVWLUSHUKZJHWLHUKHSS[OLSVJHSPKPVZ`UJYHZPLZ[OH[L_PZ[PUP[ZKP]LYZP[`

Other joys of farming on the Broads included; 0SV]LMHYTPUNHUKL]LY`[OPUN0KV ;OLPZVSH[PVUHUK[OLMHJ[[OLNYHZZHS^H`ZNYV^ZOV^L]LYKY`P[PZ -YLZOHPYUV[L]LY`KH`PZHYHPU`KH`UVOPSSZ[VJSPTI UV[KLWLUKHU[VUZOLLW ,]LY`[OPUN ;OLWLHJLHUKOHYTVU` (\UPX\LWSHJL[VIL ;OLWLVWSLHUK[OLSHUKZJHWL :PNO[ZZV\UKZ]PL^Z 5V[YLHSS`HMHYTLYI\[Y\UZTHSSL_WHUKPUNI\ZPULZZHUK0SV]LP[HSZVWHY[VMV\YMHTPS`OLYP[HNL /PZ[VYPJHSSHUKZJHWL 0[PZZVSV]LS`

www.farmconservation.co.uk 51 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Conclusion ;OLYLWVY[PZIHZLKVUX\P[LHSV^ZHTWSLZPaLX\LZ[PVUUHPYLYLZWVUZLZMYVT Z\Y]L`ZZLU[V\[WS\Z [LSLWOVULPU[LY]PL^ZHUKMHJL[VMHJLPU[LY]PL^ZI\[[OLZ[\K`YL]LHSLKZVTLPU[LYLZ[PUNÄUKPUNZ The principle message from the farming community was how they, in common with all businessmen, need to TH_PTPaLPUJVTL-VSSV^PUN[OLJLZZH[PVUVM[OL,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLHZ,:(ZJOLTLMHYTLYZOH]L been faced with the following choices: 1 maintain marshes as low input systems for a low return under Entry Level Scheme (ELS) 2 Try and gain entry to a competitive and targeted Higher Level Scheme (HLS). 3 0U[LUZPM`[OLTHUHNLTLU[[VTH_PTPZLNYHZZSHUKWYVK\J[P]P[` 4 Plough and crop.

Though the details of the NELMS scheme are still emerging, what is clear is that the total available budget will ILSLZZ[OHU^HZH]HPSHISL\UKLY[OLMVYLY\UULYZJOLTL;OLHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[I\KNL[V]LY[OLUL_[ZP_`LHYZPZ IPSSPVUZPTPSHY[V[OLJ\YYLU[WLYPVKI\[IUVM[OPZPZJVTTP[[LK[VJVTWSL[PUNL_PZ[PUN,3:HUK/3: HNYLLTLU[ZSLH]PUNHYV\UK TPSSPVUMVYUL^ZJOLTLZ,U]PYVUTLU[HS:[L^HYKZOPWZH^ VM\[PSPZHISL HYHISLHYLHPUHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[ZJOLTLZ5H[\YHS,UNSHUK»ZVÛIYPLÄUNZZ[H[L[OH[5,34:^PSSILTVYLSPRL *OHUNLZPUZ\WWVY[SL]LSZHYLSPRLS`[VYLZ\S[PUHNYPJ\S[\YHSPTWYV]LTLU[ZHZZVTLMHYTLYZYLZWVUK [VYLK\JLKHNYPLU]PYVUTLU[PUJVTL ;OLYLZ\S[ZVM[OLX\LZ[PVUUHPYLZOV^[OH[ HYLPU[LUKPUN[VTHRLZVTLJOHUNL^P[OPUJYLHZLKMLY[PSPZLY application being the most common planned change to increase productivity. ;OLZ\Y]L`PUKPJH[LZ[OH[[OLYL^PSSILVUS`SPTP[LKWSV\NOPUNVMTHYZOLZ;OLYLHZVUZMVY[OPZHYLJVTWSL_ but include factors such as; tradition, ownership of stock, familiarity with this type of farming, unsuitability of land for arable, and love of the landscape and wildlife. Environmental Impact Assessment regulations and requirements to retain permanent pasture under Greening also play a part. However with volatile markets and further changes in beef and dairy sectors farmers may need to react quickly to future opportunities. (S[OV\NO\USPRLS`[VKPZHWWLHY\UKLY[OLWSV\NO[OLYLZ\S[ZZ\NNLZ[[OH[[OLYLTHÌLZPNUPÄJHU[PU[LUZPÄJH[PVU PU[LYTZVMTHUHNLTLU[HUKPUW\[ZHWWSPLK>OPSL VMYLZWVUKLU[ZPU[LUKUVJOHUNL[VNYHZZSHUK THUHNLTLU[ HYLPU[LUKPUN[VTHRLZVTLJOHUNL^P[OPUJYLHZLKMLY[PSPZLYHWWSPJH[PVUILPUN[OLTVZ[ common planned change, with reduced water levels also being a frequent response. Water level is affected by neighbouring land manager decisions. This means that landowners and the IDB need to invest in water management structures. This may include a network of smaller drainage areas where farmers have similar water requirements served by smaller pumps. A few farmers indicated that cutting dates for hay and silage may change, and following coming out of ESA they would be more likely to follow the ground conditions to make decisions on the timing of stock turn out. The study highlighted the effect of wheat prices, beef and dairy sector changes have on decision making within [OLMHYTI\ZPULZZ>OLU[OL)YVHKZ(\[OVYP[`JVTTPZZPVULK[OPZWYVQLJ[ÔLH[^HZH[WLY[VUUL+\YPUN [OLKH[HJVSSLJ[PVUWOHZLÔLH[WYPJLOHS]LK[V[VUUL;OPZTLHUZ[OLPUJLU[P]L[V[\YUTHYZOLZ[VHYHISL PZZPNUPÄJHU[S`YLK\JLKH[[OLTVTLU[I\[PUH]VSH[PSLTHYRL[[OPZPZ\USPRLS`[VHS^H`ZYLTHPU[OLJHZL (UV[OLYMHJ[VY[OH[OHZJOHUNLKPZ[OLMHJ[[OH[WYPJLZYLTHPUOPNOMVYIPVM\LSJYVWZWHY[PJ\SHYS`THPaL There was some interesting feedback on the ESA scheme. Generally this was well liked, with its simplicity HUKÅL_PIPSP[ÌLPUNOPNOSPNO[LKHZ[OLTHPUYLHZVUZHZ^LSSHZ[OLNVVKWH`TLU[YH[LZ

www.farmconservation.co.uk 52 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

5L_[:[LWZ 1 The Broads Authority, the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership, the Broadland Catchment Partnership and all farm advisers have a role to communicate and facilitate access to the new Rural Development Programme. 2 9LTV[LZLUZPUNÔLUYLWLH[LKJHUIL\ZLK[VTVUP[VYPU[LUZPÄJH[PVUVMTHYZOLZ(SZVHU`M\[\YLZ\Y]L`Z of ditch communities, marsh plants and wintering and breeding birds will help assess any environmental change and compare this to any management changes. 3 Natural England and farm advisors should continue to disseminate soil protection advice and best practice [VMHYTLYZPU[OLJH[JOTLU[HYLH[OYV\NO[OLMHYTHK]PZVYÙL[^VYRMVYL_HTWSL"WYV]PKLMYLLVUMHYT MLY[PSPZLYZWYLHKLYJHSPIYH[PVUHUKLUZ\YLZ\MÄJPLU[I\MMLYaVULZHYLLUMVYJLKILZPKLKP[JOLZ[VWYV[LJ[[OPZ internationally important habitat. 4 Collabrative working is key. The Broadland Catchment Partnership and Brograve Partnership are seeking HNYLLTLU[HUKM\UKPUNMVYPUUV]H[P]L^H`Z[VTHUHNL^H[LYOVSPZ[PJHSS`Z\JOHZMHYTPUNÅVVKKYV\NO[ and wildlife), whist protecting productive farming business and the values of the Broads historic landscape. The funding of this report supports this model of working. 5 The new EU Rural Development Programme recognises the scope for collaborative working. Ministers are keen to see the types of collaboration, which have been well delivered within National Parks for decades and more recently the Defra funded Nature Improvement Areas. 6 The purpose of collaborative working is to enable and facilitate delivery of NELMS priorities and outcomes via complementary NELMS agreements with individual farmers, foresters and/or land managers. 7 There are three key principles to achieving this that will enable the cooperation approach to build on HUKNVIL`VUKÔH[PZWVZZPISL[OYV\NOHZ[HUKHYKPUKP]PK\HSMHYTHWWYVHJO;OLZLHYL! 3HUKZJHWLZJHSLKLSP]LY` :\WWVY[PUNHUKLTWV^LYPUNNYV\WZVMMHYTLYZMVYLZ[LYZHUKVYV[OLYSHUKTHUHNLYZHUK where desirable/feasible, other organisations 0U[LNYH[PUNKLSP]LY`VMHYHUNLVMLU]PYVUTLU[HSV\[JVTLZIPVKP]LYZP[`^H[LYX\HSP[` carbon storage, access etc.). 8 All partners should use the evidence in this report to feed into the Natural England targeting work to prioritise areas for NELMS. 9 7HY[ULYZZOV\SK^VYR^P[O0U[LYUHS+YHPUHNL)VHYKZ[VOLSWKLSP]LYÔVSLSL]LSTHUHNLTLU[VM^H[LYSL]LSZ to facilitate joint farm applications to NELMS.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 53 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

References (+(: H3HUKZJHWL4VUP[VYPUNPU[OL)YVHKZ,:( ë ADAS Report to MAFF )PVKP]LYZP[`9LWVY[PUNHUK0UMVYTH[PVU.YV\W)90.¶9LWVY[VU[OL:WLJPLZHUK/HIP[H[9L]PL^ (2007) Report prepared for the UK Standing Committee )YVHKZ(\[OVYP[` Fen Management Strategy, http://www.broadsauthority. NV]\RH\[OVYP[`W\ISPJH[PVUZJVUZLY]H[PVUW\ISPJH[PVUZO[TS )YVHKZ(\[OVYP[`!;OL)YVHKZ)PVKP]LYZP[`(J[PVU7SHU¶-YHTL^VYR+VJ\TLU[ Report Prepared by Norfolk Wildlife Services and Broads Authority )YVHKZ(\[OVYP[`)YVHKZ3HRL9LZ[VYH[PVU:[YH[LN`0ZZ\LZ(MMLJ[PUN3HRLZHUK:::0JVUKP[PVU!(WWLUKP_ )YVHKZ(\[OVYP[` *YLH[PUN5L^>L[SHUKZ!2L`7YPUJPWSLZ(UK(7YVQLJ[4VKLS9LWVY[WYLWHYLKI` ,37VUILOHSMVM[OL)YVHKZ(\[OVYP[`HUK5H[\YHS,UNSHUK(\N\Z[ )YVHKZ(\[OVYP[`)YVHKZ7SHU!(:[YH[LNPJ7SHU[V4HUHNL[OL5VYMVSRHUK:\MMVSR)YVHKZ )YVHKZ(\[OVYP[`)PVKP]LYZP[`(\KP[HUK;VSLYHUJL:LUZP[P]P[`4HWWPUNMVY[OL)YVHKZ 9LWVY[7YLWHYLKI`[OL)YVHKZ(\[OVYP[ÒH[[VKVHUKOV^P[^PSSILULÄ[`V\Y farm http://www.cfeonline.org.uk/cfe_voluntarymeasures/ *HTWHPNUMVY[OL-HYTLK,U]PYVUTLU[*-,¶:\Y]L`VMSHUKTHUHNLK]VS\U[HYPS`PUMHYTPUN year (England) DEFRA 2013 *HTWHPNUMVY[OL-HYTLK,U]PYVUTLU[*-,*VUZLY]H[PVUTHUHNLTLU[(K]PJLMVY`V\Y Livestock Business *HTWHPNUMVY[OL-HYTLK,U]PYVUTLU[3H`*OHYSV[[L*-,*V\U[`7YPVYP[PLZMVY5VYMVSR *VUZ[HUaHL[HS ;OL]HS\LVM[OL^VYSK»ZLJVZ`Z[LTZLY]PJLZHUKUH[\YHSJHWP[HS5H[\YL=VS +,-9(.\PKLSPULZ,0(MVY\ZLVM\UJ\S[P]H[LKSHUKVYZLTPUH[\YHSHYLHZMVYPU[LUZP]LHNYPJ\S[\YHS W\YWVZLZ,UNSHUK7) 7) +,-9((+LMYH:\Y]L`VU(ZWLJ[ZVM*(79LMVYT!HZ\Y]L`[V\UKLYZ[HUKMHYTLYH^HYLULZZHUK LUNHNLTLU[^P[O[OYLLLTLYNPUN[VWPJZ\UKLYJVUZPKLYH[PVU.YLLUPUN7YVK\JLY6YNHUPZH[PVUZHUK:THSS Farmer Schemes. A research report completed for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by Quadrant Consultants and BMG Research +,-9(,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLHZ)YVHKZ,:(!.\PKLSPULZMVY-HYTLYZ,UNSHUK9\YHS Development Programme +,-9(,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLHZ:JOLTL7YLZJYPW[PVUZ)YVHKZ,:(7YVK\JLKI`[OL +LWHY[TLU[MVY,U]PYVUTLU[-VVKHUK9\YHS(MMHPYZ*YVÛJVW`YPNO[7) ) +,-9(9L]PL^6M(NYP,U]PYVUTLU[:JOLTLZ4VUP[VYPUN0UMVYTH[PVU(UK9 +9LZ\S[Z9LM! Rmp/1596) Final Report . Technical Appendices. Report prepared for DEFRA by Ecoscope Applied Ecologists and CPM Environmental Planning and Design Ltd, CJC Consulting +VHRLZ*HUK4HKN^PJR1 ;OL)YVHKZ5H[\YHS(YLHWYVÄSL available online at: ^^ÛH[\YHSHYLHZUH[\YHSLUNSHUKVYN\RZJPLUJLUH[\YHSWYVÄSLZCUHWYVÄSL WKM ,UNSPZO5H[\YL YL]PZLK*VHZ[HSHUK-SVVKWSHPU.YHaPUN4HYZO/HIP[H[(J[PVU7SHU9LM/ ,UNSPZO5H[\YL;OLLMMLJ[P]LULZZVM[OLÅVVKWSHPU,:(ZJOLTLZPU[OLTHPU[LUHUJLHUK enhancement of biodiversity. English Nature Research Report 364

www.farmconservation.co.uk 54 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

,\YVWLHU*VTTPZZPVU!Council Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources based (The Nitrates Directive ) ,\YVWLHU-VY\TVU5H[\YL*VUZLY]H[PVUHUK7HZ[VYHSPZT:\WWVY[[OLMHYTLYZ^OVTHPU[HPU,\YVWL»Z pastoral landscapes – change the CAP rules on permanent pastures. January 2012 /HYYPZ1,7HYTLU[LY14HUK9\UKSL*4 ;OL)YVHKZ.YHaPUN4HYZO+`RL:\Y]L` 9LWVY[JVTTPZZPVULKI`,UNSPZO5H[\YL)YVHKZ(\[OVYP[` ,U]PYVUTLU[(NLUJ` 1VPU[5H[\YL*VUZLY]H[PVU*VTTP[[LL15**HUK+LMYHVUILOHSMVM[OL-V\Y*V\U[YPLZ»)PVKP]LYZP[`.YV\W 2012. UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.1\S`(]HPSHISLMYVT!O[[W!QUJJKLMYHNV]\RWHNL 4JSHYLU9VZZ`9PKPUN(SPZVU3`VUZ=PZZLY/LZ[LY,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLHZ:JOLTL;OL ,MMLJ[P]LULZZVM+P[JO4HUHNLTLU[MVY>PSKSPMLPU[OL)YVHKZHUK:VTLYZL[3L]LSZ 4VVYZ,:(Z(+(: Report to DEFRA, April 2002 5H[\YHS,UNSHUK,_WPYPUN,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLH,:(:JOLTLHNYLLTLU[ZHUK[OL relationship with Environmental Stewardship (ES): BROADS ESA 5H[\YHS,UNSHUK,U]PYVUTLU[HS0TWHJ[(ZZLZZTLU[(NYPJ\S[\YL,UNSHUK5V9LN\SH[PVUZ Public Guidance +,-9(,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLHZ0UMVYTH[PVU:OLL[!)YVHKZ,:(9\YHS+L]LSVWTLU[ 7YVNYHTTL9+7,UNSHUK7) ); + 9:7)(.YLLULY-\[\YLMVY[OL)YVHKZ 9V`HS:VJPL[`MVY[OL7YV[LJ[PVUVM)PYKZ*OHUNPUNSP]LZ[VJRU\TILYZPU[OL<23LZZ-H]V\YLK(YLHZ¶ HUHUHS`ZPZVMSPRLS`IPVKP]LYZP[`PTWSPJH[PVUZ:PSJVJR7H\S*\T\S\Z*VUZ\S[HU[Z9LWVY[5V**7 9:7)5VYMVSR)PVKP]LYZP[`(J[PVU7SHU9LLKILK9LM/ 5H[\YHS,UNSHUK,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLHZ,:(ZHUK,U]PYVUTLU[HS:[L^HYKZOPW,:! Summary information for Broads ESA 5H[\YHS,UNSHUK,_WPYPUN,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLH,:(:JOLTLHNYLLTLU[ZHUK[OL relationship with Environmental Stewardship (ES): Broads ESA 7PSSV^5H[OHSPL)YLUUHU:HYHO3\JRPUN9VILY[)YVHKZ+YHPULK4HYZO:[YH[LN`9LWVY[JVTTPZZPVULK by RSPB, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, English Nature and the Broads Authority

www.farmconservation.co.uk 55 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Glossary (,(NYPLU]PYVUTLU[ (,:(NYPLU]PYVUTLU[ZJOLTL AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty BA Broads Authority CAP Common Agricultural Policy DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ELS Entry Level Stewardship EN English Nature FBI Farm Business Income HLS Higher Level Stewardship NCA National Character Area NE Natural England NNR National Nature Reserve NVZ Nitrate Vulnerable Zone NWTY Norfolk Wildlife Trust RDP Rural Development Programme SAC Special Area of Conservation SFP Single Farm Payment SPA Special Protection Area SPS Single Payment Scheme :::0:P[LVM:WLJPHS:JPLU[PÄJ0U[LYLZ[ WT Wildlife Trust

www.farmconservation.co.uk 56 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

(UUL_6UL! ,U]PYVUTLU[HSS`:LUZP[P]L(YLHZ:JOLTL7YLZJYPW[PVUZMVY[OL)YVHKZ ESA The Department may modify the prescriptions set out below, to introduce additional requirements or amend L_PZ[PUNVULZÔLYL[OPZ^PSSOLSW[VWYV[LJ[HUKVYLUOHUJLOHIP[H[ZHUKZWLJPLZÔPJOHYLVMPTWVY[HUJL ^P[OPU[OLKLZPNUH[LKHYLH:\JOTVKPÄJH[PVUZTHÌLTHKLMVY[OLSPMLZWHUVM[OLHNYLLTLU[VYMYVT[PTL to time, by means of a written agreement with you which will form part of your ESA agreement for the [LYTZWLJPÄLK

TIER 1 – PERMANENT GRASSLAND 1 4HPU[HPUNYHZZSHUKHUKKVUV[WSV\NOSL]LSVYYLZLLK[OLSHUK@V\TH`\ZLHJOHPUOHYYV^VY roller but no other form of cultivation is allowed. 2 .YHaL^P[OSP]LZ[VJRV[OLY[OHUWPNZVYWV\S[YÌ\[H]VPKWVHJOPUN\UKLYNYHaPUNVYV]LYNYHaPUN 3 Take no more than one cut of hay or silage each year. 4 If you cut the grass for hay or silage, graze the aftermath. 5 +VUV[L_JLLK`V\YL_PZ[PUNSL]LSVMPUVYNHUPJMLY[PSPZLYHUKPUHU`JHZLKVUV[L_JLLKRNVMUP[YVNLU 75kg of phosphate and 75kg of potash per hectare (100 units of nitrogen, 60 units of phosphate and 60 units of potash per acre) per year. 6 Use no more than 94kg of nitrogen per hectare (75 units of nitrogen per acre) in any one application. 7 +VUV[HWWS`WPNZS\YY`VYWV\S[Y`THU\YLHUKKVUV[PUHU`JHZLL_JLLK`V\YL_PZ[PUNSL]LSVMVYNHUPJ THU\YL+VUV[HWWS`TVYL[OHU[VUULZWLYOLJ[HYL[VUZWLYHJYLVMOVTLWYVK\JLKTHU\YLPU any year. Do not apply more than 30 cubic metres per hectare (2,600 gallons per acre) of home produced JH[[SLZS\YY`H[ KY`TH[[LYPUHU``LHYVY[OLLX\P]HSLU[PMKY`TH[[LYPZSLZZ[OHU 8 Do not use fungicides or insecticides. 9 +VUV[HWWSÒLYIPJPKLZL_JLW[[VJVU[YVSUL[[SLZZWLHY[OPZ[SLJYLLWPUNVYÄLSK[OPZ[SLJ\YSLKKVJR broadleaved dock or ragwort. Infestations of these weeds must be controlled by cutting or by herbicides. Herbicides used for these purposes shall be applied by weed wiper or spot treatment. Weed control should be carried out as soon as any problem starts to develop. 10 +VUV[PUZ[HSS\UKLYKYHPUHNLVYTVSLKYHPUHUKKVUV[Z\IZVPSVYZSP[KYHPU+VUV[Z\IZ[HU[PHSS`TVKPM` `V\YL_PZ[PUNKYHPUHNLZ`Z[LT 11 4HPU[HPUL_PZ[PUNK`RLZPUYV[H[PVUV]LY[OLWLYPVKVM`V\YHNYLLTLU[HUKI`TLJOHUPJHSTLHUZUV[ZWYH`Z Spoil must be levelled following slubbing out, after allowing to dry. Slub out ditches and dykes once every `LHYZ 12 You must maintain water at a suitable level for livestock to graze on your grazing marshes; ensure that there is at least 30cm (12”) of water in the bottom of dykes between 31 October and 1 March; begin to increase dyke water levels to summer levels no later than 1 March to ensure adequate dyke water during the summer. 13 Maintain hedges, ponds and reedbeds. 14 Do not damage or destroy any feature of historic interest. 15 Obtain written advice on siting and materials before constructing buildings, roads or any other LUNPULLYPUNVWLYH[PVUZÔPJOKVUV[YLX\PYLWSHUUPUNWLYTPZZPVUVYWYPVYUV[PÄJH[PVUKL[LYTPUH[PVU by the Local Planning Authority. 16 Obtain written advice on the management of woodland or scrub or proposals to plant any new woodland. 17 You must abide by the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water, Soil and Air, W\ISPZOLKI`[OL+LWHY[TLU[YLMLYLUJLZ7)7) HUK7) HZHTLUKLKMYVT[PTL[V[PTL

www.farmconservation.co.uk 57 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

TIER 2 – EXTENSIVE GRASSLAND 6IZLY]LWYLZJYPW[PVUZWS\ZHKKP[PVUHSWYLZJYPW[PVUZZL[V\[ILSV^! 18 >H[LYSL]LSZVU`V\YNYHaPUNTHYZOLZT\Z[!ILTHPU[HPULKH[UV[TVYL[OHUJT ¹ILSV^THYZO level between 31 March and 1 November; provide at least 60cm (24”) of water in the bottom of the dyke between 30 November and 1 March; begin to be raised no later than 1 March in order to achieve the TH_PT\TZ\TTLYMYLLIVHYKHZLHYS`HZWVZZPISL 19 Do not carry out any mechanical operations between 31 March and 16 July. 20 Do not graze with livestock between 31 December and 1 April. 21 Do not cut for silage. Do not cut for hay before 16 July. 2 +VUV[L_JLLK`V\YL_PZ[PUNSL]LSVMUP[YVNLUHUKPUHU`JHZLKVUV[L_JLLKRNVMUP[YVNLUWLYOLJ[HYL (35 units of nitrogen per acre) per year. Do not apply phosphate or potash. 23 Do not apply any organic manure. 24 Do not apply lime, slag or any other substance to reduce soil acidity. 25 ;OLMVSSV^PUNZOHSSHWWS`^OLUJHYY`PUNV\[K`RLTHPU[LUHUJLVUH `LHYYV[H[PVU!K`RLTHUHNLTLU[ shall be carried out between 31 August and 1 April; to protect aquatic and marginal vegetation, either leave VULIHURVYV[OLYZLJ[PVUZ\U[V\JOLKHZHYLM\NLMVY^PSKSPMLHUKHYLZV\YJLMVYYLJVSVUPZH[PVU"^OLU YLWYVÄSPUNK`RLZSLH]LZPKLZUVZ[LLWLY[OHUVYJYLH[LHZ[LWWLKWYVÄSL"VU:::0ZHNYLLTLU[OVSKLYZ T\Z[JVU[HJ[[OL7YVQLJ[6MÄJLYVY,UNSPZO5H[\YLILMVYLJVTTLUJPUNHU`THPU[LUHUJL^VYR 26 4HPU[HPUL_PZ[PUNMVV[KYHPUZHUKNYPWZHUKVUS`KPNUL^MVV[KYHPUZHUKNYPWZ^P[O[OLWYPVYHNYLLTLU[ VM[OL7YVQLJ[6MÄJLY

TIER 3 – WET GRASSLAND 6IZLY]LWYLZJYPW[PVUZWS\ZHKKP[PVUHSWYLZJYPW[PVUZZL[V\[ILSV^! 27 @V\T\Z[THPU[HPU[OL^H[LY[HISLH[THYZOSL]LSZVHZ[VJYLH[LÄLSK^L[ULZZVYVJJHZPVUHSZOHSSV^WVVSZ MYVT1HU\HY`\U[PS(WYPSHUK"THPU[HPUK`RLSL]LSZH[UVTVYL[OHUJT ¹ILSV^THYZOSL]LS from 1 June until 31 October; begin to raise your water level to winter level no later than 1 November. 28 Do not apply any organic or inorganic fertiliser. 29 Do not graze with livestock between 1 November and 15 May. 30 .YHaLIL[^LLU4H`HUK6J[VILY)LMVYL1\ULKVUV[L_JLLKHNYHaPUNKLUZP[`VMVULIV]PUL HUPTHSWLYOLJ[HYLZVULHUPTHSWLY HJYLZHUKKVUV[JH\ZLWVHJOPUNV]LYNYHaPUN or undergrazing.

WATER LEVEL SUPPLEMENT (available on Tiers 2 and 3) 31 (NYLLHUPUÄLSK^H[LYTHUHNLTLU[WSHU^P[O[OL7YVQLJ[6MÄJLY[VPUJS\KL[OLJYLH[PVUYLPUZ[H[LTLU[ and management of foot drains and grips. 32 Maintain dyke water levels at not more than 30cm (12”) below marsh level from 15 March until 31 August. 33 )LNPU[VYHPZLK`RL^H[LYSL]LSZ[V[OLTH_PT\TZ\TTLYMYLLIVHYKUVSH[LY[OHU-LIY\HY` 34 Do not apply any inorganic or organic fertiliser or manure. 35 -YVT(WYPS\U[PS4H`KVUV[L_JLLKHNYHaPUNKLUZP[`VMVULIV]PULHUPTHSWLYOH HUKKVUV[JH\ZLWVHJOPUNV]LYNYHaPUNVY\UKLYNYHaPUN 36 Do not graze with sheep until 1 June.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 58 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

FEN TIER 37 (NYLLH-LU4HUHNLTLU[7SHU^P[O[OL7YVQLJ[6MÄJLY;OPZTH`ULLK[VILKPZJ\ZZLK^P[O[OL)YVHKZ Authority and on SSSIs it will need to be agreed with English Nature.) 38 Do not apply any organic or inorganic fertiliser. 39 Do not apply any lime, slag or any other substance to reduce soil acidity. 40 Do not use any pesticides, fungicides, insecticides or herbicides. 41 Do not damage or destroy any feature of historic interest. 42 You must abide by the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water, Soil and Air, published by the Department as amended from time to time.

TIER 4A – ARABLE REVERSION TO PERMANENT GRASSLAND 6UJL\UKLYWLYTHULU[NYHZZ[OPZSHUKT\Z[ILTHUHNLKPUHJJVYKHUJL^P[OWYLZJYPW[PVUZ0M`V\^PZO you may also offer it for inclusion under Tier 2 or Tier 3 in which case you should seek further guidance on P[ZTHUHNLTLU[MYVT[OL7YVQLJ[6MÄJLY 43 Cease arable production and establish a new grass sward within 12 months of the start of the agreement. 44 +\YPUN[OLÄYZ[TVU[OZVM[OLHNYLLTLU[KVUV[HWWS`HU`VM[OLMVSSV^PUN^P[OV\[VI[HPUPUNWYPVY approval: organic or inorganic fertiliser; lime, slag or any other substance to reduce the acidity of the soil; pesticides. 45 From the start of your agreement you must follow all the Tier 1 guidelines from prescription 10 onwards. 46 6UNYHZZSHUKYL]LY[LKMYVTHYHISLKVUV[L_JLLKHUHUU\HSH]LYHNLZ[VJRPUNSL]LSVM3P]LZ[VJR Units (LU) per hectare.

TIER 4B – ARABLE GRASSLAND MARGINS 47 *LHZLWYVK\J[PVUVUHZ[YPWVMSHUKH[SLHZ[T^PKLH[[OLLKNLVMHÄLSK\ZLKMVYHYHISLJYVWWPUN ;OPZTHYNPUT\Z[IL[HRLUMYVT[OLL_PZ[PUNHYHISLSHUKHUKT\Z[HKQVPUHUVWLUKYHPUHNLJOHUULS e.g. a ditch or watercourse. 48 Cultivate the margin so as to create a seed bed and establish a grass sward within twelve months of ceasing arable cropping. 49 4HPU[HPU[OLNYHZZZ^HYKVU[OLÄLSKTHYNPUI`J\[[PUNH[SLHZ[VUJLH`LHY+VUV[J\[ILMVYL1\UL and do not allow any cut material to enter the dykes. 50 Do not apply to the margin without obtaining prior approval: organic or inorganic fertiliser; lime, slag or HU`Z\IZ[HUJL[VYLK\JL[OLHJPKP[`VM[OLZVPS"M\UNPJPKLZHUKPUZLJ[PJPKLZ"OLYIPJPKLZL_JLW[[VJVU[YVS UL[[SLZZWLHY[OPZ[SLJYLLWPUNVYÄLSK[OPZ[SLJ\YSLKKVJRIYVHKSLH]LKKVJRVYYHN^VY[(WWS`OLYIPJPKLZ by weed wiper or spot treatment. 51 You may regularly cultivate and apply herbicides to a one metre edge of the margin adjacent to the cropped area. 52 You must abide by the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water, Soil and Air, published by the Department as amended from time to time.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 59 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

PUBLIC ACCESS TIER 53 Make the access route available for public access at no charge. 54 Maintain a free passage over the access route. 55 Do not erect new fences on or adjacent to the access route without the prior written approval of the Department. 56 2LLW[OLHJJLZZYV\[LHUKÄLSKZJYVZZLKI`P[MYLLVMSP[[LYHUKV[OLYYLM\ZL 57 ,_JS\KLI\SSZMYVT[OLHJJLZZYV\[LHUKÄLSKZJYVZZLKI`P[L_JLW[MVYI\SSZÔPJOKVUV[L_JLLK[OLHNL VMTVU[OZVYHYLUV[VMHYLJVNUPZLKKHPYÌYLLKHUKHYLH[SHYNLPUHU`ÄLSKVYLUJSVZ\YLPUÔPJO cows and heifers are also at large. 58 Agree with the Department in writing in advance the public liability insurance cover which you will maintain for the duration of the access agreement. 59 Provide and maintain adequate means of entry to the access route. 60 (MÄ_HUKTHPU[HPUHWWYVWYPH[LZPNUIVHYKZHUK^H`THYRPUN 61 +VUV[WLYTP[HU`VM[OLMVSSV^PUNHJ[P]P[PLZVU[OLHJJLZZYV\[LVYVUÄLSKZJYVZZLKI`P[!JHTWPUN JHYH]HUUPUNSPNO[PUNVMÄYLZVYNHUPZLKNHTLZVYZWVY[ZYPKPUNVMTV[VY]LOPJSLZL_JLW[[OVZL\ZLKMVY HNYPJ\S[\YHSVWLYH[PVUZVU[OLSHUK^P[OV\[[OL+LWHY[TLU[»ZWYPVY^YP[[LUHWWYV]HS 62 Agree with the Department in writing whether the riding of horses or cycles may be permitted on the access route. 63 If you wish to apply for temporary closure of the access route you must agree this with the Department in writing in advance. Where temporary closure is permitted you must post signs giving notice of the intended closure and the reasons for it at each entry point to the access route at least two weeks in advance of the date of closure.

www.farmconservation.co.uk 60 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

(UUL_;^V! Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and Environmental Stewardship (ES): Summary information for Broads ESA (Natural England 2012)

*NOTE(K]PZVYZPKLU[PM`JHUKPKH[L/3:WYPVYP[`OVSKPUNZIHZLKVU[OLPYRUV^SLKNLVM[OLOVSKPUN ;OL-HYT,U]PYVUTLU[7SHU-,7WYVK\JLKHZWHY[VM[OL/3:HWWSPJH[PVUPZ\ZLK[VJVUÄYT[OL WV[LU[PHSILULÄ[Z[OH[/3:^PSSKLSP]LYVU[OLOVSKPUN0M[OL-,7KVLZUV[PKLU[PM`Z\MÄJPLU[WV[LU[PHS /3:ILULÄ[ZVUHOVSKPUN[OL/3:HWWSPJH[PVU^PSSIL[LYTPUH[LKHUK[OLSHUKYLMLYYLKMVY,3: -,7ZHYLUV[WYVK\JLKMVYº,3:VUS`»ZP[LZ

www.farmconservation.co.uk 61 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

(UUL_;OYLL! Survey Questionnaire The Broads after the ESAs - Assessing the State of Grassland in the Broads

Q1 Do you intend to continue managing grassland as you have under the ESA?

Yes No

Q2 If not, what changes do you intend to make?

Q3 How much land did you have within each ESA tier?

Q4 How much grassland has been intensively managed?

Q5 How much grassland will be intensively managed in the future?

Q6 How much nitrogen fertiliser did you routinely apply to the marshes?

Q7 How much nitrogen fertiliser will you routinely apply to the marshes in the future?

Q8 Has lime been regularly applied to reduce acidity?

Yes No

www.farmconservation.co.uk 62 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q9 When did you last reseed?

Q10 By what means did you reseed?

Q11 What mechanical operations have been carried out on the grassland in the last 15 years? (Please tick all that apply)

Q12 Do you graze your marshland? @LZ0\ZLT`V^USP]LZ[VJR @LZ0KVUV[\ZLT`V^USP]LZ[VJR No

Q13 Which animals do you use to graze your land? (Please tick all that apply)

If this is likely to change, please state how:

Q14 When do you normally turn out?

If this is likely to change, please state how:

Q15 When would you normally bring livestock in off the marshes?

If this is likely to change, please state how:

www.farmconservation.co.uk 63 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q16 Do you make hay or silage from your marshland?

Q17 When would you normally cut hay / silage? (Select all that apply)

Q18 Are cutting dates likely to change in the future, and if so how?

Q19 Are you able to control water levels on your land?

Yes No

8([^OH[OLPNO[KV`V\THPU[HPUK`RL^H[LYSL]LSZPUYLHJ[PVU[VTLHUTHYZOSL]LS&

Q21 How is water level management likely to change in future?

Q22 Do you think the ESA was a good scheme?

Yes No Further comments:

Q23 Do you consider the ESA to be a cost effective scheme? Did it deliver value for tax payers’ money?

Yes No Further comments:

8/V^KV`V\[OPUR[OL,:(ZJOLTLILULÄ[LK[OLNLULYHSW\ISPJ&8/H]L`V\LU[LYLK Entry Level Stewardship (ELS)?

Yes No If not, why not?

www.farmconservation.co.uk 64 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

8>OH[WYVWVY[PVUVM`V\YNYHZZSHUKPZ\UKLYHU,3:THUHNLTLU[VW[PVU&

Q27 Have you considered or applied for Higher Level Stewardship (HLS)?

Yes No

Q28 If not, why not? (Please tick all that apply)

8 /V^^PSS[OL*(7NYLLUPUNTLHZ\YLZPUÅ\LUJL`V\YKLJPZPVUTHRPUNPUYLNHYKZ[VNYHZZSHUK&

Q30 Would you be interested in seeing how others are managing the transition period between the ESA schemes and forthcoming new environmental land management schemes?

Yes No

Q31 What do you consider to be the outlook for agri-environment schemes?

Q32 Would you be willing to work with neighbours to deliver wider conservation work at a landscape scale?

Yes No

Please help us understand why you selected this answer:

Q33 Do you feel you have received enough information about future funding opportunities and legislation to know which way to take your business next?

Yes No

Q34 What information do you require / would you like to receive and who do you seek advice from regarding future options?

Q35 Would you be interested in being paid for delivering ecosystem services?

Yes No

Q36 Is increasing food production a priority when considering the future of the marshes?

Yes No

www.farmconservation.co.uk 65 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

Q37 Do you think that by maintaining low intensity grazing systems you are providing ecosystem services and contributing to climate change mitigation by:

Q38 Who do you think should be paying for the services you offer by maintaining low intensity grazing marshes? (Tick all that apply)

Q39 What measures will you take before making a decision on the future of the marshes?

Q40 Are you aware of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations for uncultivated land?

Yes No

8/H]L`V\OLHYKVMJVHZ[HSHUKÅVVKWSHPUNYHaPUNTHYZO)(7OHIP[H[HUKP[ZYVSLPU[OL,0(KLJPZPVU making process?

Yes No

Q42 Do you think that EIA regulations apply to you?

Yes No If not, why not?

Q43 Are you aware that the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) now includes grassland options?

Yes No

Q44 Are you likely to take up voluntary measures for low input grass?

Yes No

Q45 Are you aware of Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) regulations?

Yes No

www.farmconservation.co.uk 66 MANAGEMENT of the MARSHES

8+VHU`VM`V\YTHYZOLZJVU[HPU^PSKÅV^LYZLNVYJOPKZYHNNLKYVIPUPYPZL[J&

Yes No

Q47 Has wildlife increased on your farm over the last 25 years?

Yes No What species have you seen increase?

Q48 Has wildlife decreased on your farm over the last 25 years?

Yes No What species have you seen decrease?

Q49 What wildlife would you like to see more of in the broads?

8(YL`V\JVUZPKLYPUNPTWYV]PUNVYJYLH[PUNOHIP[H[ZMVY^PSKSPMLV]LY[OLUL_[Ä]L`LHYZ&

Yes No

Q51 What do you love about farming on the broads?

We will be conducting a limited number of anonymous interviews. If you would like to participate please LU[LY`V\YWOVULU\TILYHUKLTHPSPU8 (TLTILYVM[OL->(.5VYMVSR[LHT^PSSNL[PU[V\JO

87OVULU\TILY!

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www.farmconservation.co.uk 67 Farm Conservation Limited, Honingham Thorpe, Colton, Norfolk, NR9 5BZ. e [email protected] t 01603 814 869 f 01603 881 890