Natural Environment Flashcards
(49 cards)
What is an NVZ?
An area designated as being at high risk of agricultural nitrate pollution.
Annual limit of 250kg/ha of total N from organic manures in any 12 month period. This limit applies to each individual field.
What is a SSSI?
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a formal conservation designation. It describes an area of particular interest to science due to the rare species of fauna or flora it contains.
How can you identify a SSSI’s existence?
SNH online map, NVZ online map.
How can you check flood risk?
SEPA flood Map.
What flood risk zones are you aware of?
Zone 1 has the lowest risk, less than 0.1% annual probability of flooding. Zone 2 denotes medium risk, with a 1% chance from rivers or 0.5% from the sea. Zone 3 has a 1% or higher chance from rivers or 0.5% from the sea.
How can you check soil type for agricultural land?
Land Capability Index online map.
What soil types are you aware of?
Sandy soil, Silt Soil, Clay Soil, and Loamy Soil.
What are the Hedgerow Regulations 1997?
They aim to protect important countryside hedgerows by controlling their removal through a notification system.
What is a key principle of good hedgerow management?
Keep the Shrub Layer Dense through good trimming practice, adopting the management cycle approach, and careful livestock control.
What are the bird nesting seasons?
From March to August, it’s crucial to avoid hedge cutting to prevent disturbing nesting birds.
What does the Weeds Act 1959 do?
Gives the local authority the power to require a land occupier to take action to prevent the spread of injurious weeds.
What is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?
A key piece of UK legislation protecting wildlife, including birds, animals, and plants, and their habitats, and restricts the introduction of certain non-native species.
What is cross compliance?
A requirement for farmers to adhere to a set of rules and standards.
What is the role of Natural England?
The government’s advisor for the natural environment in England, working to protect and restore it.
What is biodiversity offsetting?
It seeks to balance human development with nature conservation by ensuring that any unavoidable damage to biodiversity in one area is compensated for by creating or enhancing biodiversity elsewhere.
Talk me through the CSS Higher Tier
10 year agreement, UP3 Management of Moorland. UP5 rewetting moorland. Wildfire risk assessment, stocking calendar, record management. Before photos. Natural England advisor.
What restrictions where there in the Higher Tier CSS
Stocking rates, cannot apply fert., lime or manure. Wildfire Risk Assessment
What is required to claim and SFI?
SBI, CPH, Management control of the land.
What was the first step for the woodland creation scheme?
Initial proposal with client (Diverse Conifer) £3,700/Ha. for 5 years
What is the Countryside Stewardship (England) Regulations 2020?
Governs management of funding of land for environmental benefits through grants.
What restrictions are there on SSSI felling and management plan?
Check designations, Oak trees to be retained and left on site. Lichen.
Can you apply for new SFI agreements?
No, but accepted agreements will be honoured.
What stakeholders must be consulted when felling in SSSI?
Nature Scot, follow guidance with Woodland Management Plan. Neighbours regarding access.
Explain the requirements of an SFI option.
CSAM3 (Herbal leys): 3yrs, mixture of grasses & legumes. Minimal inorganic use, rotational or static, establish within 12 months
