Activity
Agri-environment scheme monitoring in England (ESA, CSS and ASPS schemes) - Monitoring of Cereal Field Margin Options

This three-year programme of work aimed to undertake a comprehensive and comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of a range of field margin management options used within various agri-environment schemes in conserving arable plants and providing resources for foraging bumblebees. The project looked at (i) 5-year old margins provided in two areas under the Arable Stewardship Pilot Scheme; (ii) Cultivated margins for Rare Arable Plants established and previously monitored under the Breckland ESA Scheme; and (iii) Arable margins established nationally under the expansion of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme to accommodate a wider range of Arable Options. The project as a whole was intended to provide a comprehensive picture of the contribution being made by agri-environment schemes to delivery of the Habitat Action Plan for Cereal Field Margins.