Field Margin Mixtures 

Farmland Pasture Grazing Mixture

REPS 3 
Green Cover Establishment Wildflower Ecotype Seed Mixture Code EC01 - Annual Wildflowers (Cornfield Annuals)

Environmental Management of Set Aside 

BroadScape Wildflower Mixture

Increased Arable Margins 

Wildflower Ecotype Seed Mixture Code EC03 - Woodland Wild Flower Mixture

Hedgerow Rejuvenation: Coppicing / Laying suits ‘Escaped hedgerows', which have grown up and lost their dense base, but not yet become mature top-heavy trees. Wildflower Ecotype Seed Mixture Code EC04 - Hedgerow Wild Flower Mixture

Creation of a new habitat are possible on most farms. 

Grassland options include 2A: Traditional Hay Meadows, Native Wildflower Seed - Meadow Mixture Code MM06 Wild Flora for Moist Soil (acid - neutral pH <7)

Species Rich Grassland or Native Wildflower Seed - Growing instructions

Nature Corridors - Increased Grassland Field Margins. 

Landscaping around the farmyard 

WF01 - Simple Wildflower Meadow Mixture

WF02 - Traditional Wildflower Meadow Mixture

WF03- Biodiverse Wildflower Meadow Mixture

Field Margins
(Nature Corridors or Field Margins )

Field margins are the most widespread wildlife habitat. They are used by wildlife for food, shelter, breeding and corridors of movement. Examples of broad-leaved plants are wild carrot, common sorrel and cow parsley. Traditional grasses in field margins such as cocksfoot, Yorkshire fog, crested dog’s tail and sweet vernal are rarely found in intensively farmed land. 

Their value may not be in rare flora. 

However their structure and diversity of flora support a wide range of invertebrates, including beetles and butterflies. 

Some such as lacewing and hoverfly larvae control aphids. These are critical in the food chain, as are small mammals such as bank voles and mice. 

Ground-nesting birds such as pheasant and meadow pipit use field margins. 

Their use by birds such as barn owl and linnet to feed highlight their connectivity value for many species
regular annual cutting of the rough grass field margin is not permitted (except in the first year when it must be mown at least three times in the first year to promote tillering of the grass and aid establishment). 

However, occasional cutting later in the year when plants have seeded is good. Leave some uncut as safe havens for wildlife. If never mowed or grazed, field margins become invaded by scrub. 

Establishment Sowing seeds
The concept of reseeding arable field margins is welcome. It further highlights the aim, can help address complaints of problem arable weeds such as scutch grass and cleavers. The source of seed is an issue. Definition of- Conservation Grade Wildflower Seeds
Definition of- Conservation Grade Wildflower Seeds
Conservation field margins established by sowing any cereal at fifty per cent of the recommended sowing rate are not fertilised or sprayed. These provide a different habitat with annual arable weeds and associated invertebrates.
Species imported for seed mixtures
Wildflower seeds
Design by Nature, Monavea Cross, Crettyard, Co. Carlow 056 4442525 is a producer and supplier of wildflower seeds.

Why grow native wildflowers?
Environmental management of set-a-side 
Set-a-side provides a great opportunity for wildlife conservation in a relatively straightforward way. A lot has been learned about its value and potential to help species of conservation concern. These include farmland birds which have declined over the past 25 years, such as yellowhammer, skylark and linnet. With little effort, set-a-side can put food and suitable nesting conditions for these birds back into the farming system. 

No single type of set-a-side provides perfect farmland bird habitat, as most species have slightly different requirements. A mixture of rotational and permanent set-aside is beneficial. Areas rich in insects provide food for chicks. Vegetation containing seeds and grains provide food for winter birds. Another important requirement is undisturbed nest sites.

Strips of set-a-side along woodland or hedgerows benefit yellowhammer and reed bunting. Large blocks of set-a-side in open areas benefit skylark and lapwing.

Rotational
Rotational set-aside is used by skylarks, which like to nest undisturbed on open land. They are attracted to grassy cover and favour sparse, patchy swards. Lapwings nest where swards are short. Rotational set-a-side has abundant insect life, attracted to annual flowering weeds. Annual weeds such as fat hen are excellent for birds. Fat hen also known as white goosefoot was gathered and fed to domestic fowl in earlier times. Natural regeneration of rotational set-a-side provides seed food over winter. These are used by seed eating birds such as linnets and yellowhammers. 

Permanent  
Permanent set-a-side with semi-permanent grass cover provides a sward varied in height and structure with tussocks, patches of fine grasses and plenty of flowers. Annual weeds disappear as the sward closes over. This is full of insects and small mammals, providing rich feeding for owls and kestrels. Reed buntings nest on the ground in set-aside. Yellowhammers also do, close to hedgerows. Chicks of both are fed on insects. 

Management issues Index - Wildflower Growers Manual Home Page. The Wildflower Growers Manual is the expanded web version of our very popular printed Growers Manual.
Up to twenty-five per cent of the set-a-side area may be left un-mown. In non-rotational set-a-side, rotate un-mown areas as necessary to prevent scrub encroachment. Centre out mowing allows young fledglings to escape into the margins. The main benefit is the diverse flora and associated invertebrates because no sprays or fertilisers are used.

Green Cover Establishment What does a meadow look like? Flowery Information
Cereal stubbles, which contain annual broad-leaved plants, provide food for seed-eating birds such as yellowhammers and linnets. Spraying or ploughing in autumn for spring-sown cereals is equally detrimental. Flocks of wintering skylarks, finches and buntings, as well as game birds use stubbles. Skylarks nest in spring cereals. Winter crops are too dense.

Brassicae cover crops, established without ploughing, unsprayed and unfertilised under this option will benefit wildlife. It will also utilise residual nutrients in the soil following the harvesting of a cereal or oilseed crop.

Creation of a new habitat 4A
Creating a habitat can allow nature take its course. Topping is allowed, but toppings must not be removed. If it is not topped, what will happen? 

Hedgerows Wildflower Ecotype Seed Mixture Code EC04 - Hedgerow Wild Flower Mixture

On a farm a management plan should be done for all hedgerows. Decide on objectives for sections of hedgerows. Management may be planned for future years. Having a plan with objectives will prevent inappropriate management being carried out in the meantime. Plans can and should change in time depending on circumstances and experience gained from other management. 

Type of hedgerows Wildflower Ecotype Seed Mixture Code EC04 - Hedgerow Wild Flower Mixture
Previous management history. 
Condition 
Age 
Species richness - whether composed of only one or two shrub species or of several; 
Species rareness 
Presence and frequency of trees; 
Location - their location relative to other habitats 
Location within designated areas such as Natural Heritage Areas, Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas. 
Archaeological or historical value – Townland boundaries 
Contribution to visual value of the surrounding landscape 
Contribution to amenity value of the surrounding landscape 
Contribution to cultural value of the surrounding landscape 
Adjacent features 
Adjacent land use 
Responsiveness to specific management 
Objectives for the future function of the hedgerow. 
Decide on management aims

The extent and state of repair of hedgerows on the farm must be established and used to draw up an appropriate conservation and maintenance programme. Actions required should be clearly identified to maintain and conserve these farm habitats and features. These actions should be considered against the landscape character of the area and how they will contribute to the environmental and amenity value of the farm and surrounding countryside. Management may be limited by cost, practicality and personal interest. Where the extent of planned hedgerow management is limited, priorities should be established. Those of greatest ecological value and those most prominent in the landscape should be selected for maintenance. 

Where major wildlife habitats exist on farms consideration should be given to allowing hedgerows that adjoin and link these areas to grow naturally. In general increasing the variety of hedgerows in terms of height, width, shape and species mix will promote diversity in flora and fauna. The most valuable species for wildlife include oak, birch, mountain ash, whitethorn, alder, willow, ash, holly, crab and Scots pine.

Hedgerows give the Irish landscape its distinctive character and field pattern and provide an important wildlife habitat especially for woodland flora and fauna. Mature flowering hedgerows, predominately of whitethorn, provide a strong visual impact in the countryside during May and June each year. A balance of young and mature whitethorn is required for continuity of this impact. An appropriate conservation and maintenance programme promotes the flowering, fruiting, vigour and wildlife potential of hedgerows. 

A variety is best. The quest for neatness should not take precedence over ecological and landscape considerations. 

Mature relict hedgerows 
Mature hedgerows should be allowed to grow freely and naturally. Maintenance in these situations should be confined to control of invasive species to prevent field encroachment. Where there are no mature hedgerows on a farm, selected sections should be allowed to develop and blossom freely.

New hedgerows Wildflower Ecotype Seed Mixture Code EC04 - Hedgerow Wild Flower Mixture
New stock-proof hedgerows are valuable additions to farms, wildlife and the countryside. Wouldn’t it be nice to think our generation will leave a lasting positive impression on the landscape? 

Guidelines on planting hedgerows
Native species adapted to Irish conditions benefit wildlife more. Locally grown plants, tolerant of local conditions, are likely to thrive. Plants grown from locally collected seed conserves local provenance (origin). Could this be encouraged in each county?

Choice of species will depend on objectives. A high proportion of thorny species are required for a stockproof hedgerow. A variety of species provides a varied food supply for wildlife throughout the year. Include another hedgerow species or climber approximately every metre. Include trees, singly or in groups, at irregular intervals, provided they will be allowed to grow up and are NOT topped when the hedgerow is routinely trimmed. 

Stone Walls  Code EC13 - Wild Flora for Stone Walls and Green Roofs
Maintenance Guidelines
Replace fallen stones regularly, as gaps attract livestock, causing further damage. 

Follow good local traditional practice. Carry out repairs using materials and styles similar to the original structure. Don’t fill the centre of dry stone walls with concrete. Cement introduces rigidity into flexible structures, so cracking can occur. It is also impermeable, so can only dry out through exposed stone. Appropriate repairs to mortared walls involves the use of lime. 

Watercourse protection Wildflower Ecotype Seed Mixture Code EC05 - Wetland Wild Flora (Seasonally Flooded)
Fencing watercourse margins allows vegetation to grow. This provides a filter preventing nutrients entering watercourses. Vegetation also stabilises banks. It prevents soil erosion and the build-up of silt in rivers. 

Supplementary Measure

Supplementary Measures offer a chance to increase payments. They are optional. There are six available. A farmer can receive payment on two, one from each group of three. Options must be undertaken from the start of a new five year REPS plan. 

LINNET 
Farmers can receive an extra €1300 annually where 2.5 hectares of land is set-a-side to grow crops as wild bird cover. No harvesting or grazing is allowed.