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on related pages the agreement
on related pages management of land
on related pages lowland pasture with hay making
on related pages grassland supplement
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on related pages 6m arable margin
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on related pages boundaries to be restored
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on related pages capital work specifications
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on related pages standards of good farming practice
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Ditch and rhyne restoration - Work Codes

DR - Ditch, dyke and rhyne restoration

Any ditching work ' must either enhance bankside, aquatic or wetland habitats; prevent degradation of a feature of archaeological, wildlife or landscape interest; or must enhance public access. It must not be routine clearance and maintenance work. Work must not damage sites of archaeological or ecological interest.

Only half the ditch may be restored in any one year. This may be either one side of the ditch along its full length or both sides of the ditch along half the length in sections of up to a maximum of 50m. Dredging and clearance work must not cut deeper into the channel bed or ditch banks than the original level unless the edges are being reprofiled to provide habitat opportunities for wildlife. If re-profiling dykes, ditches and rhynes the sides must not be steeper than 45% or a stepped profile must be created.

Cut vegetation must be far enough away from the top of the ditch bank to prevent decaying material from falling in and polluting the ditch. Dredgings must not be used to fill and level adjacent wet areas or put on any sites of archaeological or ecological importance.

Pesticides must not be used to control aquatic plants and bank-side vegetation.

Timing

Work must be carried out between July and the end of January, preferably between August and October.

Fencing

Where protective fencing adjoins or is replaced alongside the ditch, this must be placed at least 1 metre away from the edge of the bank top.

Margins

Where the ditch is adjacent to cultivated fields an uncultivated margins to be provided adjoining the ditch. If necessary uncultivated margins may be sown with a grass mix or allowed to develop through natural regeneration. They may only to be cut every 3 years in late summer or autumn if this is necessary to prevent scrub encroachment along the bank.


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