The Environmentally Sensitive Areas (South Downs) Designation Order 1992

Option 1 – Chalk Downland Reversion

1.  As regards any land which is the subject of an agreement which is suitable for reversion to chalk downland which–

• has been converted from arable to grassland under a previous agreement, or

• on 31st August 1991, was in arable cropping or had been in ley management for less than five years as part of an arable rotation–

  (1)

  The farmer shall cease arable or intensive grassland production and shall establish a grassland sward within twelve months of the start of the agreement using seed from native grass species approved by the Minister.

  (2)

  During a period of twelve months from the start of the agreement the farmer shall not apply–

  (a)

  any organic or inorganic fertiliser,

  (b)

  lime, slag or any substance designed to reduce the acidity of the soil,

  (c)

  any pesticide

  without obtaining the Minister’s prior approval.

  (3)

  During each of the three years following grasslandestablishment, the farmer shall cut the grassland sward, remove the cuttings as hay or silage and graze the aftermath. He shall not make the first cut before 16th July in any year.