The Environmentally Sensitive Areas (South Downs) Designation Order 1992

Option 2 – Permanent Grassland Reversion

1.  As regards any land which is the subject of an agreement which is suitable for conversion from arable to permanent grassland and 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)

  Except where reversion to grassland has already taken place, the farmer shall cease arable production and establish a grassland sward within twelve months of the start of the agreement.

  (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.