In summer 2025 we surveyed 30ha of grassland on an organic beef farm on the edge of Exmoor. We advised our Farmer Member about management and restoration of species-rich grassland, as well as offering guidance on the suitability of fields for Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions.
Accurate grassland surveying relies on surveying at the right time of year, when all plant species are visible and identifiable. SFI approval visits don’t always fall within survey season, which can increase the risk of suitable fields not receiving approval. By commissioning a botanical survey from a qualified FWAG adviser before applying for SFI, land managers can be more confident that they are selecting the right action in the right location.
By the end of 2025, our Farmer Member successfully secured an SFI agreement including nearly 10ha of species-rich grassland management.
To find out more about our habitat survey service please click here or contact our adviser team at info@fwagsw.org.uk
One of the grassland fields we surveyed. Some of the species in this field inc. orchids, hawkbits, pignut, knapweed, violets, tormentil, bird’s-foot-trefoils
Orchid sp.