Farmers who joined GLAS III this year should be aware that there are a number of actions that must be completed by 31 May. We have listed some of the popular actions farmers have chosen in their GLAS plans and briefly outlined what is required for each action.

Farmers should double check their GLAS plans to ensure they are aware of upcoming deadlines for their specific plan and what is required.

Bat boxes

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  • Install new bat roost boxes in groups of three boxes per tree, or three boxes per post, or three boxes per building. The boxes in each location must face in different directions. Bat roost boxes must be in place by 31 May 2017.
  • The maximum number of bat boxes is 15, in groups of three boxes per tree, or per post, or per farm building.
  • The location must be clearly marked on the map and must be maintained in the same position for the duration of the contract.
  • Boxes can be made from wood or woodcrete and must be draught-free.
  • Boxes must not be located along public roads.

    • Bird boxes

  • Install new bird boxes by 31 May 2017, by placing a maximum of one bird box per tree or post or on the external wall of a farm building.
  • A minimum of one bird box and a maximum of 15 bird boxes.
  • The locations must be clearly marked on the map and must be maintained in the same position for the duration of the contract.
  • Boxes can be made from wood or woodcrete and must be draught-free.
  • Boxes must not be located along public roads.

    • Bee boxes

  • Install new bee boxes by 31 May 2017, by placing a maximum of one box per tree or post.
  • A minimum of one bee box and a maximum of five bee boxes.
  • The location must be clearly marked on the map and boxes must be maintained in the same position for the duration of the contract.
  • Boxes must be made from wood and must be draught-free.
  • Boxes must be protected from livestock.

    • Conservation of solitary bees (sand)

  • Create a bee habitat by placing one tonne of builder’s sand in a mound in a LPIS parcel or field and fence it from livestock by 31 May 2017.
  • A minimum of one bee habitat and a maximum of two bee habitats.
  • Bee habitats cannot be placed side-by-side and must be individually fenced from livestock.
  • The location must be clearly marked on the map and must be maintained in the same position for the duration of the contract.
  • The fenced-off area around the bee habitat must be strimmed annually and throughout the GLAS contract to keep shading vegetation under control.
  • Pesticides cannot be applied to the habitat.
  • Receipts for the sand indicating the weight must be retained for the duration of the GLAS contract.

    • Protection of watercourses from bovines

  • Participants with an owned bovine enterprise must fence off all watercourses that are identified on the GLAS online system a minimum of 1.5m from the top of the bank of the watercourses, to exclude the bovines (cattle) by 31 May 2017.
  • The LPIS parcels selected must be marked on the map submitted.
  • The fencing must be stockproof, fit-for-purpose and be undertaken with permanent stakes and wire.
  • Livestock drinking points are not permitted. An alternative water supply must be provided for livestock.