Overgrazing in Upland Areas and Cross Compliance

It is a requirement of Cross Compliance that farmland is maintained in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC).  This includes preventing overgrazing.  Overgrazing occurs when stock are grazed in an area for too long or at too high a stocking rate.  This results in damage to the growth, quality and composition of the sward or vegetation.  

Upland farms are particularly important as they often contain areas of semi-natural habitats such as moorland, wetlands, unimproved grassland and species-rich grassland.  These areas are significant habitats for many small mammals, birds, insects and plants including the Irish hare, curlew and golden plover.  Hence it is crucial no overgrazing occurs in these areas.  

Signs of overgrazing include a sward height of less than 3cm in grassland and less than 5cm in rough grassland / moorland.  Other signs include frequent areas of bare ground and a high density of livestock dung.  Overgrazing damages important habitats, reduces sward and livestock productivity, increases weed infestation and can cause soil erosion.  

Farmers participating in the Countryside Management Scheme (CMS) or the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme (ESAS) are required to follow management plans which detail grazing periods and stocking rates.  The aim is to maintain and enhance the conservation value of habitats such as heather moorland and species rich grassland.  Proper grazing management can improve biodiversity of these habitats.  

Good management will ensure livestock are not allowed to continually gather in the same place.  Stock should be removed if weather and ground conditions deteriorate.   

For further information on overgrazing or any other aspect of Cross-Compliance contact Countryside Management Staff at your local DARD office.