Spatially Targeted Riparian Buffer Zones

A spatially targeted riparian buffer zone is an area left uncultivated adjoining rivers/streams/drains/ponds/lakes/turloughs etc. that will help to intercept sediment and nutrients from soil surfaces after they have been mobilised. Correctly designed, located and managed, these will work to intercept and retain water and pollutants transferred from adjacent fields by surface and subsurface pathways, diversify terrestrial habitats and provide other services to benefit communities and wildlife. Spatially targeted buffers will be of various shapes and sizes. The sizing of the buffers will need to take account of the size of the flow pathway relative to the contributing catchment area.

Payment will be made on a per hectare basis and ranges from between:
0.01ha – 0.04ha. €400/unit; 0.05ha – 0.1ha. €600/unit; 0.11ha – 0.2ha. €800/unit

For linear Riparian Buffer Zones the payment rates differ from tillage to grassland and depend on the extent of the margin.

See link below for more details: