Pollen and nectar flower mix (updated for SFI26)

What you must do

You must establish a nectar flower mix as a block or strip on land entered into this action. You must use a grass-free seed mix which includes at least 6 flower species, with no individual species being more than 50% of the total mix by weight. The seed mix must include at least 2 of the following flower species: common knapweed musk mallow oxeye daisy wild carrot yarrow Once the pollen and nectar flower mix block or strip is established (usually from the second spring after sowing), you must maintain it. To do this, you must manage it in a way that can reasonably be expected to achieve this action’s aim. You must not do the following on the established pollen and nectar flower mix block or strip: cut or graze it with livestock in a way that means this action’s aim cannot reasonably be expected to be achieved use it for regular vehicular access, turning or storage (for example, storing bales or machinery) apply any fertilisers and manures apply pesticides, except for herbicides to weed wipe or spot treat to control injurious weeds, invasive non-native species, nettles or bracken You can maintain an existing pollen and nectar flower mix block or strip to get paid for this action if it: meets this action’s requirements is not already being paid for under another environmental land management scheme option, such as CS option AB1 (nectar flower mix)

When to do it

You must: establish the pollen and nectar flower mix block or strip between early spring and early autumn, within 12 months of this action’s start date maintain the mix at the same location for a period of time that can reasonably be expected to achieve this action’s aim – this will usually be until the end of the second summer after sowing after this period of time, re-establish the pollen and nectar flower mix block or strip between early spring and early autumn (either at the same location or a different location) and maintain it until this action’s end date

Evidence to keep

You must keep evidence to show what you’ve done to complete this action, such as: field operations at a land parcel level and associated invoices, including details of the seed mix used photographs or other documentation If it’s not clear that you’ve done this action in a way that could reasonably be expected to achieve its aim, we may ask for this evidence. You must supply the evidence if we ask for it.

SFI26 actions v2.0, updated 7 July 2026 — verified 1 Aug 2026. Open official guidance