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Note: The most up to date specifications are available on the dedicated ACRES / ACRES CP website under Non Productive Investments – Click Link Here
Improve riverside habitats, stabilising river banks, stop soil erosion into watercourses.
1. Plant at least 10 trees within the area selected for the Riparian Margin or Riparian
Margin (Sheep Wire) NPIs.
2. Only native trees to be used. At least 2 species to be selected
3. Not available where there are overhead wires.
4. Trees must be protected with suitable trees guards
5. Control competing vegetation and replace any failed trees.
Implementation Notes
Fence must be of the type approved. May not be suitable near Archaeological monuments or overhead wires.
Additional guidance
• When planting trees in Riparian Margin, tree planting density should be kept sufficiently low to allow establishment of ground story vegetation. Planting small groups of 10 trees with 2.5m spacing between the trees and 10m spacing between the groups is recommended.
• Plant species that have already been shown to grow in local riparian areas. Plants should be of native provenance where possible.
• Trees should be pit planted in a vegetation-free area. Clear the area prior to planting to ensure planting is undertaken on a weed-free area (less than 1m in diameter).
• For pit planting, a spade is used to dig a hole and the tree’s roots placed in the centre. Soil is placed around the tree and firmed in, ensuring that it is upright and straight.
• Unmanaged riparian areas are very susceptible to non-native invasive species – e.g. Himalayan Balsam, Giant hogweed. Monitor the riparian margin and carry out appropriate management/removal of non-native invasive species where necessary.
• In arterial drained catchments, Office of Public Works (OPW) require certain banks to remain free of trees. Contact OPW if unsure whether this may apply to your farm or to seek guidance on channel width.
Table 9. Native Species for Riparian Margin Tree Planting
Common name Scientific name
Alder Alnus glutinosa
Silver birch Betula pendula
Downy birch Betula pubescens
Pedunculate oak Quercus robur
Goat willow Salix caprea
Grey willow Salix cinerea
Bay willow Salix pentandra
Table 10. The required clearance distance depends on the voltage of the overhead line
Power line type
Clearance distance (from centre of line)
Low voltage (230/400V) 5 m
10 kV and 38 kV 10 m
110 kV 31 m
220 kV 34 m
400 kV 37 m
Note: All trees must be outside their falling distance from line support structure.
Good Locations:
Poor Locations:
What is a riparian margin for?
A riparian margin will hep stabilise river banks and protect them from erosion. It will also help trap soil and other material being washed off the land and prevent them from reaching the watercourse.
What if I have a monument beside the watercourse?
This will be assessed by an archaeologist on the CP team as there is a risk that trees growing in the riparian margin could damage the monument.
What types of trees can be planted?
Native Species only. A list of suitable tree species can be found in the DAFM specifications for Non Productive Investments. (see the “Whats Involved” section on this page for a link.
