What is a Riparian Buffer Zone?

A riparian buffer zone is a vegetated area adjacent to streams, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies that helps protect water quality, reduce erosion, and enhance biodiversity. Under the ACRES (Agriculture Climate Rural Environment Scheme), establishing and maintaining riparian buffer zones can earn significant payments while contributing to environmental sustainability on your farm.

We specializes in providing the right mix of native bareroot trees and shrubs that are perfectly suited for creating effective and compliant riparian buffer zones under the ACRES scheme. Bareroot plants are cost-effective, establish quickly, and are ideal for large-scale plantings required in riparian buffer zones.

ACRES Scheme Requirements for Riparian Buffers

The ACRES scheme has specific requirements for riparian buffer zones that must be met to qualify for payments:

Requirement	Specification
Buffer Width	Minimum 10 meters from the top of the bank
Tree Height	Purchased bareroot trees must be a minimum of 60cm in height
Tree Protection	All trees must be fitted with a staked tree shelter of a minimum 75cm in height (We provide 75cm Tubex Standard Shelters with 90cm stakes)
Spacing	The minimum spacing between trees is 2 metres
Vegetation Control	Grass and other competing vegetation must be controlled
Fencing	Trees must be protected with appropriate fencing to exclude livestock
Replacement	Failed plants must be replaced at the next planting season
Species Selection	Must use approved native species suitable for riparian areas
Duration	Commitment to maintain for the full 5-year ACRES contract period

We provide all the bareroot plant materials you need to meet these requirements, along with expert advice on planting patterns and maintenance.

Financial Benefits Under ACRES

Implementing properly designed riparian buffer zones on your farm can earn you significant payments through the ACRES scheme:

ACRES Tier	Payment Rate (Approximate)
ACRES General	€500 - €700 per hectare per year
ACRES Co-operation Project (CP)	€700 - €1,160 per hectare per year

Note: Actual payment rates may vary based on specific scheme details and location. Contact your ACRES advisor for exact figures applicable to your farm.

About Our Bareroot Trees for Riparian Buffers

We supply high-quality native bareroot trees and shrubs for riparian buffer zones. Bareroot plants offer several advantages for ACRES scheme plantings:

• Cost-effective: Bareroot plants are significantly more affordable than container-grown alternatives, allowing for more extensive planting within budget constraints.
• Establishment: Our bareroot stock has excellent root systems that establish quickly when planted during the dormant season (November to March).
• Variety: We offer a complete range of ACRES-approved native bareroot species suitable for all zones of riparian buffers.
• Sustainability: Bareroot plants require less material to produce and transport, reducing the environmental footprint of your planting project.
• Adaptability: Bareroot plants adapt well to site conditions as they establish their root systems naturally in your soil.

All our bareroot stock is lifted fresh to order during the planting season to ensure maximum viability and success rates in your riparian buffer establishment.

Recommended Native Species for Riparian Buffer Zones

Our nursery stocks all of the following native bareroot species that are ideal for riparian buffer zones in Ireland:

ACRES Approved Native Species for Riparian Buffer Zones

The following native species are approved for use in ACRES riparian buffer zone plantings:

Common name	Scientific name	Common name	Scientific name
Alder	Alnus glutinosa	Sessile oak	Quercus petraea
Strawberry tree	Arbutus unedo	Pedunculate oak	Quercus robur
Silver birch	Betula pendula	Goat willow	Salix caprea
Downy birch	Betula pubescens	Grey willow	Salix cinerea
Hazel	Corylus avellana	Bay willow	Salix pentandra
Holly	Ilex aquifolium	English whitebeam	Sorbus anglica
Crab apple	Malus sylvestris	Whitebeam	Sorbus aria
Scots pine	Pinus sylvestris	Rowan	Sorbus aucuparia
Black poplar	Populus nigra	Irish whitebeam	Sorbus hibernica
Aspen	Populus tremula	Rock whitebeam	Sorbus rupicola
Wild cherry	Prunus avium	Wych elm	Ulmus glabra
Bird cherry	Prunus padus

Where possible, we can supply special varieties of crab apple including:

• Mc Griggors Crab
• Cavan Sweet Crab
• Lough Key Crab

We can help you create a planting plan that includes the appropriate bareroot species mix for your specific site conditions and ACRES requirements.

Our Riparian Buffer Zone Plant Packages

We offer pre-designed packages of native bareroot trees and shrubs specifically selected for riparian buffer zones. All prices and packages are subject to availability and may change. Please contact us for current pricing and stock information.

Package	Description	Price
Starter Buffer (0.25 ha)	500 native bareroot trees & shrubs (mix of 8 species)	€1,050 approx
Standard Buffer (0.5 ha)	1,000 native bareroot trees & shrubs (mix of 10 species)	€2,000 approx
Complete Buffer (1 ha)	2,000 native bareroot trees & shrubs (mix of 12 species)	€3,900 approx
Custom Buffer	Tailored to your specific site requirements and preferences	Contact for quote

Note: All prices are indicative and subject to change. Tree and shrub availability varies seasonally and by species. Please contact us to confirm current pricing and availability for your specific project timeline.

All packages include:

• Appropriate bareroot species selection for riparian zones
• ACRES-compliant planting densities
• Mix of trees and shrubs for structural diversity
• Guidance on maintenance requirements

Required for ACRES compliance (available to purchase):

• Tree protection: 75cm Tubex Standard Shelters (73-105mm diameter) with 90cm x 25mm Square Softwood Timber Post Stakes, FSC MIX 70% (€3.55 per unit)

Additional services:

• Detailed site-specific planting design (€250)
• Planting service (Price on application)
• Maintenance package (Price on application)

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant riparian buffer zones?

The optimal planting season for bareroot trees and shrubs is during the dormant period from November to March. This gives the plants the best chance to establish before the growing season begins. Bareroot stock must be planted during this window, as the plants are lifted from the nursery beds while dormant and need to be replanted promptly for best results.

Do I need special permission to plant along waterways?

You should consult with your ACRES advisor before starting any riparian planting project. In some cases, you may need permission from relevant authorities if the waterway is designated or protected.

How long does it take for a buffer zone to become effective?

While some benefits begin immediately after planting, a riparian buffer typically takes 3-5 years to become fully functional in terms of stabilizing banks and providing habitat. The full water quality and biodiversity benefits may take 5-10 years to develop.

Can I include fruit or nut trees in my riparian buffer?

While the primary focus should be on native species, it is possible to incorporate some productive trees like hazelnuts or native crab apples in the outer zones of the buffer, further from the water. Discuss this with your ACRES advisor to ensure compliance.

How do I maintain my riparian buffer zone after planting?

Under ACRES requirements, you must control grass and other competing vegetation around young trees. Additionally, any failed plants must be replaced at the next planting season. Maintenance also includes ensuring tree shelters and stakes remain secure, monitoring for invasive species, and occasional selective thinning or coppicing once trees are established. We can provide a maintenance guide specific to your planting.

Why Choose Our Nursery for Your Riparian Buffer Zone Plants?

• Irish Grown: All our bareroot stock is grown in Ireland, ensuring plants are well-adapted to local conditions.
• ACRES Expertise: We understand the specific requirements of the ACRES scheme and can help ensure your planting will be compliant.
• Quality Guarantee: We supply only healthy, vigorous bareroot plants with excellent root systems.
• Wide Selection: With over 25 native species available, we can provide the perfect mix for your specific site conditions.
• Expert Advice: Our team has extensive experience in riparian restoration projects and can provide guidance throughout the process.