GAEC12 rules change on 1 January 2010 so that farmers wanting to create a fallow plot for ground-nesting birds from next year onwards no longer need to get a derogation from the RPA as the green cover requirement is coming out of GAEC12. There are still restrictions on ploughing vegetation between 1 March and 31 July inclusive. But exemptions have been made that include creating a bare surface for breeding stone-curlews and lapwings—as farmers may wish to plough up until mid-March for nesting beginning in April.
Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds is a voluntary measure under the Campaign for the Farmed Environment, and so this ruling will make the process easier for farmers using this voluntary measure. It is also an option coming into ELS next year, so can be funded through this route.