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AB12 and AHW2 - Supplementary Winter Feeding

Helping farmland birds through the Hungry Gap with SFI and Countryside Stewardship-compliant seed mixes.​​​​​​

AB12 and AHW2 supplementary winter feeding mix

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What is AB12 and AHW2 Supplementary Winter Feeding?

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AB12 (Countryside Stewardship) and AHW2 (Sustainable Farming Incentive) are environmental scheme options aimed at supporting farmland bird populations during the winter months—particularly through the "Hungry Gap" from 1st December to 30th April, when natural food sources are scarce. 

 

When paired with CAHL2 in the expanded SFI offer or AHL2 in the SFI23 offer, and AB9 for Countryside Stewardship,​​

these options allow and encourage supplementary feeding using approved seed mixes. Helping to maintain healthy bird populations and promote biodiversity across UK farmland.

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To learn more, you can refer to the official  AB12 guidance from GOV.UK or the AHW2 guidance for the SFI scheme.​​​​

​Scheme Compliance and Government Guidance

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At Court Farm Feeds, we supply AB12 and AHW2-compliant mixes to support your environmental scheme obligations.

All our blends are produced in line with government requirements and are suitable for:

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  • EF23 / OF23 – Wild bird seed mix

  • HF24 – Winter bird food on historic farmland

 

We stay up to date with the latest rules as outlined in the official DEFRA AHW2 scheme guidance and Countryside Stewardship AB12 guidance and are happy to offer advice on compliance.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Our AB12 & AHW2 Compliant Mixes
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Our seed mixes are grown and prepared on our farm, then combined with smaller seeds to offer Standard and Premium options—each available in Complete or No-Wheat Concentrate form.
All mixes are available in 25kg bags or bulk tote bags, with local delivery in Herefordshire and nationwide shipping available via hauliers.

Court Farm Feeds AB12 Premium Supplementary Winter Feeding Mix.jpg

Complete Mixes

No Wheat Mixes

Standard Mix

  • 70% Wheat

  • 10% White Millet

  • 5% Red Millet

  • 15% Rapeseed

Premium Mix

  • 70% Wheat

  • 10% Rapeseed

  • 7.5% White Millet

  • 5% Red Millet

  • 5% Linseed

  • 2.5% Sunflower Hearts

Premium Mix

Standard Mix

  • 50% Rapeseed

  • 40% White Millet

  • 10% Red Millet

  • 33% Rapeseed

  • 25% White Millet

  • 17% Red Millet

  • 17% Linseed

  • 8% Sunflower Hearts

Mix 300kg of concentrate mix with 700kg of wheat​

"We're very pleased with the quality of our bespoke AB12 supplementary farmland bird seed from Court Farm Feeds.  James was very helpful and accommodating, so we were able to get the right mix to match the ecologist’s recommendations. Delivery was prompt and in good time as well."

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Rosie Kindersley, Sheepdrove Organic Farm

Please note the percentage of seed species may change from time to time to allow us to offer the best value.

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​Feeding Schedule and Best Practice

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To remain compliant with AB12 and AHW2 and support farmland bird conservation effectively, follow these general best practices:​

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  • Start feeding: 1st December

  • Finish feeding: 30th April

  • Frequency: At least once per week, dividing seed equally between feeding locations

  • Recommended location: Near overwintered stubble or wild bird seed areas e.g. AB12

  • Avoid: Areas close to footpaths, gamebird release pens, or places likely to attract vermin
     

You can view full details on feeding locations and frequency on the GOV.UK AB12 scheme page.

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Why Choose Court Farm Feeds?

 

  • Grown, cleaned and mixed on our Herefordshire farm

  • Freshly bagged in small batches for quality and consistency

  • Fully compliant with SFI and Countryside Stewardship standards

  • Premium and standard mix options to suit all budgets

  • Flexible packaging—25kg bags or tote bulk bags

  • Friendly, expert advice from a farm-based supplier

  • Bespoke blends available to match your ecologist’s recommendations

  • Environmentally friendly - Mixed and bagged with solar energy from our PV system

 

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Delivery Options Across the UK

 

Local delivery: We deliver directly across Herefordshire and surrounding counties, including Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire.

 

  • UK-wide delivery: Nationwide delivery available via trusted hauliers.

  • Packaging options: 25kg sacks or larger tote bags for bulk orders.​

  • Let us know your location and quantity required, and we’ll arrange the best delivery option for you.

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Contact Us or Request a Quote​​​​

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Whether you need advice, a bespoke mix, or a delivery quote—our team is ready to help.

Call us: 01432 880 224
Email: hello@courtfarmfeeds.co.uk

Address: Court Farm, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford HR1 3AT​​​​​

Court Farm Feeds Herefordshire AB12 and AHW2 Supplementary Winter Feeding Mix.jpeg

Need More Information?​

 

For full government guidance on scheme eligibility and feeding practices, visit:

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FAQs about AB12 and AHW2 Supplementary Winter Feeding

 

Q: When should AB12 supplementary feeding take place?
A: From 1st December to 30th April. Feed at least once a week during this period.

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Q: Are your mixes compliant with SFI and Countryside Stewardship schemes?
A: Yes, all our mixes meet the current AB12 and AHW2 guidance as set out by GOV.UK. and we're happy to work with you to get the best mix for your situation.

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Q: Can you deliver outside Herefordshire?
A: Yes. We offer UK-wide delivery via trusted hauliers and direct local delivery in Herefordshire. Please contact us here.

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Q: What’s the difference between your Standard and Premium mixes?
A: Our Premium mix contains a broader variety of seeds, including linseed and sunflower hearts, for higher energy content.

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Q: Is there a minimum order?

A: No, but when delivering outside Herefordshire, using a pallet haulier, there is a minimum delivery charge for half a pallet, so we try to suggest ordering at least 300kg to make things economical.

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