A SERIES of Defra-funded farm walks on meeting cross-compliance conditions start on June 28.

The free walks, set up by a group of leading farming organisations known as the Momenta consortium, provide a first look at simple management practices farmers should consider to help meet the standard needed to secure the full Single Payment.

Cross-compliance is a requirement for farmers and landowners claiming the single payment.

The farm walks will be run at Houghall College Farm, Dur-ham, and Newcastle University's Cockle Park in Northumberland.

"Interest is expected to be high as minds are turning to the practical implications of the SPS as the application deadline has passed and the inspection season is looming," said Mike McKendry, cross-compliance specialist for the consortium.

"All the hot and topical issues will be covered on a 'walk and talk', allowing farmers time with specialist cross-compliance advisers who have local knowledge and can help cover technical areas where there are concerns resolved."

The main focus will be on margin management and protection of hedgerows and watercourses; habitat and landscape management (including rights of way, control of weeds, SSSIs and the like), and soil management planning and protection.

Land not wholly in agricultural production - particularly annual fallowing of land - and overgrazing and supplementary feeding will also be covered.

"Advisers will also reiterate your responsibilities as the landowner, tenant or land manager in the case of contractors, for ensuring compliance conditions are met, a common area of confusion," said Mr McKendry.

George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers' Association said: "Now the deadline for returning forms has passed, it is important that farmers get to grips with the cross-compliance rules. Love them or hate them, they are a requirement of the new scheme. Farm walks are a great way to find practical solutions to problem areas."

All attending are eligible for BASIS and NRoSO points.

* Dates and locations. - June 28, July 5 and July 19: Houghall College Farm, Durham ; July 14 and July 28: Cockle Park Farm, near Morpeth. More details and places are available from 0845 345 1302 or visit www.crosscompliance.org.uk

* The Momenta consortium is made up of Farmcare, Kingshay, Leaf, The Game Conservancy Trust, the West Country Rivers Trust, the Arable group and leading independent advisers.