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RURAL STEWARDSHIP SCHEME SUMMARY OF OPTIONS ***************
Please refer to the SERAD RSS Booklet for more detailed
information************** MANAGEMENT OPTIONS (BAP
= Biodiversity Action Plan) 1.
PRESCRIPTIONS
PREDOMINANTLY FOR BIRD LIFE 1.1: Extensive Management of Mown Grassland for BirdsSite criteria:
A field used for growing an extensive crop of hay or
silage. Management requirements:
a. The field must not be rolled, harrowed or grazed
between 1 April and 30 June or until the crop has been secured, whichever
is the later. b. Mowing or the reintroduction of grazing must not take
place before 1 July. c. To minimise the risk of damage to young birds, hay and
silage must be cut in accordance with scheme guidance. d. Artificial fertiliser must not be applied to the field before
15 May. Farmyard manure and
slurry must not be applied between 28 February and 15 May. e.
Leave a strip of uncut
grass 2m wide around the field boundary. Pesticides and herbicides may be
applied to this strip only with the prior written agreement of Scottish
Ministers. Some BAP species that may benefit: Corn bunting, Skylark, Grey Partridge and
Brown hare. Other important (bird) species: Lapwing,
Curlew, Yellow hammer and Twite. Payment rate:
£150 per hectare. 1.2:
Management of Open
Grazed Grassland for Birds
Site criteria: Areas of open in-bye
grassland, subject to winter grazing to produce a short sward, and with little
or no tree cover around the site. Management requirement:
a. Livestock to be excluded for 6 consecutive weeks
between 1 April and 15 June. b. Do not harrow or roll between 1 April and 31 July. c. Artificial fertiliser must not be applied to the field
before 15 May. FYM and slurry
may be applied up to 28 February and after 15 May. d. Obtain prior consent from Scottish Ministers before
applying pesticides. e.
Do
not top before 31 July. Leave a strip of uncut grass 2m wide around
the field boundary. Pesticides and herbicides may be applied to this strip only
with the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Corn
bunting, Skylark, Nightjar, Grey Partridge and Brown hare. Other important
(bird) species: Lapwing,
Curlew, Dunlin and Twite. Payment rate: £100 per hectare. 1.3:
Management of Wet Grassland for Waders
Aim: To
provide suitable breeding and feeding grounds for wading birds and provide
protection for their eggs and fledglings. Site criteria: Inbye
wet grassland. Management requirements: a. Livestock to be excluded for 6 consecutive weeks from 1
April to 15 June OR if
no barrier exists between the site and adjoining pasture, overall grazing levels
should not exceed 1.4 LU/ha for the selected 6 week period. b. If rushes occur within the site there must be an
agreed programme of cutting, grazing or, exceptionally, herbicide treatment to
prevent the rushes dominating the site. However, all
rushes should not be removed from the site. c. Artificial fertiliser or slurry must not be applied to
the site. FYM must not be applied between 28 February and 15 May. Some BAP species that may benefit:
Reed
bunting, Narrow-bordered bee hawk-moth. Other important (bird) species:
Redshank, Snipe, Curlew, Lapwing and
Oystercatcher Payment rate:
£100 per hectare. 2.
PRESCRIPTIONS
FOR SPECIES RICH AREAS 2.1:
Management of Species‑Rich Grassland
Aim: To
encourage the growth and spread of flowering plants and other species in natural
grassland which act as a food supply for insects and a seed source to ensure the
continuation of the species. Site criteria: Species rich
grassland or unimproved grassland on inbye land or grazed machair. Management requirements:
a.
i. The site must not be grazed or mown for a period of at least 3 consecutive
months between 15 March and 15 August; OR a. ii. Where
the particular conservation interest of the site would not be met by this
approach, a livestock management and grazing regime should be set out in a
grazing plan to be agreed with Scottish Ministers. b. After 15 August, the grass must be grazed down or
topped. c. The site must not be used for supplementary feeding of
stock. d. Farmyard manure or lime may be applied only with the
prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers. Some BAP species that may benefit:
Nightjar,
Skylark, Marsh fritillary, Pearl-bordered fritillary and Great yellow bumblebee. Payment rate:
£100 per hectare. 2.2:
Bracken Eradication Programme
Aim:
To eradicate bracken from an area of species rich
grassland, coastal or lowland heath and thus allow the species rich grassland,
coastal or lowland heath vegetation to re establish itself. Site
Criteria: Species-rich
grassland or unimproved grassland of conservation interest on inbye land,
coastal or lowland heath identified in the Environmental Audit as
bracken-invaded. Management requirements: Carry
out a systematic programme of treatment and follow-up, where necessary using an
approved herbicide, in accordance with a Bracken Eradication Programme laid out
in an approved BEP Management Plan. a. In
year 1, prepare a detailed BEP Management Plan that will incorporate a map drawn
to a scale of 1:10000 showing the extent of the invasion, the areas of bracken
to be cleared over the life-time of the scheme plan, an estimate of the
percentage cover and frond density of the bracken within each area at full frond
stage (mid/late June on the West Coast to early August in the eastern Borders)
and the locations of any sensitive species and habitats with appropriate buffer
zones to ensure their conservation. b. As soon as the
detailed BEP Management Plan has been prepared, complete and submit the standard
multi-agency application form (with a copy of the BEP Management Plan scale map
showing the area(s) to be treated) to SEPA and copies sent to SNH and the Local
Authority Environmental Services. The
applicant (or contractor) will need to allow the consultees at least 15 working
days to consider and respond to the application for consent.
c. Submit letters of
consent and the final version of the BEP Management Plan with SNH-approved map
to SERAD as part of the claim for the first year’s BEP management payment d. In year 2, or exceptionally in year 1 if all the
requirements detailed in paragraphs a, b and c have first been met, carry out
primary treatment involving the treatment of dense bracken with Asulam or other
approved herbicide using an appropriate method. It will be the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that
the required prior notice is given to all statutory consultees in advance of any
aerial spraying. e. Follow-up action involving repeated annual treatment to clear
any bracken re-growth. Such follow-up action normally requires a spot-treatment
approach. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Northern brown argus,
Juniper, Slender Scotch Burnet and Skylark. Payment rate:
£25 per hectare. 2.3:
Creation and Management
of Species Rich Grassland Aim:
To convert improved grassland to species diverse
grassland by restricting the agricultural use. Site criteria: Land
classed as eligible for Arable Aid Area Payments. Management requirements:
a. Any existing grassland cover must be destroyed. b. An agreed programme to establish a new sward must be
implemented, this may include measures to reduce fertility and address weed
problems. c. The site must be sown with a low productivity grass and
herb mix agreed with SERAD to create a new sward. Seed of local provenance
should be obtained wherever possible. d. Except during years 1 to 3, the site must not be mown
or grazed between 15 April and 15 August. During years 1 to 3, on fertile sites,
mowing, with disposal of cuttings, may be required. In such cases, mowing may be
permitted after 1 July with the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers e. After 15 August, the grass must be grazed down or
topped. f. The site must not be used as a site for supplementary
feeding of stock. g. Fertiliser, slurry or manure must not be applied to the
site. h. Pesticides and herbicides may be applied only with the prior
written agreement of Scottish Ministers. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Great
yellow bumblebee and Skylark. Payment rate:
£250 per hectare 2.4:
Management of Coastal Heath Aim: To encourage the regeneration of native heathland plants and
small grassland herbs found on coastal heaths. Site criteria: Unimproved
land bordering the sea containing characteristic moorland or species rich
grassland vegetation dependent on salt spray or exposure. Management requirements:
a. Livestock must be excluded between 1 April and 31 August. b. The site must be grazed between 1 September and 30 November
at a level only sufficient to remove rank growth and lightly crop any dwarf
shrubs; in any event, no more than 1.2 LU/ha. c.
Between 1 December and 31 March, any grazing is optional and
must not exceed 0.15 livestock units per hectare, except with the prior written
agreement of Scottish Ministers. d. The site must not be burnt except with the prior
written agreement of Scottish Ministers. e. Fertiliser, slurry or manure must not be applied to the
site. Some BAP species that may benefit:
Linnet,
Eyebright (spp), Dune Gentian and Natterjack toad. Payment rate:
£80 per hectare. 2.5:
Management of Lowland Heath Aim: To
protect native lowland heath and encourage the regeneration of the plants and
provide breeding and feeding grounds for the animals found in the area. Site criteria: An area of Lowland Heath Management requirements: a. Bracken and scrub cover should not be allowed to exceed a
total of 5% cover on the site. Scrub
control will be an ongoing management operation. b. Livestock must be excluded between 1 November and 28
February. c. At other times grazing levels must not exceed 0.3
LU/ha. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Nightjar,
Skylark. Payment rate:
£115 per hectare. 3. PRESCRIPTIONS FOR WETLAND FEATURES 3.1:
Management of Wetland Aim:
To enhance inbye wetland areas, for birdlife and to
encourage botanical diversity that will in turn benefit invertebrates. Site criteria: Wetland
on inbye land (including salt marsh and reed beds). Management requirements:
a. Livestock must be excluded for a period of at least 4 consecutive
months between 1 April and 31 August; OR b.
Livestock must be excluded from 1 April to 30 June and grazing in
the period from 1 July to 30
September must not exceed 0.3 livestock units per hectare; c.
Grazing levels must therefore not exceed 0.15 livestock units per
hectare for 6 months from 1 April; OR d. Where the particular conservation interest of the site would
not be met by this approach, a livestock management and grazing regime should be
set out in a grazing plan to be agreed with Scottish Ministers. e. The Audit must include a statement to outline the
method of control of rank vegetation growth. g. No
supplementary feeding to occur on the site. Some BAP species that may benefit: Skylark,
Otter, Reed bunting, Marsh fritillary, Great crested newt. Payment rate:
£100 per hectare. 3.2:
Management of Lowland Raised Bogs Aim:
To enhance areas of lowland raised bog for birdlife
and to encourage botanical diversity that will benefit invertebrates. Site criteria: An
area of lowland raised bog – an isolated peat deposit, over one metre thick,
that is surrounded by non-peat soils. Management requirements: A
management plan should be prepared which will include the following requirements
as appropriate: a. Block existing ditches at intervals to raise or
maintain the water table at or just below the surface of the vegetation (to
prevent flooding of sites). b. Clear scrub and prevent recolonisation. c. Do not graze with cattle at any time. d. Exclude other livestock from 1 November to 28 February. e. Do not stock at over 0.05 LU/Ha except with the prior
written agreement of Scottish Ministers. f. No supplementary feeding to occur on the site. g. No peat cutting to be carried out without the prior
written agreement of Scottish Ministers. h. No muirburn to be carried out on the site. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Marsh
earwort, Baltic bog-moss. Payment rate:
£70 per hectare. 3.3:
Creation and Management of Wetland Aim:
To convert arable or improved grassland to wetland by raising water
levels. The habitat created will support a range of plants, invertebrates and
bird species and provide both feeding and breeding areas.
Prescription 3.3 applies to both the creation and management of wetland.
Prescription 3.1 is for management of existing wetland areas on grazing
land. Prescription 3.3 applies to
conversion of arable land and improved grassland areas which are not wet, but
where action will be required. Site criteria: AAPS
eligible land or improved grassland where the raised water levels resulting from
creation of wetland would not adversely affect other land or cause the erosion
of river banks. Management requirements:
a. The site must be managed to ensure that it is normally
saturated with water for a significant proportion of the year. b. The site must not be mown or grazed for a period of at least
3 consecutive months between 15 April and 15 August, after which
rank growth should be controlled. On fertile sites, where practicable, mowing
may be allowed, with disposal of cuttings, between these dates with the prior
written agreement of Scottish Ministers c. Fertiliser including slurry or farmyard manure must not
be applied to the site. d.
Pesticides and herbicides may be applied only with
the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers. e.
No supplementary feeding to occur on the site. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Skylark, Otter, Reed
bunting, Great-crested newt. Payment rate:
£250 per hectare. 3.4:
Management of Water Margin Aim: To
protect water margins from erosion and permit development of tall waterside
vegetation, e.g. tall herbs, scrub, trees and flowering plants that will help to
stabilise the bank and provide a habitat for invertebrates, on which fish can
feed. Site criteria: Inbye
land which borders a watercourse having a bed width of not less than 0.6 metres
or still water and which - a. In the case of a site bordering a watercourse with a bed
width of less than 1.2 metres, has a minimum continuous width of 5 times
the bed width of the watercourse and a maximum width of 12 metres. b. In the case of a site bordering a watercourse with a bed
width equal to or greater than 1.2 metres, has a minimum width of 6 metres
and a maximum width of 12 metres. c. In the case of a site bordering still water, has a minimum
width of 12 metres and a maximum width of 24 metres. Management requirements:
a. Livestock must normally be excluded. Exceptionally livestock grazing at no more than 0.6 LU/ha
may be permitted in September and October with the prior written agreement of
Scottish Ministers. b. Where trees exist or are to be planted within a water margin,
care should be taken to ensure that there will be no excessive shading of the
water. c. The site must be maintained by the control of statutory
weeds, giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed and, as the case may be, by clearing
the watercourse of any obstacle. d. Fertiliser including slurry or farmyard manure must not
be applied to the site. e. Pesticides may be applied only with the prior written
agreement of Scottish Ministers. f. Mowing of the site may be permitted with the prior
written agreement of Scottish Ministers where necessary to control rank
vegetation. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Water
vole, Otter, Pipistrelle bat, Freshwater pearl mussel, Reed bunting. Payment rate:
£400 per hectare. 3.5:
Management of Flood Plain Aim: To
create and maintain a mosaic of wash lands and dry lands by allowing the
watercourse to overflow on to its natural flood plain. Site criteria: A
site that forms all or part of a flood plain where – a. part or parts of the flood plain are included in the
undertaking as the site of another management activity; and b. the flooding of the site would not adversely affect
other agricultural land. Management requirements a.
The natural flooding of the land must not be hindered and b.
Cultivations must not be carried out within 12m of the
water’s edge. c.
Additional management specific to each site must be
agreed with Scottish Ministers. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Irish
lady’s-tresses, Reed bunting, Pipistrelle bat. Payment rate:
£25 per hectare. 4.
PRESCRIPTIONS FOR MOORLAND 4.1:
Moorland Management Aim: To
encourage changes in management practices to benefit a
diverse range of habitats within moorland of conservation interest,
including feeding and breeding sites for birds and animals and a wide range of
insects and plants and to prevent heather loss. Site criteria: A
distinct block of moorland over which it is practical to implement a management
programme. Management requirements: To carry out a suite of management practices as laid
out in a Moorland Management Plan, including shepherding, stock management and
feeding practices to benefit the stated conservation interest. Payment
rate: £1 per hectare. 4.2:
Stock Disposal Aim: To
encourage the regeneration of suppressed heather and/or other moorland
vegetation of conservation interest, by the reduction of sheep numbers where it
has been identified on a Moorland Management Plan. Site criteria: Moorland
which is of conservation interest and would benefit from a reduced stocking
density beyond the reduction required to rectify an overgrazing problem
identified under the Livestock Subsidy Schemes. Management requirements: a. The requirements of the moorland management plan must be
followed. b. An agreed number of ewes must be removed from the site.
Ewe numbers in the business must be reduced by at least the number of
ewes removed from the site in accordance with the plan and must not be increased
on that site for the relevant period. c. The agreed number of ewes to be removed will not be
more than a number equivalent to 250 hectares of moorland. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Juniper, Netted
mountain moth, Skylark. Payment rate:
£45 per hectare. 4.3:
Muirburn and Heather Swiping Aim:
To create blocks of heather at different growth stages through a planned
programme of burning or swiping. Site criteria: Moorland
identified in a moorland management plan as appropriate for muirburn or a
swiping programme. Management requirements: All
muirburn must be undertaken in accordance with guidance approved by Scottish
Ministers. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Northern brown argus,
Juniper, Skylark. Payment
rate: £11
per hectare.
4.4:
Bracken Eradication Programme
Aim:
To eradicate bracken from an area of moorland and
thus allow the moorland vegetation to re-establish itself. Site Criteria: Moorland
of conservation interest and identified in the moorland management plan as
bracken-invaded.
Management requirements: Carry
out a systematic programme of treatment and follow-up, where necessary using an
approved herbicide, in accordance with a Bracken Eradication Programme laid out
in an approved BEP Management Plan. a. In year 1, prepare a detailed BEP Management Plan that will
incorporate a map drawn to a scale of 1:10000 showing the extent of the
invasion, the areas of bracken to be cleared over the life-time of the scheme
plan, an estimate of the percentage cover and frond density of the bracken
within each area at full frond stage (mid/late June on the West Coast to early
August in the eastern Borders) and the locations of any sensitive species and
habitats with appropriate buffer zones to ensure their conservation. b. As soon as the detailed
BEP Management Plan has been prepared, complete and submit the standard
multi-agency application form (with a copy of the BEP Management Plan scale map
showing the area(s) to be treated) to SEPA and copies sent to SNH and the Local
Authority Environmental Services. The
applicant (or contractor) will need to allow the consultees at least 15 working
days to consider and respond to the application for consent.
c. Submit
letters of consent and the final version of the BEP Management Plan with
SNH-approved map to SERAD as part of the claim for the first year’s BEP
management payment d. In
year 2, or exceptionally in year 1 if all the requirements detailed in
paragraphs a, b and c have first been met, carry out primary treatment involving
the treatment of dense bracken with Asulam or other approved herbicide using an
appropriate method. It will be the
applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the required prior notice is given
to all statutory consultees in advance of any aerial spraying. e. Follow-up action involving repeated annual treatment to clear
any bracken re-growth. Such follow-up action normally requires a spot-treatment
approach. Some BAP species that may benefit: Juniper, Netted mountain moth and Skylark. Payment rate:
£25 per hectare. 5.
PRESCRIPTIONS FOR FIELD MARGINS AND BOUNDARIES 5.1:
The Management of Grass Margin
or Beetlebank in Arable Fields Aim: To
create strips around or across fields on which insects can over-winter and breed
early in the season. This allows them to effect a useful form of biological
control by attacking aphid populations in adjacent crops. The strips also
provide food and cover for birds. Site criteria: Land
forming a strip between 1.5 metres and 6 metres in width around or
across arable fields Management requirements:
a. On bare land the strip must be established by sowing a
suitable mix of grass seed. b. Fertiliser, slurry or manure must not be applied to the
strips. c. Scrub control and the use of pesticides may be allowed only
with the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers. d. A sterile strip up to 0.5m in width may be created and
maintained by rotovation and herbicide along the inner edge of the grass margin.
Such a strip will provide young birds with an area on which to dry out and also
act as a buffer preventing the spread of weeds from the grass margin into the
crop. e. Grazing of the grass margin or beetlebank after harvest is
permissible provided the average height of vegetation in the strip is not taken
below 100mm. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Grey
partridge, Linnet, Bullfinch, Spotted flycatcher, Corn bunting, Purple
ramping-fumitory, Cornflower. Payment rate:
£736 per hectare. 5.2:
Management of Conservation
Headlands Aim: To
leave the headlands of arable fields free from herbicides or insecticides. This
will allow the natural development of a varied flora within the headland, which
will become a feeding ground and habitat for insects, birds and small mammals. Site criteria: Headlands
with a minimum width of 6 metres around arable fields. Management requirements: Herbicides
and insecticides may be applied to the headlands only with the prior written
agreement of Scottish Ministers. Premium
Payment: No application of nitrogenous fertiliser to the headland. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Grey partridge,
Linnet, Bullfinch, Corn bunting. Payment rate:
£70 per hectare. Premium
payment: additional £80 per hectare. 5.3:
Management of Extended Hedges Aim: To
create hedges that are wider and taller than normal which, along with the
adjacent undisturbed areas will support a diverse range of plants as well as
habitats for invertebrates birds and small mammals. Site criteria: A
strip of arable or improved grassland situated alongside an existing or newly
created hedge. Management requirements: a. All livestock must be excluded and no arable cultivations may
be carried out within a strip extending to at least 3 metres and up to 6 metres
from the centre line of the hedge. b. When the hedge is trimmed it must not be trimmed again for at
least 3 years. Hedges should be trimmed between 1 December and 1 March. c. The grass in the strip must not be cut, unless with the prior
written agreement of Scottish Ministers. d. Fertiliser, slurry or manure must not be applied to the
site. e. Herbicides or pesticides may be applied only with the prior
written agreement of Scottish Ministers. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Song
thrush, Bullfinch, Grey partridge, Purple ramping-fumitory. Payment rate:
£500 per hectare. 5.4:
Management of Hedgerows Aim: To
enhance existing hedgerows, which will in turn provide improved habitats for
invertebrates, birds and small mammals. Site criteria: Established
or beat up hedge. Management requirements:
a.
Cut no more frequently than every third year. Hedges should be trimmed between 1
December and 1 March. b. Herbicides or pesticides should not be applied to the bottom
of an established hedge. Spot treatment of weeds within one metre of any new
hedge planting may be carried out using an approved herbicide but only with
the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers. c. The hedge bottom should not be mown. d. Where a fence is required, it should be sited at least
one metre from the centre line of the hedge. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Song
thrush, Bullfinch, Grey partridge. Payment rate:
£1 per square metre 6. PRESCRIPTIONS
FOR ARABLE AREAS 6.1:
Introduction or Retention of Extensive Cropping Aim: To
increase the conservation value of arable land within the Less Favoured Area by
supporting traditional cropping rotations that will provide cover and feeding
areas for birds. Site criteria: A site comprising arable
land or improved grassland in the Less Favoured Areas which does not exceed 4 hectares
and subject to a maximum area per undertaking of 8 hectares Management requirements:
a. i. Ploughing,
cultivations and the spreading of fertiliser may only take place between 28 February
and 15 May*.
Exceptionally, for root crops, cultivations may be carried out after 28
February; any nests located to be
marked and avoided, OR a. ii. If fodder rape or similar crop is grown cultivations may
take place later in the year to establish the crop; following cropping the area
should not be ploughed or cultivated before 31 May in the following year. b. Insecticides and herbicides may be applied only with the
prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers.
There will be a maximum allowance of 250 kg of compound fertiliser per
hectare. Premium
Payment The management regime outlined above is applied on the same site for a
period of at least 3 years. In the final year of this arable rotation, a cereal
crop will be undersown with grass. The
undersown crop will be subject to the usual management which must be maintained
throughout the following season. If
rolling of the grass crop is necessary, this should be carried out before 15
March. The undersown crop may be
grazed or cut for hay or silage.
Some BAP species that may benefit:
Skylark,
Corn bunting, Song thrush. Payment
rate: £120 per hectare.
Premium payment: additional £20 per hectare. 6.3:
Unharvested Crops Aim: To
encourage the practice of leaving areas of crop unharvested or partially
harvested and left in stooks, in order to provide cover and feeding areas for
birds. Site criteria: Arable
or improved grassland in plots of up to 1 ha in size and totalling no more than
4 ha over the whole unit Management requirements: Either: a. Spring sow a cereal-based mixture including at least one
legume species (other crops e.g. linseed & brassicas may be included in the
mixture) and do not plough down until
after 15 March the following year; OR b. Sow a mixture of at least two crops, one of which must seed
in the first year and one in the second. Plough
in after 15 March following last seeding year. c. No application of herbicides and pesticides. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Grey partridge,
Skylark, Capercaillie, Black grouse. Payment rate:
£600 per hectare. 7. PRESCRIPTIONS FOR
WOODLAND AND SCRUB 7.1:
Management of Scrub (including Tall Herb Communities) Aim: To
enhance and extend areas of native scrub vegetation, which will also help the
survival of associated flora and fauna. Site criteria: Grazed
land with suppressed scrub or tall herb communities. Management requirements:
a. Grazing is not allowed except with the prior written
agreement of Scottish Ministers. Such
permission will only be given in circumstances which will encourage regeneration
of woodland or understorey and is not likely to apply more than once every 3 years. b. Rhododendron growth must be controlled. c. Cutting of understorey vegetation must be avoided. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Juniper, Woolly
willow, Chequered skipper, Linnet. Payment rate:
£55 per hectare. 7.2:
Management of Native or Semi Natural Woodland Aim: To
enhance and extend areas of native or semi-natural woodland, which will also
help the survival of the associated flora and fauna. Site criteria: Existing
native or semi‑natural woodland Management requirements:
a. No grazing to be allowed except with the prior written
agreement of Scottish Ministers. Such
permission will only be given in circumstances which will encourage regeneration
of woodland or understorey and is not likely to apply more than once every 3 years. b. Standing dead timber must not be felled and dead timber must
be left in the woodland. c. Individual young trees should be provided with tree shelters
where necessary. d. Rhododendron growth must be controlled. e. Non-native tree species should be removed where these are
detrimental to the character of the woodland and it is practical to do so. Some BAP
species that may benefit: (Upland oakwood) Red
squirrel, Black grouse, Pearl bordered fritillary; (Native pine woodland)
Scottish crossbill, Capercaillie, Scottish wood ant, Juniper, Twinflower; (Wet
woodland) Great crested newt, Dark-bordered beauty moth, Pale bristle moss;
(Lowland wood-pasture) Blunt-leaved bristle moss, Pipistrelle bat Payment rate:
£100 per hectare. 8. PRESCRIPTIONS FOR
HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES 8.1:
Management of a Site of Archaeological or Historic Interest on
Agricultural Land Aim: To
improve the condition of features or areas of historical or archaeological
interest. Site criteria: Land
containing a site of archaeological or historic interest (including old orchards
characterised by widely-spaced standard fruit trees of old and often scarce
varieties – normally less than 150 trees per hectare) Management requirements: The
management of the site must be agreed in advance with Scottish Ministers and may
include, as appropriate, controls over grazing, the cutting and removal of trees
scrub and woody plants, the repair of erosion damage, the establishment of
unploughed buffer zones, the realignment of fences or tracks, resiting of hard
standings or feeding sites, the restoration of and care for old orchard trees. OR
For
crop marked areas, the site with a minimum 10 metre buffer zone beyond the
visible remains must be taken out of cropping and sown to grass. The management
of the site must be agreed in advance with Scottish Ministers. When establishing
the sward, the ploughing depth must not exceed 100 mm. Payment rate:
£80 per 0.25 hectare on part thereof up to 1.5 hectare and £80 per
hectare thereafter, or £320 per hectare. 9. SMALL UNIT
PRESCRIPTIONS 9.1:
Special Measures Conservation Management Plan for Small Units (nb.
a small unit is an agricultural business of less than 10 hectares in extent,
excluding any
croft land apportioned as part of a common grazing) Aim: To
encourage a mosaic of habitats of conservation value across the whole unit by
implementation of a management plan. Within
the Crofting Counties, to encourage a community effort by means of a management
plan to maintain or enhance areas of conservation interest within the boundary
of a crofting community. Site Criteria: All units up to 10 hectares. Management requirements: Implementation
of a detailed Conservation Management Plan for the whole unit (ie entire inbye
and any apportionments). The
Plan must: a. Set out clear environmental objectives. b. Explain the management to be undertaken to achieve these
objectives by addressing all areas of activity on the unit (ie grazing
management, winter feed production, cropping, stock management, management of
special habitats/features etc including BAP habitats and species, pollution
control). Premium
Payment Collective
application covering 4 or more units within the same crofting community. Some BAP
species that may benefit: Any
species set out in the conservation management plan. Payment rate: £45 per hectare. Premium
payment: additional £10 per
hectare. 9.2:
Retention or introduction of Cattle of native or traditional breed(s) Aim: In
combination with prescription 9.1, to encourage a mosaic of habitats of
conservation value across the whole unit by means of a management plan and the
appropriate management of cattle of native or traditional breeds providing
significant benefits for both the natural heritage and local economy. Site Criteria: All units up to 10 hectares
(ie for crofts: entire inbye and any apportionments). Management requirements: The
unit supports a herd of breeding cattle of traditional or native breed(s) for
the duration of participation in the Scheme;
OR Premium
Payment A
herd of breeding cattle of traditional or native breed(s) is introduced to the
unit by the end of the first plan year. The
numbers of any sheep on the unit must be reduced to ensure no increase in
overall stocking density. Some BAP
species that may benefit: According
to habitat and location of unit Payment
rate: £5 per hectare. Premium
payment: £290 per hectare. (nb.
This prescription does not relate to Article 13 in Reg. 1750/99 (ie
breeds threatened with extinction). This
prescription is intended to help reverse the trend for cattle to be replaced by
sheep, and the adverse effect this can have on the environment due to different
grazing preferences.) CAPITAL OPTIONS There are a range of capital options associated with the Rural Stewardship Scheme. These include works such as fencing, gates, watertroughs, sowing of species rich grassland etc, which are associated with the annual management options described so far. They
also include works to create new habitats, such as pond restoration and
creation, hedge and tree planting. Please refer to the attached full list of Capital Items for payment rates. APPLICATION
PROCEDURE · To submit an application to Rural Stewardship Scheme it is necessary to carry out an Environmental Audit of the farm. This will map all existing features and habitat on the farm. Accompanying this is a detailed account of all the options chosen for the application, their site specific management proposals, measurements and other details, as well as a 5-year budget and work plan. A second map details the location of all features and habitats to be created and/or managed through the scheme. · RSS participants must adhere to a Standard of Good Farming Practice. Some of the topics this covers are already enshrined in legislation and regulations with which the applicant will be familiar, but it includes guidelines such as avoiding over/undergrazing of habitats that are of conservation interest, retention of boundary features such as hedges and dykes, no hedge trimming between 1/3 and 31/7, making sure that all new slurry/ silage facilities are approved by SEPA before being brought into use and obtaining SEPA authorisation before disposing of sheep dip. ·
In addition, successful RSS applicants will be bound by General
Environmental Conditions which aim to protect all
features on the farm which are of conservation interest whether
or not any RSS payments are being received on them.
This is why an Environmental Audit is required. |