RURAL STEWARDSHIP SCHEME

SUMMARY OF OPTIONS

 contents

*************** 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 Birds

Aim:    To encourage the management of hay and silage fields for the protection of ground nesting birds, their eggs and fledglings.

Site 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

Aim:  To encourage the management of grazing land for the protection of ground nesting birds, their eggs and fledglings.

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.

f.   Grazing or mowing must be in accordance with a plan agreed with Scottish Ministers.

 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.

g.  No supplementary feeding to occur on the site

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.

 

RANKING OF APPLICATIONS

The predecessor to the RSS, the Countryside Premium Scheme has been over-subscribed for the last few years. As a result, not applications have been successful. To determine which applications are approved, SERAD uses a list of  points scored by each application. Points are scored for criteria including:

·           Benefits to designated sites (incl. SSSIs, NVZ, Natura 2000)

·           Benefits to BAP species and habitats

·           Enhancement of designed landscapes

·           Involvement in other environmental schemes (e.g. SNH, Local Authority, some Forestry Grant schemes)

·           Certain management options score points (encl. several of the field margin options)

·          Joint management of certain habitats with a neighbouring holding

 

 

 

 

Payments and information are correct at time of plan being published.


* This date will be altered if AAPS date altered.