Rural Payments and Services

The AECS 2022 application round webpages have now been updated on RP&S.

A full list of those updated pages can be found on the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme landing page.

A full list of case decisions for the AECS 2021 application round is also now available on the Rural Payments and Services website.

Below is a reminder of some key points raised in earlier notices:

1. Note that most agri-environment applications will require a full Farm Environment Assessment (FEA) covering the entire holding, as in the 2019 round, rather than the more restricted FEA required in 2021.

2. Most agri-environment applications require one or more management plans (e.g. a moorland management plan or a grazing plan) and new plan templates have been created for the 2022 round. It is mandatory to use these and to provide all the information specified. In particular, you must provide up-to-date habitat assessments and grazing regime details.

The revised templates for 2022 are: Grazing Plan, Predator Control Plan, Muirburn Plan, Moorland Management Plan, Chough Grazing Plan, Ditch Blocking Plan.

3. If applying for the Wader options, a Wader management plan must be completed. The 2022 wader plan template is a simplified version of the one used in 2021.

4. If you will be preparing applications to benefit designated sites (SSSIs or European sites) or applications for deer management, you are strongly advised to contact NatureScot well in advance of preparing your application. The same applies if you require a NatureScot endorsement for an option outwith its target area.

5. The closing date is extended to 31 May 2022 for collaborative applications that meet the following requirements: it must be a completely new collaborative project and not simply a continuation of one previously funded through AECS; and it must include five or more 2022-round applications from RPID registered businesses. Please note that if you use the 31 May deadline but the application is considered not to be collaborative, it will be ineligible. Therefore, if you have any concerns about meeting the requirements we strongly advise you to submit by 29 April.

Note:

The Improving Public Access (IPA) landing page has been published and can be seen as part of the Full Scheme Guidance menu page. Other IPA pages will be updated and published in time for when it opens on 28 February 2022.

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