Stock Bridges for Bog, Fen or Wetland Management

Date published: 30 March, 2015

Note: In September 2023, references to Scottish Natural Heritage have been updated to NatureScot.

Stock bridge – Credit: Andy MacGregor, Scottish Natural Heritage

The aim of this item is to maintain or improve the quality of bog, fen or wetland habitat by providing simple sleeper bridges to allow livestock to access grazing areas where ditches or wetland areas would otherwise restrict access.

Any land with a lowland bog, upland peatland, fen or wetland is eligible.

You must combine this item with one of the following management options, unless you have prior approval otherwise from NatureScot:

You must identify on a map the locations of all proposed new stock bridges.

  • the bridge must be single span
  • the bridge must be at least 1.5 metres wide
  • the bridge must be secured into the banking on both sides
  • the bridge must be constructed so as not to impede water flow
  • sleepers must be secured to any bearers
  • you must maintain a diary

You can claim:

  • £222.00 per small bridge up to 2.6 metres span
  • £880.00 per large bridge greater than 2.6 metres span

The inspectors will check:

  • the location and extent of the work
  • the bridge is single span
  • the bridge is at least 1.5 metres wide
  • the bridge is secured into the banking on both sides
  • the bridge is constructed so as not to impede water flow
  • sleepers are secured to any bearers
  • you have maintained a diary