Rural Payments and Services

The aim of this option is to restore, maintain or enhance the condition and extent of tall-herb habitats.

Tall herbs are typically found on upland cliff ledges and steeper slopes. Restricting or removing grazing pressure from domestic and / or wild grazers will allow these plants to flower and set seed.

Permanent pasture or rough grazing which contains existing tall-herb vegetation communities is eligible.

This can include land suitable for expansion of these habitats, and other land which requires to be included in enclosures for practical fencing reasons.

It may be possible to apply for this option outside this area where there is strong justification as endorsed by NatureScot.

You can check if this option is available on your holding using the search targeting tool which can be found on any of the following AECS guidance pages:

AECS Home

Eligibility

How to Apply

Management Options and Capital Items

Capital Items

You must identify on a map the location of the area to be managed.

You must manage the same location and extent each year for the duration of your contract.

Each area will comprise a single parcel, and may be fenced off from a larger area.

You must either:

• exclude all grazing

or:

• if grazing with livestock, you must adhere to an approved grazing regime defining the livestock units and grazing dates
• you must maintain a diary

We strongly advise that you use the template below. If you choose to create your own plan, then you MUST provide all information requested in the template.

Failure to do so may result in your plan being deemed not fit for purpose and the option or item removed from your application.

You can claim £53.34 per hectare per year.

The inspectors will check:

You have managed the same location each year for the duration of your contract.

You have either:

• excluded all grazing

or:

• if grazing with livestock, you have adhered to an approved grazing regime defining the livestock units and grazing dates
• you have maintained a diary

Supporting guidance is available for this option.

Section	Change
Management requirements	Updated Grazing Management Plan template.

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