Improving Public Access
This is an old version of the page
Date published: 27 February, 2021
Date superseded: 31 December, 2021
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Aim
- Eligible applicants
- Spatial targeting
- Recent changes
- Previous versions
- Download guidance
Introduction
The Improving Public Access option is open for applications from 1 March 2021 to 30 June 2021 inclusive.
Applications for Improving Public Access must be made separately to other applications for the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme as it has its own separate assessment process.
- The creation of new or improvement of existing paths can bring many benefits.
- Improved access to the countryside, nature and outdoor spaces helps improve people’s health and well-being, both physically and mentally as well as bringing social benefits too
- They contribute to economic growth through tourism, leisure and recreation
- They provide for active travel journeys encouraging recreational and functional journeys by walking, cycling, riding and wheeling rather than car
- For land managers they can help with the management of public access alongside a working estate, farm, croft etc. and can open up economic opportunities linked to diversification
- For the public they provide opportunities for enjoyment of the outdoors and nature, whilst for local communities, good accessible path networks provide a valuable resource for local people and visitors
The Improving Public Access option can be summarised as: ·
- Select from a menu of path infrastructure capital items, these have a fixed payment rate linked directly to meeting the standard requirements specification
- Design your path, selecting from the menu of items, and prepare a map showing location of each menu item
- Complete the schedule of works listing the items chosen, quantity and location
- NatureScot case officers will assess all applications and make a site visit
- If successful you must build the path and infrastructure exactly as stated in the contract and in the requirements document
- Once built you claim for payment, the path may be inspected and if all is good payment is made
Improving Public Access (IPA) projects may be small scale, to enhance a single path or they may tackle larger network improvements or long distance paths.