Rural Payments and Services

The aim of this item is to protect water quality by providing a purpose-built crossing to reduce poaching and erosion of watercourse banks.

The land must be within a diffuse pollution priority catchment or focus area, unless an endorsement has been obtained from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Crossings will only be funded where there is no other practical crossing point.

Applicants must prepare a plan identifying the location of the proposed crossings which are to be entered under this option.

The crossing must be:

• single span
• at least 1.5 metres wide
• constructed so as to not impede water flow
• be secured on both sides of the watercourse

The works must not result in the narrowing of the channel or heightening of the banks.

No construction is to take place on the banks or bed of the watercourse without approval from the the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (CAR registration or licence).

You can claim:

• £222 per small bridge up to 2.6 metre span
• £880 per large bridge greater than 2.6 metre span

The inspectors will check that the location and number of bridges and that they are:

• single span
• at least 1.5 metres wide
• constructed so as to not impede water flow
• secured on both sides of the watercourse
• and the works do not result in a narrowing of the channel or heightening of the banks

Supporting guidance is available for this item.