How to apply

This is an old version of the page

Date published: 20 January, 2023

Date superseded: 5 October, 2023

For recent changes to this guidance, please see the bottom of the page.

The version of this page applicable to the AECS 2021 restricted round can be found in the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme full guidance archive.

The 2023 Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) application round will open for applications on 30 January 2023. A summary is below but it is important that you read the detail for each element you wish to apply for as there are important changes

Element of AECS Application Window
Slurry Stores 30 January 2023 - 24 March 2023
Improving Public Access (IPA) IPA is suspended for 2023
Organic conversion and maintenance 30 January 2023 - 7 June 2023
Agri-environment 30 January 2023 - 7 June 2023

Slurry Storage

Slurry Storage will now be available nationally, with the exception of areas designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. Businesses that currently house livestock on slurry based systems with less than 6 months storage capacity will be eligible to apply. Contracts will be issued by the end of April 2023 with the anticipation that work will be carried out in 2023 and claimed by 29th February 2024. Applicants should consider this element carefully before applying, as there will be no ability to defer work to another year.

Organic Conversion/Maintenance

The area caps will be removed for applicants in 2023 for conversion and maintenance. Existing contract holders with land in excess of the caps (on their Schedule of Works in their contract) will have the caps lifted in line with new applicants from the 2024 management year.

Improving Public Access (IPA)

IPA will not be opening for new applications in 2023.

Agri-environment

To maximise the benefits of the scheme in the face of budgetary pressures, we have reluctantly had to suspend or restrict some elements offered through the AECS 2023 round. As such the following capital items will not be available:

  • Restoring Drystone or Flagstone Dykes
  • Pond Creation and Restoration for Wildlife
  • Muirburn and Heather Cutting
  • Primary Treatment of Bracken – Mechanised or Chemical
  • Follow up Treatment of Bracken - Mechanised or Chemical

In addition, the Creation of Hedgerows option will be restricted to 500 linear metres per application for 2023 applications.

For clarity, the items/options below remain suspended for the 2023 round.

  • Creation of Species Rich Grassland
  • Heather Restoration
  • Heather Restoration – Follow - up Molinia control

All supporting documentation should be submitted by the relevant application deadlines as outlined above. Consider early on what supporting documents you will need. Some will require input from other individuals or organisations and it is important that you allow enough time to get these inputs before the closing date. Failure to submit the required documents by the closing date may result in your application being deemed ineligible.

If you intend to reapply in 2023 on the same land as in your expiring/expired AECS contract you must consider the current requirements of the land and not assume that the existing management can simply carry on unchanged. You must submit new information including up-to-date management plans using the latest plan templates provided.

If you intend to apply for management to benefit a designated site (SSSI or European site) you are strongly advised to contact NatureScot before preparing your application. Also, you are strongly advised to contact NatureScot if you are considering applying for deer management. You should make contact as early as possible and at least a month before the closing date to allow time for a response. The same applies if you require a NatureScot endorsement to allow you to apply for an option outwith its target area.