Rural Payments and Services

This section describes the scoring criteria we will use for assessing applications with Improving Public Access options.

The score sheet template is available separately for download (see below).

This about the physical linkage of the paths proposals with other paths and with types of locations.

Your access proposal will score points if it meets one or more of the following requirements:

• will be an improvement to a core path as designated in the relevant core paths plan
• will improve a link directly to a core path
• forms part of a recognised national route (e.g. Scotland’s Great Trails, National Cycle Network)
• will create path links to other paths in order to form effective and convenient parts of more extensive local path networks, or of a long-distance path
• will create or upgrade path access to a feature of public interest, for example, a viewpoint, loch shore, along a river bank, to a historic or cultural feature or site

This recognises that differing value can be obtained from expenditure, whatever the total scale and cost of the project, and to ensure that the most effective outputs-per-unit expenditure are generated:

• distance leverage – this will measure the ratio between the length of path to be created or upgraded, as compared to the length of paths that then become better available for public use. This may for instance recognise new paths which open up a ‘missing link’ to make a whole route or path circuit useable, or where generally a relatively short stretch of path-work unlocks the convenient use and quality of a much longer stretch of path
• objectives leverage – this will recognise value for money where the path works will generate leveraged benefits for wider local objectives, such as a local community heritage or tourist trail, or a local wildlife project, or a local recreational initiative
• proportionate and economic level of specification – this will assess and score the extent to which the proposed scale and specifications of the work is appropriate and good value

All schemes must aim to provide barrier-free, unobstructed and good-quality paths as far as possible for shared path use by most or all types of users (i.e. walkers, cyclists, horse-riders, wheelchairs, push-chairs and water users as appropriate).

This criterion is designed to recognise that some options may deliver wider benefits than others in these respects of shared multi-use, through:

• removal or avoidance of existing access barriers and obstacles, like steep gradients, boggy ground, stiles / kissing gates / fences, watercourses, steps
• the extent to which improved or full multi-use for types of users is achieved, including enhanced convenience and assistance for users through appropriate provision of informative signage, suitable seating as resting points, convenient gates and latches, etc

This assesses the more indirect advantages of application proposals in enhancing the quality of experience of path users in their surroundings.

This may be through effective selection and design of routes, or where the access project combines with other concurrent initiatives to enhance the path surroundings:

• design and route provide enhanced availability, or value, of landscape views
• incorporation of visual or heritage route features, such as old walls, hedges, avenues, bridges etc
• improving public access within eligible rural areas designated as national scenic areas, designed landscapes, local nature reserves, regional parks, country parks, national parks or local landscape designations
• opening or improving public access in association with other Agri-Environment Climate Scheme options or other schemes for enhanced biodiversity, natural interest, environmental management etc within the path corridor
• demonstrates a contribution to other strategic access objectives, such as an outdoor access strategy or an open space strategy, including any aspects that may be raised in comments from the local access authority

Level 2 applications allow for assessment and scoring of benefits from larger and / or multi-partner collaborative schemes in addressing more multiple or strategic objectives:

• active involvement by local organisations in project
• any local consultations that have directly assisted in forming proposals
• additional value added through partner contributions, expertise etc
• prospects for longer-term value, for example, through volunteer involvement, follow-on projects or educational use
• the path is a priority route or link in the National Walking and Cycling Network or other strategic plan, or the path provides improved access to popular visitor destinations, or the path contributes to regional strategies, for example for active travel

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