Agri-environment schemes in Scotland

Agri-environment schemes have operated in Scotland since 1987. They are designed to encourage farmers and crofters to manage their land for the benefit of Scotland’s wildlife and habitats. They are also designed to support local communities in rural areas.

Rural Stewardship Schemes (RSS)

The Rural Stewardship Scheme, which is part of the Scottish Rural Development Plan, encourages environmentally friendly farming practice. It replaces the old Countryside Premium Schemes, which is now closed to new entrants after the 2000 applications round.

The scheme is discretionary with all applications subject to a selection process through a ranking system.

Participation in the scheme is for a minimum of 5 years

In addition applicants must agree to manage the relevant areas of land and carry out the relevant capital works in line with the rules and conditions of the scheme.

Standards of Good Farming Practice and general environmental conditions apply across the whole farm not just to those selected under the RSS scheme - which now applies under the Single Payment Scheme.

The RSS currently includes a number of management options, which can provide particular benefit to arable plants

• Management of conservation headlands (£80 per hectare)
• Management of conservation headlands without nitrogen fertiliser (£150 per hectare)
• Introduction or retention of extensive cropping (LFA only) <3 years (£120 per hectare)
• Introduction or retention of extensive cropping (LFA only) >3 years (£180 per hectare)
• Spring cropping (£106 per hectare)
• Unharvested crops (-- per hectare)
• Management of cropped Machair

Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA’s)

First introduced in 1987 and now closed to new applicants since 31 December 2000

ESA scheme was introduced in Scotland to help conserve specially designated areas of the countryside where the landscape, wildlife or historic interest is of particular importance, and where these environmental features can be affected by farming operations.

There is 10 ESA’s currently operating in Scotland