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INFORMATION AND AWARENESS RAISING (Tier 3)
Article 52(a)(iii)
Code (313)
Rationale for Intervention
This measure supports the priority in the Strategic Plan to "promote public access and understanding of the countryside". The facilities and awareness provided through this measure will provide a sustainable resource for nearby communities and for enterprises in the wider locality, generating broad social and economic benefits from improved information and enjoyment of local outdoor access and recreation.
The Scottish Executive is committed to encouraging responsible public outdoor access and to integrating access with good land management, as well as to ensuring that communities have access to the benefits of open space. In Scotland much of the population is urban and has limited understanding and awareness of the services that the land-based sector provides in terms of food and wood production, conservation of the natural and historic environment, management of the landscape, production of industrial and bio-fuel crops, and its wider contribution to tourism and rural services. Support for land managers to raise awareness, respect and understanding of our countryside through " first hand" experience is a simple way of encouraging land managers to promote what they do, and the environment they live in, through an interactive approach.
Without a financial incentive, this public service will not be undertaken by many land managers as the daily tasks required to keep their businesses viable in a competitive environment will be their main focus.
Objective
To improve public understanding of land management, including for instance farming, forestry, natural and cultural heritage - for example through the provision of on-site displays and interpretation, farm visits and exhibitions, open-days, advisory signage, guided walks and interpretive trails - and will also improve land managers' skills and understanding in relation to access and recreation.
Scope and Actions
Support will be available for small scale recreational and interpretational infrastructure, and the development and marketing of services in relation to access to the countryside.
Description of the type of operations covered, referred to in article 55 of regulation 1698/2005
- Cost of arrangements for public visits to land management areas, with records/ documentation - e.g. risk assessments undertaken and updated annually, insurance in place as appropriate, health and safety notices visible, record of group visit signed by group visiting.
- Publications and other media - e.g. booklets, leaflets, worksheets, audio-visual programmes, tapes, CDs etc.- which should include information appropriate to the target audiences ( e.g. on land management operations and techniques, environment, ecology, topography, maps, land use and changing land use, built heritage, access code and responsible behaviour, etc.)
- Interpretation panels / trails / signage
- Training courses attended, to enhance speaker training and delivery of information on visits, or for skills in planning for access, or for planning events ( e.g. risk assessment) etc, (confirmation of attendance to be retained)
- Health, hygiene and biosecurity equipment and facilities for visitors (eg. disinfectant trays, hand washing facilities, additional toilet facilities)
- Protective equipment for visitors ( e.g. ear-protectors, footwear, waterproofs)
- Accessibility improvements - ( e.g. ramps, induction loops)
- Coach parking and turning areas
Applicants will require to declare they are not in receipt of other funding sources such as LEAF and local access groups.
Aid Intensities
Up tot 75% of standard cost capital items or actual costs (based on invoices) for non standard capital items up to £500 per item.
Type of support
One off payment of capital investment cost in arrears
Transition arrangements
None
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