Scotland Rural Development Programme: Rural Development Contracts: Land Managers Options: Notes for Guidance

Scotland Rural Development Programme: Rural Development Contracts: Land Managers Options: Notes for Guidance - LMO1

Axis 2 Improving the environment and the countryside

Inspections and verification of agri-environmental land based options

Following submission of the of Land Managers Options ( LMO) application:

The application will be data captured to allow a computer based validation of the options and areas managed. This will involve cross checking against the Single Application Form, Legacy agri environment and forestry schemes and Field Identification System for any eligibility or double funding issues.
At inspection, the inspector will verify the areas under management are the same as the claimed areas. In cases where there is dispute the area may be measured using precision equipment.
The inspector will check the requirements of the option are being met (as detailed under 'What you must do') by a visual assessment on the day of inspection. For example:

Option - Summer grazing of Cattle.

Requirement - You must put cattle onto hill grazings on or before 1 June, and keep them there for at least three months.

If the holding is inspected in June, July or August, the inspector will expect to find cattle on the hill grazings. If the inspection takes place outwith these months the inspector will check for evidence that cattle have been grazing the hill.

The inspector may ask to see records to ensure the requirements of an option are being met, for example pesticide records.
Inspectors may also ask to see copies of any permissions granted, for example permissions from Scottish Natural Heritage or Historic Scotland and evidence you have checked for any historic or archaeological features or areas on the land.
Minimum requirements for fertiliser use - the inspector will check that fertilisers have not been applied
Where they are likely to enter a watercourse
When the land is waterlogged, the soil is frozen, or is covered in snow
To steeply sloping fields
Any middens are located at least 10m from a watercourse or field drain and at least 50m away from any spring, well or borehole.
Minimum requirements for plant protection products - the inspector will check that the beneficiaries:
Pesticide record book is completed and up to date
Has a licence to use the products (or employs a contractor with a licence)
Meets the training obligations and requirements on safe storage
Meets the rules on spraying close to water and other sensitive sites.

Option 9 - Wild Bird Seed Mix/Unharvested Crop

What this is about

This option provides support for the practice of leaving areas of crop unharvested, or cut and left in stooks, over the winter after spring sowing a mixture of seed bearing crops.

What this will achieve

Unharvested crops provide cover and feeding areas for birds. Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit include Grey Partridge, Skylark, Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Tree Sparrow and Corn Bunting.

What you must do

Either:

1 spring sow a mixture of annual crops, including at least one cereal, which will provide seed for the targeted species and do not plough down until after 15 March the following year;

2 spring sow a mixture of at least two crops, one of which must seed in the first year and one in the second e.g. kale. Plough in after 15 March following last seeding year;

For both options:

pesticides may be applied where necessary to aid establishment of the crop; otherwise, no application of pesticides is permitted.
plots must be no more than 2 hectares in size.

In Corn Bunting areas (East Scotland, Uists and Borders) either one-year cereal-based mixes should be established or, where two-year mixes are sown, at least two plots must be established in alternate years.

To provide a safe retreat, plots should be located next to a hedge, isolated bush/tree or overhead wires but not dense woodland.

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Who can apply

All land managers are eligible to apply for this option.

How to apply

Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M
and N in your SAF Field Data Sheet using the code LMOWBS.

Eligibility criteria

Plots must be located on arable or improved grassland.

Land receiving payments for similar management under other agri-environment schemes is not eligible under this option.

This option cannot be adopted on an area of land set-aside under the Single Farm Payment Scheme ( SFPS).

This option cannot be adopted on an area of land which is in conversion under an Organic Aid Scheme ( OAS) (conversion) agreement or being maintained under an OAS (maintenance) agreement or if you are applying for support under RDC - RP conversion to a maintenance of organic farming.

Rate of support

This is a 5 year commitment. We will pay you £391.26 per hectare per year. We will pay at the end of each year.

Inspections/Verification

The inspector will check the requirements of the option are being met (as detailed above under 'What you must do') by a visual assessment on the day of inspection.

You must comply with the requirements of cross compliance and the minimum requirements for fertiliser and plant protection products and you must avoid damaging or destroying any historic or archaeological features or areas (detailed in previous section).

Option 10 - Improvement of Rush Pasture for Wildlife

What this is about

The aim of this option is to create and maintain a mosaic of rush and open pasture.

What this will achieve

This will encourage greater plant diversity and improved habitats for birds, insects and other wildlife. This will benefit Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species such as Reed Bunting, and other species such as Curlew and Lapwing.

What you must do

Requirements

Manage areas of dense rushes (i.e. where over 50% of the vegetation is rushes) by cutting and/or grazing each year;
Between 1 August and 31 March inclusive, you must achieve an open mix of rushes and grass pasture, by cutting between a third and two thirds of your rushes in a random pattern, and/or by grazing to remove and thin between a third and two thirds of your rushes.
Cut close to the ground and certainly under half-stem height. Cutting higher than this will have no effect on reducing tussock mass or vigour. After cutting you may graze or heavy roll the area;
Avoid poaching or creating wheel ruts as this can damage the soil structure and the sward and encourage the establishment of invasive weeds.

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Who can apply

All land managers are eligible to apply for this option.

How to apply

Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M and N in your SAF Field Data Sheet using the code LMOIRP.

Eligibility criteria

Areas of 'rush pasture' i.e. permanent pasture on poorly drained in-bye land that is periodically saturated with water and where large areas are dominated by soft rush and/or compact rush. Pastures with a significant presence of sharp flowered rush are excluded. Sharp flowered rush is often an indicator of more species rich wetlands.

Land receiving payments for similar management under other agri-environment schemes is not eligible under this option.

Rate of support

This is a 5 year commitment. We will pay you £100 per hectare per year. We will pay at the end of each year.

Inspections/Verification

The inspector will check the requirements of the option are being met (as detailed above under 'what you must do') by a visual assessment on the day of inspection.

Option 11 - Summer Cattle Grazing

What this is about

This option will encourage land managers to put cattle out on hill grazings to graze the coarser moorland grasses that sheep and deer tend to avoid.

What this will achieve

This option will improve the quality of the vegetation for wildlife. By introducing cattle during the summer to graze the coarser moorland grasses, heather and more indigestible vegetation, fine-leaved grasses and flowering plants will be encouraged to grow. This creates a more diverse habitat for plants and insects, and these in turn support moorland birds and other wildlife.

What you must do

Requirements

You must turn cattle out onto unenclosed or hill land (i.e. rough grazings) on or before 1 June, and keep them there for at least three months.
You must graze cattle at a level of at least one bovine per 25 hectares. To count, these cattle must be at least six months old at the start of the grazing period and you must either own or formally lease them.
Make sure that grazing is evenly distributed and that there are enough sheltered areas where the ground is firm and free draining.
This option can cover all or part of the hill grazings on your holding.

The ideal grazing regime on this land should include both sheep and cattle. To avoid over-grazing, you may need to reduce the number of sheep in proportion to the number of cattle introduced. Pay special attention to avoiding over-grazing, trampling or supplementary feeding on any areas of wetter ground or woodlands.

Photograph courtesy of Quality Meat Scotland

Who can apply

All land managers are eligible to apply for this option.

How to apply

Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M and N in your SAF Field Data Sheet using the code LMOSCG.

Eligibility criteria

Land receiving payments for similar management under other agri-environment schemes is not eligible under this option.

Rate of support

This is a 5 year commitment. We will pay you £1.30 per hectare per year. We will pay at the end of each year.

Inspections/Verification

The inspector will check the requirements of the option are being met (as detailed above under 'what you must do') by a visual assessment on the day of inspection.

Option 12 - Management of Moorland Grazing

What this is about

The aim of this option is to support changes in grazing management to benefit a wide range of habitats on moorland.

What this will achieve

This will encourage a wide range of habitats both for birds and animals to feed and breed, and for a wide range of insects and plants.

What you must do

Requirements

You must prepare a moorland grazing plan and carry it out. The plan must be in place by the start of the scheme year, and should take account of the combined impacts of livestock and other grazing animals present on the land.
The plan should describe the current condition and management of the moorland. It should propose changes in shepherding, managing livestock and feeding practices that will benefit the environment and wildlife.
You must use the moorland for agricultural livestock production.

Who can apply

All land managers are eligible to apply for this option.

How to apply

Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M and N in your SAF Field Data Sheet using the code LMOMMG.

Eligibility criteria

'Moorland' means land with predominantly semi-natural upland vegetation or rock outcrops and semi-natural upland vegetation, which is primarily used for rough grazing.

Land receiving payments for similar management under other agri-environment schemes is not eligible under this option.

Rate of support

This is a 5 year commitment. We will pay you £1.30 per hectare per year. We will pay at the end of each year.

Inspections/Verification

The inspector will check the requirements of the option are being met (as detailed above under 'What you must do') by a visual assessment on the day of inspection.

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Option 13 - Management of Linear Features

Hedgerows and hedgerow trees
Dykes

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What this is about

This option will enhance the landscape and biodiversity through the good management of farm hedgerows, hedgerow trees and dykes.

What this will achieve

The better management of hedgerows, hedgerow trees and dykes by sensitive cutting and reinstatement will provide shelter and food for insects, birds and small mammals.

The Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit include Song Thrush, Bullfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Brown Hare, Common Pipistrelle Bat and Soprano Pipistrelle Bat, and the lichens such as the Orange-Fruited Elm-Lichen.

What you must do

Requirements

Hedgerows and hedgerow trees

Management of the hedge will include periodic cutting, planting, gapping or coppicing.
When managing for landscape benefits, you may cut the hedges on both sides no more than once every two years. You should only cut one half of the length of the hedgerows managed in any one year.
When managing for biodiversity benefits, cut your hedge on both sides no more than once every three years. You should only cut one third of the hedgerows managed in any one year.
Manage your hedges over several years so they form an A-frame shape and are at least 1.5 metres tall and at least 2 metres wide at the base.
Only cut back, trim or lop your hedgerow trees between 1 December and 1 March.
We encourage you to lay your hedges.
Where possible, encourage hedgerow trees to develop at intervals along your hedge, by marking and not cutting them.
You must fill gaps in your hedge by planting a mixture of trees and shrubs. You must only use native-species trees and shrubs (a list is available from SNH), although you may plant beech and sycamore where these are appropriate and traditionally used in your local hedges. You should use plants from your local area wherever possible.
Prepare a sketch map which clearly shows the location of the hedge you propose to manage and keep this map for inspection purposes.

Dykes

Only dyking which has suffered minor damage or deterioration (i.e. from fallen coping stones to totally collapsed sections of wall less than 2 metres in length) is eligible under this option.
You should carry out repairs and maintain your drystane dykes using traditional local material and to the standard and style that is normally found there.
Prepare a sketch map which clearly shows the location of the dyke you propose to manage and keep this map for inspection purposes.

Who can apply

All land managers are eligible to apply for this option.

How to apply

Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M and N of your SAF Field Data Sheet using one of the following codes. The code required for Hedgerows with landscape benefits is LMOHEDA and for Hedgerows with biodiversity benefits enter LMOHEDB. The code required for Dykes is LMODYK.

Eligibility criteria

Hedgerows and hedgerow trees: To meet EU requirements you will not be able to maintain more than
50 metres of hedgerow per hectare of the land that you farm.

Dykes: To meet EU requirements, you will not be able to maintain more than 50 square metres of dyke under this option for every hectare of land that you farm.

Hedges or dykes receiving payments for similar management under other agri-environment schemes is not eligible under this option.

Where a boundary linear feature is involved, the payment will be in proportion to your level of responsibility; that is, if you and your neighbour are equally responsible for maintaining a dyke, you will be entitled to payment on half of the area of dyke. In such instances, a Shared Boundary Agreement must be completed and submitted with your application. These forms will be available from your SGRPID Area Office. If the requirements are not met because your neighbour does not follow the option requirements, you will be in breach.

Rate of support

This is a 5 year commitment. We will pay at the end of each year.

Hedgerows for landscape: 10 pence per metre per year

Hedgerows for biodiversity: 10 pence per metre per year

Dyking: 10 pence per square metre per year.

Inspections and verification

The inspector will check the requirements of the option are being met (as detailed above under 'What you must do') by a visual assessment on the day of inspection.

List of links to relevant technical guidance

a list of native hedgerow species is available from Scottish Natural Heritage ( SNH) - http://www.snh.org.uk/wwo/landmanagers/land-rural01.asp

Option 14 - Management of Grass Margins and Beetlebanks in Arable Fields

What this is about

This option will encourage the creation of grass strips in or around arable fields to benefit biodiversity and water quality.

What this will achieve

This management option aims to create a grass strip along the boundary of, or across an arable field. Grass strips can serve a dual purpose - supporting wildlife and reducing soil erosion.

Insects over-winter in the grass strips. Beneficial insects can include crop pollinators, and insects to control crop pests. Temporary grass margins can also support rare arable plants and provide food and cover for birds and small mammals.

Cross-field strips on sloping fields will help to reduce the risk of erosion and soil and nutrient run-off. Slower surface-water flow rates can also help to reduce flooding downstream. BAP species that may benefit include Grey Partridge, Linnet, Bullfinch, Spotted Flycatcher, Corn Bunting, Purple Ramping-Fumitory and Cornflower.

What you must do

Requirements

Use a diffuse pollution audit to identify suitable locations for grass strips intended to prevent or minimise soil erosion or nutrient losses to nearby watercourses and lochs.
Use an environmental audit to identify suitable locations for beetle banks.
Manage a strip between 1.5m and 6m in width in an arable field.
Where you intend to benefit Hen Harriers, Corn Buntings, Barn Owl or Kestrel, we recommend the strip is at least 6m wide.
When you do not plan to sow the entire field to an arable crop, the minimum width of the arable area adjacent to the grass strip must be 30m.
Establish the strips by sowing a suitable mix of grass seed, including at least one species of nectar-feeding plant such as red clover, into a sterile seedbed.
Do not apply fertiliser, slurry or farmyard manure to the strips.
Scrub control is not allowed except with the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers.
Pesticides must not be applied to the site.
Spot treatment of scheduled weeds (Common Ragwort, Spear Thistle, Creeping or Field Thistle, Curled Dock or Broad Leaved Dock) or non-native invasive species (Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, Rhododendron Ponticum and Japanese Knotweed) is permitted without prior written approval.
You will not be eligible for any additional payment to control scrub or weeds.
Create a sterile strip up to 0.5m in width along the inner edge of the grass margin and maintain it by rotovation and by applying herbicide. Such a strip will provide young birds with an area on which to dry out and it will also act as a buffer to prevent the spread of weeds from the grass margin into the crop.
You can graze or top the grass margin or beetlebank after harvest, provided the average height of vegetation in the strip is not taken below 100 mm.
Any area adjacent to the grass margins or beetlebanks must remain in an arable crop, such as cereals, linseeds, oilseed, root crops, fruit crops or protein crops, including vining peas, for the duration of the agreement, to obtain full conservation benefit from this option. In a mixed arable situation where an area will be put into grass or other non-eligible crop after 3 years, you can transfer the beetlebank/margin to another eligible field for the remaining 2 years of the agreement. In this situation, a beetlebank/grass margin may only be transferred once during the 5-year agreement. On organic farms, where the normal rotation is a 2 year cycle, you can transfer the beetlebank/margin twice during the agreement period to ensure that the area is in an eligible crop.

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Who can apply

All land managers are eligible to apply for this option.

How to apply

Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M and N of your SAF Field Data Sheet using code LMOGMB.

Eligibility criteria

Land receiving payments for similar management under other agri-environment schemes is not eligible under this option.

Rate of support

This is a 5 year commitment. We will pay £473.76 per hectare per year. We will pay at the end of each year.

Inspections/Verification

The inspector will check the requirements of the option are being met (as detailed above under 'What you must do') by a visual assessment on the day of inspection.

Option 15 - Biodiversity Cropping on In-Bye

What this is about

This option aims to increase the conservation value of arable land and increase numbers of associated bird species.

What this will achieve

This option will increase the conservation value of arable land by encouraging traditional crop rotations to provide cover and feeding areas for birds. Spring cropping and low input management will support wildflowers and provide invertebrate food for birds. The structure of a spring crop is also favourable to ground nesting birds.

BAP species that may benefit include Brown Hare, Skylark, Common Linnet, Corn Bunting, Tree Sparrow and Cornflower.

Photograph courtesy of Eric Bignal

What you must do

Requirements

Sow plots of spring cereals, fodder root crops or fodder rape each up to 2 hectares; their total area should not exceed 4 hectares over the whole unit;
Only undertake cultivations and spread fertiliser between 1 March and 15 May inclusive. Exceptionally, for fodder rape or root crops, cultivations may be carried out after 15 May. Any nests that you locate must be marked and avoided.
Do not apply herbicides and insecticides without prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers. Normally, this consent will only be given to allow spot-treatment or the weed wiping of scheduled weeds (Common Ragwort, Spear Thistle, Creeping or Field Thistle, Curled Dock or Broad Leaved Dock) or invasive
non-native species (e.g. Himalayan Balsam, Rhododendron Ponticum and Japanese Knotweed).
After cropping, you must not plough or cultivate the area before 1 March of the following year.
You can include any cropping rotation and crops that are, or have been, 'traditional' to the area. For example, it is now common practice to grow daffodils in the south of the Grampian area and therefore daffodil production may legitimately be considered 'traditional' to that area.

Arable silage is not an eligible crop for this option for the following reasons:

It is unsuitable for some bird species because its stems are closer together and it is a denser crop;
Birds will be deprived of cover much earlier in the year; and
It does not provide autumn 'stubbles' or a residual crop to act as a source of food in the autumn and winter.

A supplement will be paid where a cereal crop is harvested by a binder and the stooks gathered into stacks.

You can change the location of the plots but the amount applied for must be maintained for 5 years.

Who can apply

All land managers are eligible to apply for this option.

How to apply

Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M and N of your Field Data Sheet using the following codes. The code required for the normal rate is LMOBCN and if you apply for the traditional cereal harvesting supplement the code LMOBCT must also be entered.

Eligibility criteria

This option is available on in-bye land throughout Scotland. This option cannot be adopted on an area of land which is in conversion under an Organic Aid Scheme (conversion) agreement or if you are applying for support under RDC - RP conversion to of organic farming.

Land receiving payments for similar management under other agri-environment schemes is not eligible under this option. The 4 ha limit applies across all the Agri-environment Schemes including LMCMS.

Rate of support

This is a 5 year commitment. We will pay at the end of each year.

Payment rate £70.94 per hectare per year.

Supplement rate where cereal crop is harvested by binder and stooks gathered into stacks £400 per hectare per year.

Inspections/Verification

The inspector will check the requirements of the option are being met (as detailed above under 'What you must do') by a visual assessment on the day of inspection.

Option 16 - Management of Conservation Headlands

What this is about

This option provides support for leaving headlands free of broadleaf herbicides and insecticides.

What this will achieve

This will allow the natural development of a variety of plants within the headland, providing a feeding ground and habitat for insects, birds and small mammals. Some BAP species that may benefit: Grey Partridge, Linnet, Bullfinch, Corn Bunting.

What you must do

Requirements for all payments

You must not apply broadleaf herbicides and insecticides to the headland without the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers. If you are seeking such agreement, you should include a letter from The Game Conservancy Trust, or other recognised conservation organisation with appropriate expertise, supporting the proposals. Circumstances under which consent may be given include where a serious infestation is putting at risk the establishment of the headland. You do not need to obtain approval to apply fungicides.
You can move the conservation headland to a different field or fields during your contract; however, you must include the same number of hectares each year.
Where this option is being carried out in a field which is in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, the margin/buffer must start after the 2m margin/buffer on which no fertiliser may be applied in accordance with the Nitrates Action Programme.

Additional requirement for the premium rate payment

do not apply nitrogenous fertiliser to the headland.

Additional requirements for the payment supplement

if you retain stubbles from harvest of the Conservation Headlands until at least the end of February. This will provide cover and feeding for birds over winter.
The controlled grazing post-harvest will increase the available food supply to over-wintering birds because ground disturbance uncovers more seeds. Fallen grain and dunging supporting increased numbers of invertebrates. The grazing regime adopted for areas being managed under this option must be such that the aims of this option, providing cover and feeding areas for birds, is not frustrated.

Photograph courtesy of The Game Conservancy Trust

Who can apply

All land managers are eligible to apply for this option.

How to apply

Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M and N of your SAF Field Data Sheet using one of the following codes. The code required for the normal rate is LMOCHN. The code for the premium rate is LMOCHP. For the winter stubble supplement you must enter LMOCHS in addition to either LMOCHN or LMOCHP.

Eligibility criteria

This option is available on headlands with a minimum width of 6 metres in arable fields on which cereal, linseed, oilseed or protein crops are being grown.

This option cannot be adopted on an area of land which is in conversion under an Organic Aid Scheme (conversion) agreement of if you are applying for support under RDC - RP conversion to of organic farming.

Conservation headlands can adjoin both autumn and spring sown crops. However, they should not adjoin cereals to be harvested for arable silage before the grain is ripe.

Land receiving payments for similar management under other agri-environment schemes is not eligible under this option.

Rate of support

This is a 5 year commitment. We will pay at the end of each year.

Payment rate: £70 per hectare per year.

Premium payment rate: for no application of nitrogenous fertiliser to the headland: £135.14 per hectare per year.

Payment supplement: for retaining conservation headland stubbles over winter: £21 per hectare per year.

Inspections/Verification

The inspector will check the requirements of the option are being met (as detailed above under 'What you must do') by a visual assessment on the day of inspection.

Option 17 - Retention of Winter Stubbles

What this is about

This option provides support for retaining stubbles over the winter to provide cover and food for birds.

What this will achieve

Winter stubbles will provide cover, and food in the form of spilt grain and seeds, for birds which will increase the number of birds that survive the winter.

Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit include: Song Thrush, Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Grey Partridge, Linnet and Corn Bunting.

What you must do

Requirements

Retain stubbles from your harvest of spring or winter cereals, protein or oilseed crops to provide cover and food for birds until the end of the following February. Once you have harvested you must not plough or cultivate the area before 1 March in the following year.
You must not apply herbicides and insecticides without the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers from when the crop emerges until up to and including the last day of February each year. Normally, this consent will only be given to allow spot-treatment or the weed wiping of scheduled weeds (Common Ragwort, Spear Thistle, Creeping or Field Thistle, Curled Dock or Broad Leaved Dock) or invasive non-native species (e.g. Himalayan Balsam, Rhododendron Ponticum and Japanese Knotweed).
Arable silage is not an eligible crop for this option because it does not provide autumn 'stubbles' and any remaining crop as a source of food for the birds over autumn and winter.
You can change the location of your winter stubble but you must include the same number of hectares each year.
The controlled grazing post-harvest will increase the available food supply to over-wintering birds because ground disturbance uncovers more seeds. Fallen grain and dunging supporting increased numbers of invertebrates. The grazing regime adopted for areas being managed under this option must be such that the aims of this option, providing cover and feeding areas for birds, is not frustrated.

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Who can apply

All land managers are eligible to apply for this option.

How to apply

Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M and N of your SAF Field Data Sheet using code LMORWS.

Eligibility criteria

Land receiving payments for similar management under other agri-environment schemes is not eligible under this option.

The option is available on arable land.

This option cannot be adopted on an area of land which is in conversion under an Organic Aid Scheme (conversion) agreement or if you are applying for support under RDC - RP conversion to of organic farming.

Rate of support

This is a 5 year commitment. We will pay £96 per hectare per year. We will pay at the end of each year.

Inspections/Verification

The inspector will check the requirements of the option are being met (as detailed above under 'What you must do') by a visual assessment on the day of inspection.

Option 18 - Small-scale woodland creation

What this is about

The planting of small woodlands, particularly in farming and crofting landscapes, provides a wide range of environmental and amenity benefits, as well as supporting farm diversification.

This option supports the creation of new woods, planted with native species, up to 1 hectare in size.

What this will achieve

Small-scale planting in the farming and crofting landscape can deliver a range of outcomes including:

Contributing to carbon sequestration
Diversifying and enhancing the natural landscape
Enhancing species habitats and woodland habitat networks
Enhancing the built landscape
Improving water quality
Contributing to animal health and welfare
Improving derelict, underused and neglected land.

What you must do

Plant and establish up to 2 hectares of new woodland in any year.

You must plant the new woodland using native species only.
The planted woodland must be in the size range of 0.1 - 1.0 hectare.
The design of the woods should follow the guidance in 'Creation of Small Woodlands on Farms' published by the Forestry Commission in 2006 and other detailed published guidance on best practice.
You must establish conifers at a density of 2,500 trees/ha and broadleaves at a density of 1,100 trees/ha and these should be maintained as such for 10 years.
You must protect the planted trees from damage from livestock, rabbits and deer.
The planting and maintenance must follow sound silvicultural practice and you must resolve any site problems that impact on tree establishment.
Any required consultation with neighbours and interested bodies must be carried out prior to planting.
An appropriate scale map showing the boundary of the woodland that has been created must be kept. You must be able to produce this for inspection.

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Who can apply

Land managers of agricultural and/or non-agricultural land.

How to apply

Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M and N of your SAF Field Data Sheet using one of the following codes:

LMOSCWA for agricultural land.
LMOSCWN for non-agricultural land.

Eligibility criteria

You must not plant any woodland or carry out any ground preparation on areas identified for archaeological conservation. Any planting must be at least 20 metres beyond the outermost recognised feature of these sites.

You must have prior written consent from Scottish Natural Heritage for any planting in or affecting a Natura site or any Site of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI).

You should seek prior advice from the Forestry Commission on any planting proposed on land that is subject to the following designations, in order to receive a determination on Environmental Impact Assessment:

Natura site or any Site of Special Scientific Interest
National Park
National Scenic Areas

What costs could be supported

We will make a single payment per hectare as a contribution to the total cost of ground preparation, initial planting, tree protection and woodland maintenance such that the woodland becomes satisfactorily established.

Rate of support

There will be a one off payment of £2,500/hectare for planting on both agricultural or non-agricultural land.

Inspections/Verification

The planting will be inspected, to ensure that it meets with the requirements listed in "what you must do" and the eligibility criteria.

A map, of an appropriate scale, showing the boundary of the woodland that has been created should be available to aid inspection.

On agricultural land you must comply with the requirements of cross compliance.

List of links to relevant technical guidance

The UK Forestry Standard - www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcfc001.pdf/$FILE/fcfc001.pdf
The creation of small woodlands on farms - http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6pwmv7
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-5zgkwl

Option 19 - Management of small woodlands

What this is about

Small woodlands make an important contribution to the character, biodiversity and amenity of the landscape. However, these woodlands are often under-managed and their condition can deteriorate over time because they are under-valued and/or the financial cost of management acts as a deterrent.

This option provides support for the sustainable management of small woodlands.

What this will achieve

Bringing small woodlands, particularly on farms, into active management will increase their value as part of the land holding business and the associated landscape. It will also deliver environmental outcomes including:

Mitigation of climate change
Improved soil, water and air quality
Enhanced landscapes
Protected and enhanced biodiversity

What you must do

You must carry out an assessment on the condition of all of your woodland and, as a result, identify and record, in the form of a plan, work that is required during the 5 years of the agreement. There is no standard template for the assessment or the content of a plan but the following is suggested:

Identifying and mapping the woodland types
Identifying and mapping any management constraints and opportunities
Assessing and describing the existing and intended woodland structure
Assessing and describing the existing and intended woodland protection
Assessing and describing the existing and intended species composition
Assessing existing threats/damage and intended improvements
Assessing and describing the existing and intended public assess
Identifying and mapping the proposed work programme

You can undertake the work requirements, identified as a result of your assessment of the condition of the woodland, over the 5 years of the agreement.

You must adequately protect all your woodland from damage by domestic and wild animals. This also applies to natural regeneration of native species within the woodland.

You must remove all domestic livestock from native woodlands if you are applying for the payment supplement.

You must not allow the presence of non-native vegetation, in the canopy or shrub layers of native woodland, to threaten the condition of your native woodland.

You must not allow any work, carried out in and around your woodland, to have a significant adverse impact on habitats and species of national or regional importance or on features of cultural importance such as known archaeological sites.

Your management and the undertaking of work, such as felling, must be carried out such that the overall character of the landscape is maintained.

Your management of public access through your woodland must be in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Where it is within your control, you must keep your woodland free of inappropriate materials and waste.

All the management of your woodland must comply with the UK Forestry Standard.

Photograph

Who can apply

Land managers of a holding with at least 1 hectare and no more than 30 hectares of woodland.

How to apply

Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M and N of your SAF Field Data Sheet using one of the following codes. The code required for managing the woodland is LMOSWN and for the stock exclusion supplement you must also enter the code LMOSWS.

Eligibility criteria

Your total woodland area must be at least 1 hectare and no more than 30 hectares. Individual areas of woodland must be no less than 0.1 hectare.

You must not include in this Option, any woodland which is currently in receipt of grant aid for its maintenance under another grant scheme e.g. WGS, SFGS, RSS, RDC - RP. This also applies to woodland planted under LMO Option 18.

What costs could be supported

We will provide support for undertaking the work that has been identified and recorded in your plan for the 5 years of the agreement.

We will provide additional support for the removal of domestic livestock from areas of native woodland.

Rate of support

The payment rate for managing the woodland, in accordance with a plan, is £28/hectare/year.

The payment supplement for the removal of domestic livestock from native woodland is £41/hectare/year._

Inspections and verification

We will inspect the management of the woodland against the required work identified in your plan and that the requirements listed in "what you must do" are being met.

Where applicable, we will inspect to confirm that domestic livestock has been removed from native woodland.

On agricultural land you must comply with the requirements of cross compliance.

List of links to relevant technical guidance

UK Forestry Standard - www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcfc001.pdf/$FILE/fcfc001.pdf

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The Scottish Government

Publications

On this page:

Scotland Rural Development Programme: Rural Development Contracts: Land Managers Options: Notes for Guidance - LMO1

Axis 2 Improving the environment and the countryside