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WILDLIFE ON FARMLAND AND OTHER TYPES OF LAND

(a) Wild Bird Seed Mix/Unharvested Crop (Land Managers Options and Rural Priorities)

Objective

This option encourages the practice of leaving areas of crop unharvested or cut and left in stooks, in order to provide cover and feeding areas for birds. Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit are Grey Partridge, Skylark, Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Tree Sparrow and Corn Bunting.

Scope and actions

Beneficiaries must either:

(i) 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; or

(ii) 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..

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, there should be at least two plots that are established in alternative years. Plots should be located next to a hedge, isolated bush/tree or overhead wires (but not dense woodland), to provide a safe retreat;

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

To create patches of bird seed sites and cover through sowing a mixture of seed bearing crops and retaining the crop unharvested over the winter.

Geographical targeting

Arable or improved grassland in plots of up to 2 hectares in size.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment Rate €578.16/ha.

(b) Management of Mown Grassland for Wildlife (Rural Priorities)

Objective

This option provides support for the extensive management of hay and silage fields for the protection of ground nesting birds, their eggs and fledglings, leverets and other wildlife. Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit include Black Grouse, Skylark, Grey Partridge and Brown Hare. Other important (bird) species that may benefit include Lapwing, Curlew and Redshank.

Scope and actions

• The field must not be rolled, harrowed or grazed from 1 April until 30 June inclusive or until the crop has been secured, whichever is the later. The specific timing to be agreed on a field by field basis.
• The field must be mown but neither mowing nor the reintroduction of grazing, may take place before 1 July or the end of the exclusion period whichever is later.
• To minimise the risk of damage to young birds, hay and silage must be cut in a wildlife friendly manner in accordance with the scheme guidance.
• If artificial fertiliser is to be applied to the field this must not be done before 15 May, or 1 June where later ground-nesting birds and young may be found.
• A strip of grass 2m wide around the field boundary must be left uncut after mowing.
• Herbicides may be applied to this strip only with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers.

Also:

• The same field need not be chosen each year where the beneficiary rotates winter keep production around their grassland area, but the Scottish Executive need to be given details at application stage of the fields to be rotated, their locations and areas. If, during the lifetime of the plan, a variation to the approved rotation is agreed, the area upon which the annual management payment is calculated will be restricted to either that originally approved or the revised figure, whichever is lower.
• This prescription cannot be applied to fields in the year in which spring-sown grass is being established, as in these circumstances there will be limited grassland cover in the early part of the year.
• As the management required involves the late cutting of the crop, grass fields receiving substantial applications of fertiliser or slurry will not be suited to this management.
• Where Corncrakes or Corn Buntings are likely to be present, there is a presumption that the Prescriptions dedicated to Corncrakes or Corn Buntings will be adopted.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

To encourage the management of grassland fields for the protection of ground nesting birds and other wildlife.

Geographical targeting

A grassland field on which an extensive crop of hay or silage will be grown and, where this could result in a negative impact on the target species, with little or no tree cover around the site.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment rate €255.33/ha

(c) Management of Mown Grassland for Corn Buntings (Rural Priorities)

Objective

To create or maintain the conditions essential for Corn Buntings to breed successfully. Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit include the Brown Hare. Other important (bird) species that may benefit include Curlew and Meadow Pipit.

Scope and actions

• Areas of cover suitable for Corn Buntings to nest and raise broods will be established by excluding stock from hay or silage fields from 1 May.
• These areas must be cut but cutting must delayed until after 1 August to ensure that the majority of chicks are old enough to escape from the mower. Later cutting dates will receive an increased payment.
• To minimise the risk of injury to young birds, hay and silage must be cut in a wildlife friendly manner in accordance with scheme guidance (not required for Corn Buntings, but may help other species e.g. Grey Partridge). A strip of uncut grass two metres wide must be left around the field boundary.
• The field must not be rolled, harrowed or grazed from 1 May until after the field has been mown. Where ground nests are present before 1 May, the nests should be marked and avoided.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

To encourage the creation or maintenance of conditions essential for Corn Buntings to breed successfully.

Geographical targeting

Fields within the breeding distribution of Corn Buntings in East Scotland, Uists and Borders that are used for growing a hay or silage crop.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment rate: €327.74/ha

(d) Management of Mown Grassland for Corncrakes (Rural Priorities)

Objective

This action must be carried out in combination with either Management of Early and Late Cover for Corncrakes, or Management of Grazed Grasslands for Corncrakes or Creation and Management of Early and Late Cover for Corncrakes, or Wild Bird Seed Mix/Unharvested Crop, to create or maintain the conditions essential for Corncrakes to breed successfully. Other Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit includes the Brown Hare. Other important (bird) species that may benefit include Curlew and Meadow Pipit.

Scope and actions

• Areas of cover suitable for Corncrakes to nest and raise broods will be established by excluding stock from hay or silage fields from 15 May.
• The field must not be rolled, harrowed or grazed from 15 May until after the field has been mown. Where ground nests are present before 15 May, the nests should be marked and avoided.
• These areas must be cut but cutting must be delayed until after 1 August (option 1), 15 August (option 2) or 1 September (option 3) to ensure that the majority of chicks are old enough to escape from the mower. The later cutting dates will receive an increased payment.
• To minimise the risk of injury to young birds, hay and silage must be cut in a wildlife friendly manner in accordance with scheme guidance. A strip of uncut grass two metres wide must be left around the field boundary.
• The same field need not be chosen each year where the beneficiary rotates winter keep production around their grassland area, but the Scottish Executive need to be given details at application stage of the fields to be rotated, their locations and areas. If, during the lifetime of the plan, a variation to the approved rotation is agreed, the area upon which the annual management payment is calculated will be restricted to either that originally approved or the revised figure, whichever is lower.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

To encourage the creation or maintenance of conditions essential for Corncrakes to breed successfully.

Geographical targeting

Farmed land on the Argyll Islands, Skye, Small Isles, Western Isles, Orkney and parts of the north coast of the Scottish Mainland. A grassland field on which an extensive crop of hay or silage will be grown which is next to an early/late cover area managed for Corncrakes or unharvested crops managed under the agreement or grazing area managed for Corncrakes (new option).

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment Rates: option 1 - €395.66/ha, option 2 - €556.26/ha, option 3 - €1,008.86/ha

Support where option will cost more than the maximum payment rate.

Conversion rate: €1.46 = £1.

(e) Management of Grazed Grassland for Corncrakes (Rural Priorities)

Objective

To provide sufficient tall vegetation early in the season within grazed grasslands for the benefit of Corncrakes. This will provide a Corncrake management option to benefit Corncrakes on fields/compartments where mowing is not practical.

Scope and actions

• All farm livestock must be removed before 1 March;
• Minimum area to be included within prescription must be not less than 0.5 ha;
• Fields can be opened up to farm livestock after 15 July, although livestock density should be no more than 1.4 LU/ha before the end of August; and
• To ensure that the in-bye land remains in good condition, grazing is a requirement in the autumn.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

To encourage suitable conditions within grazed grasslands for the benefit of Corncrakes.

Geographical targeting

Farmed land on the Argyll Islands, Skye, Small Isles, Western Isles, Orkney and parts of the north coast of the North Sutherland and West Argyll coast. Fields or compartments should contain a high proportion (30%) of vegetation that is both likely to be taller than 20 cm by early May and is likely to be suitable for Corncrakes if ungrazed. Areas of ungrazed grass or rush matted with dead vegetation remaining from previous seasons will not qualify as suitable tall vegetation. Fields with a high proportion of e.g. iris, nettles, meadowsweet, cow parsley, Hogweed, reed sweetgrass ( Phalaris arundinacea), common reed ( Phragmites australis) and butterbur would be appropriate. Areas with a high proportion of rush could be selected, where there is a discontinuous distribution of rush within the field and where, in the rush areas, the density is not in excess of 50%.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment Rate €456.98/ha

(f) Creation and Management of Early and Late Cover for Corncrakes (Rural Priorities)

Objective

To create and maintain the conditions for Corncrakes to breed successfully. Other Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit includes the Brown Hare.

Scope and actions

• This action must be carried out in combination with the Management of Mown Grassland for Corncrakes option.
• Choose an area at least 0.15 hectare, that is either sheltered by man-made or natural features (such as the lee side of drystane dykes, rocky outcrops or ruined walls/buildings) or by creating a strip within the field, at least 5 metres wide, protected from grazing in late winter and spring.
• Only with the prior written agreement of the legal occupier, dig up and collect iris from existing beds. Mix the iris rhizomes with farmyard manure in at least equal proportions by volume and spread the mixture over the site to a depth of at least 20 centimetres.
• To aid the establishment of iris beds and other tall vegetation the site must be managed to ensure that it is normally in damp condition for a significant proportion of the year.
• No grazing is permitted from 1 March until 30 September, except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers.
• At other times, grazing must not exceed 0.3 livestock units per hectare, except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers; and,
• Cutting of the area may only be undertaken with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

To encourage the management of grasslands for the protection of Corncrakes, their eggs and fledglings.

Geographical targeting

Farmed land on the Argyll Islands, Skye, Small Isles, Western Isles, Orkney and parts of the North Sutherland and West Argyll coast. Improved grassland or arable land, on which damp conditions are created for the establishment of iris beds and other tall vegetation. Where iris is not available locally, other appropriate tall vegetation may be utilised, but only with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers. Such sites must be adjacent to mown grassland managed for Corncrakes under this scheme. The total area of early and late cover, which may a combination of existing and created cover, must extend to at least 0.15 hectare, sited on one or more blocks of land adjacent to the mown grassland. The total area created under this option must not exceed 1 hectare. The combined area of existing and created early and late cover for Corncrakes managed under a single agreement cannot exceed 6 hectares.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Support where option will cost more than the maximum payment rate.

Conversion rate: €1.46 = £1.

Payment rate €1,168/ha

(g) Management of Early and Late Cover for Corncrakes (Rural Priorities)

Objective

To create or maintain the conditions essential for Corncrakes to breed successfully, in combination with operations for Management of Mown Grassland for Corncrakes. In the case of Management of Mown Grassland for Corncrakes, the aim is to provide cover not only for Corncrakes arriving back from wintering grounds in April and May, but also sanctuary late in the season when most of the surrounding grassland has been cut and/or grazed. Another BAP species that may benefit is the Reed Bunting.

Scope and actions

• This action must be carried out in one or more blocks of land adjacent to the Management of Mown Grassland for Corncrakes option.
• Each individual site must be at least 0.15 ha in size and not be more than 1.0 subject to a maximum total area of 5.0 ha. You may also create an additional 1.0 hectare of early and late cover under the Creation and Management of Early and Later Cover for Corncrakes option.
• No grazing of the area from 1 March until 30 September inclusive, except with the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers.
• Grazing is not to exceed 0.3 LU/ha at other times on these sites, except with the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers.
• Cutting of the area can only be undertaken with the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

To encourage the creation and maintenance of conditions essential for Corncrakes to breed successfully.

Geographical targeting

Farmed land on the Argyll Islands, Skye, Small Isles, Western Isles, Orkney and parts of the North coast of Scottish Mainland. Reverted improved grassland or unimproved grassland on the in-bye with clumps of tall vegetation such as iris, nettles, cow parsley or rush. The total area of early and late cover must extend to at least 0.15 hectare, sited on one or more blocks of land adjacent to the mown grassland. An additional 1.0 hectare of early and late cover may be created per undertaking under the Creation & Management of Early and Later Cover for Corncrakes option.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment rate €236.52/ha

(h) Management of Open Grazed or Wet Grassland for Wildlife (Rural Priorities)

Objective

To encourage the management of grazing land for the protection of ground nesting birds, their eggs and fledglings and other wildlife. BAP species that may benefit include Corn Bunting, Skylark, Grey Partridge, Lapwing, Curlew and Brown Hare.

Scope and actions

• A livestock management and grazing regime must be set out in a grazing plan to be agreed with Scottish Ministers. This must take into account the preferences of individual target species, the conditions at the site and the farming operations on site.

Or

• Farm livestock must be excluded for 6 consecutive weeks between 15 March and 15 June, or restrict livestock to a maximum of 1 LU/ha during the whole 3 month period.
• Harrowing and rolling must not be carried out from 1 April until 31 July inclusive.
• Artificial fertiliser must not be applied to the field before 15 May. FYM and slurry must not be applied from 1 March until 15 May inclusive.
• Topping must not be carried out until after 31 July.
• The grazing of fields must be managed during the 3 month period so that the nests of ground-nesting birds are not damaged.
• The intensity of grazing within the 3 month period should be sufficiently low as to avoid damage to nests of ground-nesting birds.
• Also, where Corncrakes or Corn Buntings are likely to be present, there is a presumption that the Prescriptions dedicated to Corncrakes or corn Buntings will be adopted.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

To encourage the management of grazing land for the protection of ground nesting birds, their eggs and fledglings and other wildlife.

Geographical targeting

Areas of open in-bye grassland, subject to autumn and/or winter grazing to produce a short sward, and with little or no tree cover around the site. Areas of in-bye wet grassland. Wet grassland is pasture or meadow that is periodically inundated with water.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment rate €162.06/ha

(i) Mammal and Bird Control (Rural Priorities)

Will have three elements:

A. Predator control
B. Crow control.
C. Predator control for Black Grouse and Capercaillie

Objectives

To meet Scottish Executive's nature conservation targets.

Scope and actions

This option will have restricted availability :

A. Predator control will be available on Sites of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSIs) and Natura sites where the qualifying interests include ground-nesting birds that are vulnerable to predation and likely to benefit from predator control (this should be endorsed by Scottish Natural Heritage ( SNH)). These sites are likely to include upland and moorland habitats.

B. Crow control will be available on SSSI and Natura sites where the qualifying interests include birds that are vulnerable to crow predation and likely to benefit from crow control (this should be endorsed by SNH). These sites are likely to include upland and moorland habitats.

C. Predator control for Black Grouse and Capercaillie will be available to benefit Capercaillie and Black Grouse on sites containing active leks or on adjoining sites where control would be complementary.

The following actions will be undertaken:

Mammal and bird control must be carried out in a legal and humane manner.

1. It must comply with all appropriate legislation and Codes of Practice including the Open General Licence as issued each year by the Scottish Executive, British Association for Shooting and Conservation ( BASC) Codes of Practice on Shooting, Lamping, Trapping of Pest Mammals and Trapping of Pest Birds.

For B and C Crow traps will be operated within the requirements of the BASC's "Trapping Pest Birds - A Code of Practice", in particular:

• traps will be of a legal design and operated legally;
• the beneficiary will provide all decoy birds with shelter, food and water at all times;
• the beneficiary must have enough staff to inspect traps every day;
• captured crows will be killed quickly and humanely; and
• all non-target species will be released immediately and unharmed.

2. The mammal and bird control measure will:

• only be available where it is carried out as part of a habitat management programme aimed at achieving favourable condition of the natural heritage interests on the site. Effort must be targeted where it will give most benefit to the notified features e.g. moorland birds (rather then being focused on agricultural benefits) and/or
• only be available where it is carried out as part of a Capercaillie or Black Grouse conservation plan that includes a site-specific predator/crow control plan targeted where it will give most benefit to the species.

For A and C the management programme will include details of the predator control plan which should set out:

• any predator control effort in the past five years
• the existing predation problem as it affects breeding birds - evidence of fox scats, bird prey remains with chewed feathers etc
• the areas where control will be undertaken;
• the species to be controlled (which may include foxes, crows, stoats and weasels);
• the methods that will be used; and
• the most appropriate period for the activity, spring/early summer (control may of course take place outwith this period but will not be funded).
• the number of days or nights that the activity will be undertaken in each month
• for those activities that are planned on a weekly basis, such as lamping or shooting, plans will be kept up to date throughout the control period and available for inspection on request. Dates when other activities will take place, for example setting and managing snares, will be included in the management programme.
• the impact that the mammal and bird control will have - looking for reductions in numbers of fox scats and prey remains, and increases in numbers of breeding birds

For B: The habitat management programme will detail the proposed trap locations on a map.

3. An annual report covering the following will have to be provided:

• details of the methods employed;
• time spent on mammal and bird control across the specified period;
• number and species controlled and date of control; and,
• location of effort - where traps are located, where other control measures are applied.
• the impact of the mammal and bird control, in terms of numbers taken, counts of fox scats and crows, and numbers of nesting birds.
• records of the above must be kept up to date throughout the period that control is undertaken and they should be available for inspection on request.

For A and C: A summary of other predator control effort in the remainder of the year will also be required, if any is carried out.

This measure will benefit from a collaborative approach.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

The payment has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made.

Payment rate option A: Predator control: €2.92/ha

Payment rate: option B Crow control: €394 per trap with no more than 1 trap per hectare.

Payment rate; option C Black Grouse & Capercaillie : Actual costs up to €11/ha

(j) Supplementary Food Provision for Raptors (Rural Priorities)

A. Supplementary food provision for Hen Harriers.
B. Provision of deer carcasses for Golden Eagles.

Objective

To meet: Scottish Executive's nature conservation targets.

Scope and actions

Support for the provision of supplementary food to Golden Eagles and Hen Harriers at sites designated as SPA for Golden Eagles or Hen Harriers. In conjunction with a range of management options, it will help to secure the favourable condition of these species. It is also designed to reduce Hen Harrier predation on Grouse, thus reducing conflict with Grouse moor management.

This measure will have restricted availability

A. To be available in SPAs which have breeding Hen Harriers as a qualifying interest.

B. To be available within Golden Eagle SPAs but only where this is expected to be beneficial to the Golden Eagle population, as agreed by Scottish Natural Heritage ( SNH).

The following actions will be undertaken:

A: Supplementary food provision for raptors: Hen Harriers

This prescription may be applied for if the Moorland Management Plan identifies a conflict between Grouse moor management and Hen Harriers predation of Grouse chicks. The recipient will agree with SNH the number and location of nests to be supplementary fed. Ideally, land managers would feed all the nests on their land.

Beneficiaries will be required to provide food in the nesting area on a daily basis, in accordance with the practice described in "Substitute Feeding of Hen Harriers on Grouse Moors" (Moorland Working Group 1999).

Feeding will be carried out for 100 days, covering both the pre-nesting period as well as the breeding season. However, if a nest should fail within the 100 day period, then feeding should cease (subject to agreement by SNH) and payments will be reduced accordingly.

The start-date for feeding is the date that the birds arrive on territory. This date will be agreed on a site-by-site basis. To qualify the beneficiary must:

• agree the start date for feeding at each site;
• check feeding posts on a daily basis;
• purchase appropriate food and ensure that it is appropriately stored;
• retain purchase receipts for inspection;
• record the work undertaken using the recording forms provided and identify on a map the sites where feeding has taken place; and
• retain the recording forms for inspection;

Crow control is important and there is a separate payment to support this.

B. Supplementary Food Provision for raptors: Golden Eagles

Beneficiaries will provide a maximum of two deer carcasses per month for four months (Nov-Feb). They will be left on a hill. A simple plan will be drawn up and agreed with the Scottish Executive/ SNH, outlining the number of carcasses to be left on the hill each month (one or two), and how and where carcasses might be left.

The work will be undertaken in conjunction with existing annual hind culls and in accordance with best practice guidelines and all relevant legislation. It is not an incentive to cull additional deer.

• beneficiaries will keep a record of the work undertaken, giving the dates and showing where carcasses were left.
• beneficiaries must retain these records for inspection.

This item will only be available where there is an identified need, endorsed by SNH.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made.

Payment rates

Supplementary food provision for Hen harriers: €1,570.96 per nest and no more than 1 feeding site per 5 hectares.

Supplementary food provision for Golden eagles: €46.72 per carcass and the minimum area over which this activity will be undertaken is 1 hectare.

(k) Wardening for Golden Eagles (Rural Priorities)

Objective

To meet Scottish Executive's nature conservation targets.

Scope and actions

This operation will have restricted availability. It will be available within Golden Eagle SPAs where it will benefit the Golden Eagle population.

The following actions will be undertaken:

• Any observations of Golden Eagles must be noted on a regular basis throughout the year: an annual record sheet will be provided for this purpose. No claims will be met unless accompanied by this record. Land managers need only to note any sightings made as they go about their normal business and are not expected to undertake extra site visits specifically for this purpose;
• Where a nest exists on a beneficiary's land, they will participate in a network of contacts working in co-operation to help prevent Golden Eagle persecution, including egg theft. Information and guidance on procedures, along with details of local contacts, will be provided to land managers. SNH will draft this guidance note; and
• In the event of a survey being carried out, land managers will co-operate with accredited eagle workers visiting their land for the purposes of the survey or monitoring purposes.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made.

Payment rates:

€80.30 per farm unit

€119.72 per common grazings committee

(l) Control of invasive non-native species (Rural Priorities)

Objectives of the measure

The objectives of this measure are to:

• Protect designated sites, BAP priority species and habitats from non-native invasive species;
• Promote co-ordinated control and/or eradication programmes in specific targeted areas;
• Contribute towards 2010 target to halt loss of biodiversity.

Operations undertaken in this measure are also suitable to be combined with a range of other SRDP measures across three of the Rural Development Regulation Axes and include topics such as access, landscape, built & cultural heritage, flood control, water quality, business diversification, community development, habitat creation and management.

Scope and actions

This measure is available to rural land managers within geographically targeted areas and is limited to the control of certain species.

In order to qualify to apply for funding for invasive non-native plant control under this measure, applicants must:

a) be within the specific targeted areas where the plant species have been identified as a particular threat by Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency or the Forestry Commission Scotland. Within these areas applications will only be considered if they are part of a collaborative area project/plan. Applications will either need to complement an existing plan to control the invasive species, or be part of a new co-ordinated plan/project within an area, ideally on a catchment-wide basis, or other self-contained area/habitat.

b) require funding in order to undertake work where action required to tackle the named invasive non-native species is consequential on another measure ( i.e. where action to tackle invasive species is necessary to the success of the other measure e.g. habitat management or path creation); or

c) be the first in an area to have their land colonised by one of the named invasive non-native plant species i.e. it is not present on neighbouring land.

A collaborative approach is essential unless the applicant meets the criteria contained in parts b) or c) above.

In order to qualify for funding for grey squirrel control under this measure, applicants must either:

a) be within one of the control areas defined under the red squirrel action plan 2006-2011, and have evidence of grey squirrels on their land. Under the red squirrel costed action plan priority grey squirrel control areas for the period up to 2011 will include parts of SW Borders/East Dumfries & Galloway, Grampian, North Perthshire and the Cowal/Arrochar area of Argyll (other areas may be added once red squirrels strongholds are defined); or

b) have a stand of broadleaf woodland identified by Forestry Commission Scotland as being part of a BAP Priority Habitat or of other high biodiversity value.

Potential beneficiaries will only be able to apply for funding for either a) or b), not both.

Only the species identified in this measure will be eligible for funding. This list may be amended or added to in future years by the Scottish Working Group on Invasive Non-Native Species or the Scottish Executive.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

For Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam the following evidence is required:

• On a 1:10 000 OS map, map the current distribution of plant species being treated before control work starts and map the affected area following control work, each year.
• A work programme which contains:
• Spraying records and evidence of agreement from statutory bodies to spraying regimes around water courses or protected areas;
• Evidence of regrowth monitoring;
• Disposal transportation record and copies of Water Transfer documentation.
• Approval from SEPA for any spoil sites;
• Copies of the COSHH assessment; and
• Copies of certificates of spraying for individuals undertaking work or directly supervising spraying work.

For Rhododendron control the following evidence is required:

• On a 1:10 000 OS map the outlying area affected by rhododendron and the percentage of that area proposed for treatment.

For grey squirrel control the following evidence is required:

• Support of the squirrel project officer and agreement from the Forestry Commission. This must include agreement on grey squirrel levels and damage levels and risk to the red squirrel population.
• A work programme must be submitted with the proposal. It must meet the objectives and priority actions in the Red Squirrel Action Plan ( http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/species/Squirrel/Red%20Squirrel%20Action%20Plan%20-%20final%20version%20-%20July%202006%20.pdf). The plan will identify the location (grid reference) of the woodland to be controlled, the number of traps being deployed, the location of each trap and the dates between which traps will be set. Details about any proposed collaboration with neighbouring owners or grey squirrel control officers must be included.
• Evidence that all trapping is carried out in accordance with published guidance on grey squirrel control and can be in compliance with animal welfare requirements.
• A record of ongoing activity will be regularly updated and available for inspection on request. In accordance with Scottish legal requirements traps will be checked daily and details recorded of dates when animals were trapped and numbers of grey squirrels caught will be recorded. It will also detail sightings records as evidence of the continued presence of grey squirrels within the proposed area, including the date and location from which they were obtained. Where necessary, transect survey will be required to verify the presence and extent of grey squirrels. This information should be submitted on an OS 1:10000 or larger scale map.
• The record of ongoing activity must be retained with all purchase receipts for inspection purposes.
• Evidence will be submitted annually in arrears to ensure payment, in autumn, to include location on map, dates trapped and nos. caught and despatched, and record of all samples sent for squirrelpox testing where relevant. Required to help assess overall effectiveness of control scheme and check work has been carried out. Control can be validated by inspections - sample of sites can be visited to assess if traps in use and presence -of grey squirrels monitored to assess outcomes.
• Within the south of Scotland, trapped grey squirrels are required to be submitted for testing of the squirrelpox virus. This will be undertaken under the supervision of the grey squirrel control officers employed by government bodies or their appointed agents.

1. Rhododendron ( Rhododendron ponticum)

In all cases control work must begin in the first year of the agreement. At year five there must be no Rhododendron present on the site.

Manual eradication & control of rhododendron:

This method of control must be used for sensitive sites and/or for difficult areas where mechanised clearance methods are not possible. It involves the manual cutting and burning of rhododendron. All rhododendron to be removed must be cut as low as possible to the ground to ensure that minimum re-growth occurs. Subsequent operations must ensure that no re-growth results from flailed stools, including herbicide treatments.

Mechanised (and/or chemical) eradication & control of rhododendron:

Subsequent operations must ensure that no re-growth results from flailed stools. This includes the use of flails fitted on a range of identified machinery and herbicide treatment on re-growth. A second application of herbicide may be required on some sites; and/or

Chemical Control of Standing Rhododendron:

Stem injection of herbicide must kill off established rhododendron bushes. Follow up applications of herbicide or hand pulling of seedlings must ensure there are no successful seedling or sprouting bushes on site.

2. Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)

In all cases control work must begin in the first year of the agreement. At year five there must be no Japanese Knotweed present on the treated area.

Control measures must kill the plant.

Chemical

Spraying must only be carried out during the growing season when there is green, leafy material present. The herbicide must be approved for use and used according to the Code of Practice and the instructions on the label. There must be a minimum of two sprays of Glyphosate in one growing season, further spraying may be necessary and is allowed. Glyphosate must not be applied until early/mid May or when the plant is 0.5-1.5m tall. Following spraying, the plant must be monitored regularly for signs of re-growth. Any subsequent re-growth must be sprayed when the plant reaches 0.5-1.5m tall. Both the top and underside of leaves must be sprayed.

If spraying is proposed to be undertaken near a watercourse SEPA must be agree to the operation prior to any spraying. If spraying is proposed on, or near, a designated area, SNH must agree to the operation prior to any spraying.

Cutting, flail mowing or strimming must not be undertaken.

Digging

SEPA must be consulted before undertaking this method. Above ground leaf/stem material must be cleared and ground material infested with roots must be removed. This will not be possible in certain situations, such as along river banks. Care should be taken to ensure that all Japanese knotweed roots are removed. Any re-growth must be treated with herbicide (see control section above). The soil around the plant for up to 7m should be removed by a licensed haulier to a licensed landfill site.

Disposal of Japanese knotweed:

Japanese knotweed must not be composted. Japanese knotweed infested soil or plant material that is intended to be discarded is classed as "controlled waste" and must be accompanied by appropriate Waste Transfer documentation. Waste must be disposed of in a suitably licensed or permitted landfill site. Infested material must be removed from the site for disposal, unless otherwise agreed with SEPA. Any container/bags containing Japanese knotweed or infested soil leaving the site must be covered to avoid spread along public highways.

3. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

In all cases control work must begin in the first year of the agreement.

Control measures must aim to kill the plant, prevent flowering and seed dispersal.

A risk assessment must always be carried out prior to commencing work and protective clothing must always be worn when attempting any form of control.

Chemical control

Spraying must only be carried out during the growing season when there is green, leafy material present. There must be a minimum of two sprays of Glyphosate in one growing season, further spraying may be necessary and is allowed. Glyphosate must be applied before the plant flowers and sets seed. It should not be applied until the plant is 0.5m-1.5m tall. Following spraying, the plant must be monitored regularly for signs of re-growth. Any subsequent re-growth must be sprayed when the plant reaches 0.5m tall. Both the top and underside of leaves must be sprayed.

If spraying is proposed to be undertaken near a watercourse SEPA must agree to the operation prior to any spraying. If spraying is proposed on, or near, a designated area, SNH must agree to the operation prior to any spraying.

Spraying must be carried out when most of the plants are visible; this will vary due to the environmental conditions and the geographical location of the site. Annual follow-up spraying must be undertaken to kill seedlings.

Cutting/mowing:

Protective clothing must be worn and a risk assessment must be completed and provided as evidence. Strimming must never be undertaken.

Digging

SEPA must be consulted before undertaking this method. Above ground leaf/stem material must be cleared and ground material infested with roots and seeds must be removed. A four metre radius around each plant must be considered as infested and the soil must be removed. The crown must be dug out just below ground to prevent re-growth, roots must be cut all the way through an inch or two below ground, it is important to make sure that it is the root that is cut and not the stem, otherwise the plant will re-shoot. This must be carried out by hand.

Disposal

Infested material should be removed from the site for disposal, unless otherwise agreed with SEPA. Any giant hogweed infested soil or plant material that is intended to be discarded is classed as "controlled waste" waste and should be accompanied by appropriate Waste Transfer documentation, the waste should be disposed of in a suitably licensed or permitted landfill site. Any container/bags containing giant hogweed or infested soil leaving the site must be covered to avoid spread along public highways.

4. Himalayan balsam ( Impatiens glandulifera)

In all cases control work must begin in the first year of the agreement.

Control measures must aim to kill the plant and must prevent flowering. if this is achieved eradication may possible in two to three years - unless the site is being colonised by seeds from a site upstream.

Chemical control

Spraying with Glyphosate must only be carried out during the growing season when there is green, leafy material present. There must be a minimum of one spray of Glyphosate in one growing season. Spraying must be carried out before the plant flowers and sets seed, further spraying is allowed and may be necessary.

If you are planning to use a herbicide in or near to a watercourse SEPA must agree to the operation prior to spraying. If spraying on, or near, a designated area, SNH must agree to the operation prior to any spraying. Spot spraying should be undertaken unless the plants grow in a dense sward - otherwise non-target plants will be affected. Spraying must be carried out when most of the plants are visible; this will vary due to the environmental conditions and the geographical location of the site. Annual follow-up spraying must be undertaken to kill seedlings.

Cutting/mowing/strimming

This must be undertaken before the flowering stage. Cut at ground level using a scythe. Cutting must be repeated annually until no more growth occurs.

Pulling

Any germinating seedlings can be pulled up. The roots must be pulled up with the plant.

Grazing

Grazing by cattle and sheep is effective from April throughout the growing season and should be continued until no new growth occurs.

Disposal

Plants must only be composted or burnt when seeds are not present.

5. Grey Squirrel ( Sciurus carolinensis)

This element supports control of grey squirrels in key areas to reduce the threat to red squirrels and in areas identified by the Forestry Commission Scotland as stands of high biodiversity value broadleaf woodland

Trapping

For control of grey squirrels to benefit red squirrels, live multi-capture traps should not be used where red squirrels are present. When traps are set for grey squirrels they are legally required to be checked at least once a day for animals and this will be complied with in all cases. The minimum number of trapping sessions required per year per unit area trapped is 4 but 6 sessions are the minimum if grey squirrels are present all year. This should be undertaken at all sites to be trapped, to ensure effective control and prevent re-colonisation. Grey squirrels do not strip bark at any other time of year therefore live capture traps for protection of broadleaf stands should not be set outwith these times.

Further information is provided in the Forestry Commission Practice Note 4 'Controlling Grey Squirrel Damage to Woodlands'.

Any grey squirrels captured in the traps will be humanely dispatched without delay.

Definition of beneficiaries

Land Managers

Agri-environment Baseline

Level of support

Rhododendron ponticumpayments are capital items and payment rates are set out in the capital items list.

For Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam the following payment rate applies:

€233.60 per ha per annum broken down into:

• Contractor costs €187.98 per hectare per annum; and
• Costs for .Glyphosate €45.62 per hectare per annum.

For the control for red squirrel conservation using a single capture trap, the following payment rate will apply:

€270.10 per trap-site per annum, broken down into:

• Contractor rate of €27.01 per hour at 10 hours per annum - 10 hours total time spent a trap per annum - 5 trapping sessions per annum with 2 hours spent per trap per session (over 7-10 days).

The cost includes purchase of the trap, bait and cover material such as black plastic. It also covers the cost of labour input during a trapping session and includes trap siting, pre-baiting, setting, checking, grey squirrel dispatch, recording, monitoring and squirrel pox virus testing.

For grey squirrel control for the protection of identified stands of high biodiversity value broadleaf woodland using multi-capture traps, the payment rate will be €162.06 per trap per annum, broken down into:

• Contractor rate of €27.01 per hour at 6 hours per annum - 6 hours total time spent at a trap per annum - 3 trapping session per annum with 2 hours spent per trap per session (over 7-10 days).

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