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MOORLANDS

(a) Summer cattle grazing (Land Managers Options)

Objectives

This option contributes to the cost of maintaining or restoring a balance between heather (or other dwarf shrubs) and the coarser moorland grasses (which tend to become dominant under heavy sheep grazing) and to improve the diversity of grassland communities.

Scope and actions

Beneficiaries under this option must undertake the following actions:

• Cattle should be turned out onto unenclosed or hill land on or before 1 June, and kept them there for at least three months. For the purposes of Land Managers Options 'unenclosed' or 'hill land' is taken to be rough grazings;
• At least 1 bovine per 25 hectares should be turned out. Qualifying cattle must be at least six months of age at the start of this grazing period and can be either owned by or formally leased to the farmer;
• Grazing should be evenly distributed, with enough sheltered areas where the ground is firm and free-draining;
• The option can cover all or part of the unenclosed ground of the holding.

The ideal grazing regime on this land should include both sheep and cattle. It may be necessary to reduce the number of sheep in proportion to the number of cattle introduced, to avoid damaging the land.

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

Support for maintaining or restoring the balance between heather and the coarser moorland grasses through cattle grazing.

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 €1.90/ha.

(b) Management of Coastal or Serpentine Heath (Rural Priorities)

To encourage the regeneration of native heathland plants and small grassland herbs found on coastal heaths. Some Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit include the Linnet, Eyebright (spp), Dune Gentian, Scottish Primrose, Scottish Scurvygrass, Marsh Earwort, Great Yellow Bumblebee, the Northern Colletes (bee), Marsh Fritillary, Slender Scotch Burnet (moth) and Natterjack Toad.

Scope and actions

• Farm livestock must be excluded from 1 April until 31 August inclusive;
• The site must be grazed from 1 September until 30 November inclusive, at a level only sufficient to remove rank growth and lightly crop any dwarf shrubs and to create a good structure to maintain the diversity across the habitat; in any event, no more than 1.2 LU/ha;
• From 1 December until 31 March inclusive, any grazing is optional and must not exceed 0.15 livestock units per hectare, except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers;
• If necessary to ensure that the desired conservation benefits are delivered any of the grazing requirements set out above may be varied in any year with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers;
• Stock adjustment should be used to deal with grass shading out target plant species;
• The site must not be burnt except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers; and,
• Fertiliser, slurry or farmyard manure must not be applied to the site.

Or, where these requirements would not reflect the specific biodiversity requirements of the site:

• A farm livestock management and grazing regime must be set out in a grazing plan to be agreed with the Scottish Ministers. The grazing plan may be subject to change as the site develops; and,
• A grazing plan is obligatory when management is for Scottish Primrose.

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 regeneration of native heathland plants and small grassland herbs found on coastal and serpentine heaths.

Geographical targeting

Unimproved land bordering the sea containing characteristic moorland or species rich grassland vegetation dependent on salt spray or exposure and serpentine heath ( i.e. heath consisting of characteristic moorland or species-rich grassland vegetation dependent on ultra-basic soils).

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 €112.42/ha up to 30 ha, €64.24/ha next 40 ha and €1.90/ha thereafter.

(c) Management of Lowland Heath (Rural Priorities)

Objectives

To protect native lowland heath, encourage the regeneration of plants and provide breeding and feeding grounds for the animals found in the area. Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit include the Nightjar, Skylark, Juniper, Pillwort and Marsh Clubmoss.

Scope and actions

• A farm livestock management and grazing regime must be set out in a grazing plan to be agreed with the Scottish Ministers. This grazing plan should be drawn up in consultation with a recognised conservation organisation.
• It is beneficial to have a low level of grazing from 1 May to 1 September on these sites, to remove rank growth and lightly crop any dwarf shrubs to create a good structure to maintain the diversity across the habitat.
• In some cases, it may be possible to extend the grazing season in spring, in March/April and in the autumn, in September/October, depending on the site and the growing season.
• Livestock must be excluded from the area from 1 November to the end of February inclusive.
• At other times grazing levels must not exceed 0.3 LU/ha.
• Bracken and scrub should not be allowed to exceed a total of 20% cover on the site. Where this occurs, bracken and scrub control will be an ongoing management operation.
• Fertiliser, slurry or farmyard manure must not be applied to the site.

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

To maintain the open nature of native lowland heath to encourage the regeneration of characteristic native plants and provide breeding and feeding grounds for associated wildlife.

Geographical targeting

Any area of Lowland Heath.

Any area of lowland heath may be entered under this option. This heath is found at lower altitudes and is relatively rare in Scotland. Often lower plants such as lichens and mosses are an important part of the mixture, and some gorse, bracken or scattered tree cover has always been part of the heathland scene. Lowland heathland occurs mainly on acid soils with a thin layer of humus. Around Scotland's coasts and on the islands are heaths which have a greater percentage of flowering plants and grasses included in the mixture. Most of the heaths have been influenced and are maintained by man and grazing animals, but the coastal heaths are influenced more by their exposure to wind and salt-spray. Lowland heath is a priority European habitat, as it is a restricted resource and is still declining throughout Europe.

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 €179.58/ha

(d) Wildlife Management on Upland and Peatland Sites (Rural Priorities)

Objectives

The option aims to enhance the condition of upland and peatland habitats by promoting good soil management. It is available to land managers undertaking wildlife management on uplands and peatlands (managing populations of wild deer and Red Grouse).

Under this measure the specific objectives will be to:

• protect and enhance wildlife and biodiversity;
• protect and manage fragile upland soils;
• support the achievement of good water status by reducing upland soil erosion; and
• mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by maintaining and enhancing upland vegetation that forms peat soils and acts as a natural carbon store.

Scope and actions

Wildlife management on uplands and peatlands involves managing populations of wild deer and Red Grouse, predator control by legal methods and muirburn. This is sometimes the only management undertaken on the land but it is often carried out alongside grazing by farm livestock. Wildlife management and farm livestock management are undertaken for different purposes, usually by different parties. The costs of these two activities are entirely separate.

In order to address these impacts in an integrated way it is essential that this option is supported by a Management Plan that takes account of both wildlife and farm livestock management where they are carried out over the same management unit. Where these are carried out by separate businesses this will require a collaborative application signed by the various parties ( e.g. landlord and tenants).

The impacts of trampling by deer, muirburn and tracking by All Terrain Vehicles ( ATVs) can break-up the surface vegetation leading to erosion of peat and thin upland soils. This measure will help to address these impacts to benefit biodiversity and water quality.

This measure will have restricted availability

It is possible to apply for this measure in combination with other moorland measures on sites where soft peaty soils or thin upland soils predominate. These conditions are more frequently encountered in the north and west of Scotland.

Priority will be given to Sites of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSIs) and Natura Sites designated for their uplands and peatlands. Priority for the associated capital item 'Open range deer management to enhance the natural heritage' will be given to sites listed on the work programme for joint action on deer management.

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

The following actions will be undertaken:

This measure will be available on sites that are dominated by peat or thin upland soils that are sensitive to erosion.

All applications for the Wildlife Management on Upland and Peatland sites must be supported by a Moorland Management Plan ( MMP). The MMP will provide an audit of the current extent, condition and management of the upland and peatland habitats on the holding. It will provide guidance on suitable grazing regimes, and any additional work required to secure their maintenance and recovery, with wildlife conservation as the key management priority. Its main aim will be to address in an integrated way all the impacts that can lead to erosion of peat and upland soils including: trampling by deer, tracking by All Terrain Vehicles ( ATVs), muirburn and peat-cutting. It will also consider the impacts of any woodland present on the site, and identify zones where tree and seedling tree removal or clearance would benefit the site's conservation value.

All beneficiaries must carry out the following:

• where the land is also grazed by farm livestock the land must also be entered under the management of moorland grazings option. These elements of the Wildlife Management option are mandatory. The management plan may identify additional management operations such as drain blocking - peat dams, woodland clearance and seedling tree removal. These are not mandatory.

Requirements:

Trampling by deer can break up the ground layer of vegetation, exposing bare soil. Moderate levels of trampling can benefit biodiversity on heather moorland and grasslands but can lead to erosion of more sensitive peat and upland soils. Land managers should aim to balance the needs of the habitats on their land by avoiding excessive trampling on sensitive areas whilst avoiding the build up of dead plant litter elsewhere. This can be achieved by looking out for signs of moderate trampling in the most sensitive areas, e.g. around springs, bog pools or peat hags, and managing deer populations accordingly.

All Terrain Vehicles ( ATVs) such as Argocats and quad bikes are widely used for deer carcass extraction and other wildlife management activities. When used infrequently on drier, harder ground these barely mark the vegetation but where they repeatedly cross soft wet areas they can break through the surface vegetation exposing the bare soil to erosion. Wheel ruts channel surface water increasing the erosive effect. These impacts must be avoided by ensuring:

• Vehicles use existing tracks and outwith reseeded areas these vehicles are restricted to low ground pressure vehicles, (fully laden ground pressure up to 0.15 kg/cm ²);
• Routes taken use dry, hard ground and avoid soft, wet areas wherever possible; and
• Vehicles are used for essential agricultural management practices only.

The following conditions will also apply:

Muirburn may be carried out, and funded, through the Muirburn and Heather swiping option.

Muirburn can benefit nature conservation when carried out correctly but inappropriate muirburn can lead to soil erosion where the burn is too hot or in the wrong location. The following key points should help avoid soil erosion:

• Beneficiaries should follow the latest edition of the Muirburn Code and the relevant Notes for Guidance on Cross Compliance ( GAEC 6);
• If the land involved forms part of an SSSI, SPA or SAC, a muirburn plan must be agreed with SNH that details areas proposed for muirburn, and appropriate burning rotation, fire-free areas and additional resources available to control fires. Two further precautions should help to reduce the risk of damaging the features of interest on designated sites:
• No muirburn to be undertaken between 16 April and 30 September inclusive
• Burning to be carried out in strips no more than 20m wide. Peat has traditionally been cut by hand for domestic fuel and this practice can be compatible with maintaining the conservation interests of peatlands. Existing peat banks may continue to be cut by hand taking care that the turfs are carefully replaced on the cut surface with the vegetation side uppermost.

This measure will target blanket bogs, typically open areas dominated by heather, bog cotton grass and Sphagnum mosses, and the species dependent on them. It is not appropriate for sites that support 'bog woodland'; a very specific type of native, wet woodland community.

Deer management, woodland clearance and seedling tree removal are supported as capital items and may be undertaken if identified in the management plan.

The Management Plan will identify any zones where ditch blocking would be particularly beneficial to the conservation value of the site, and detail the methods that should be employed. Ditch blocking is supported as a capital item.

A collaborative approach is desirable where deer have free range across management unit boundaries (most cases) and essential where wildlife and livestock management are carried out on the same management unit by separate parties.

Over 450,000 hectares of designated sites are dominated by soft peat and thin upland soils that are prone to erosion. This measure will encourage changes to the management of hill grazings and livestock aimed at conserving the soils and restoring any special features on these sites to favourable condition. This is required both to meet the Scottish Ministers target for bringing special features into favourable condition.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

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

Payment rate €1.02/hectare

(e) Management of Moorland Grazing (Land Managers Options and Rural Priorities)

Objectives

The aim of this option is to encourage a wide range of habitats within moorland (including feeding and breeding sites for birds and animals), as well as a wide range of insects and plants. Rural Development Contracts will contribute to the cost of the changes in management practices for this.

Scope and actions

The beneficiary must:

• Ensure that a Moorland Grazing Plan is prepared and carried out. The plan must be in place by the start of the scheme year;
• Ensure that the plan reports on the current condition and management of the moorland and highlights the changes that the beneficiary proposed in shepherding, managing livestock and feeding practices in order to benefit the environment and wildlife;
• Use the moorland for agricultural livestock production;

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

Support for changes in management practices to benefit a wide range of landscapes, habitats and species found on moorland.

Geographical targeting

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

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 €1.90/ha

(f) Management of Moorland Grazings on Sites Designated for Their Uplands and Peatlands (Rural Priorities)

Objectives

The aim of this measure is to maintain and enhance a range of upland and peatland habitats by promoting good soil management.

Specific objectives are to:

• protect and enhance wildlife and biodiversity;
• protect and manage fragile upland soils;
• support the achievement of good water status by reducing upland soil erosion; and
• mitigate green house gas emission by maintaining and enhancing upland vegetation that forms peat soils and acts as a natural carbon store.

Scope and actions

This measure is available to land managers undertaking farm livestock management on uplands and peatlands.

A Moorland Management Plan must address impacts that can lead to erosion on hill grazings where soft peaty soils or thin upland soils predominate. It will take account of trampling by livestock, tracking by all terrain vehicles, muirburn and peat-cutting.

Trampling by livestock can break up the ground layer of vegetation, exposing bare soil. Moderate levels of trampling can benefit biodiversity on heather moorland and grasslands but can lead to soil erosion on more sensitive blanket bog and montane habitats. Land managers should aim to balance the needs of the habitats on their land by avoiding excessive trampling on sensitive areas whilst avoiding the build up of dead plant litter elsewhere. This can be achieved by looking out for signs of moderate trampling in the most sensitive areas, e.g. around springs, bog pools or peat hags, and making changes in management to reduce these impacts as necessary. This might include additional shepherding, modifying stock management or feeding practices or moving stock via alternative routes that avoid such areas.

All terrain vehicles ( ATVs), such as quad bikes, are widely used for shepherding and stock management. When used on drier, harder ground these barely mark the vegetation but where they repeatedly cross soft wet areas they can break through the surface vegetation exposing the bare soil to erosion. Wheel ruts channel surface water and increase the effect. These impacts must be avoided by ensuring:

• Vehicle use off existing tracks and out with reseeded areas is restricted to low ground pressure vehicles, (fully laden ground pressure up to 0.15 kg/cm ²).
• Routes taken use dry, hard ground and avoid soft wet areas wherever possible.
• Vehicles are used for essential agricultural management practices only.

The following conditions will also apply:

Muirburn can benefit nature conservation when carried out correctly but inappropriate muirburn can lead to soil erosion when the burn is too hot or in the wrong location. The following key points should help avoid soil erosion:

• Follow the latest edition of the Muirburn Code and the relevant Notes for Guidance on Cross Compliance ( GAEC 6).
• In addition, if the land involved forms part of an SSSI, SPA or SAC, agree a muirburn plan with SNH that details areas proposed for muirburn, an appropriate burning rotation, fire-free areas and additional resources available to control fires. Two further precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of damaging the special features on designated sites:
• No muirburn after 15 ^th April
• Burning to be carried out in strips no more than 20m wide
• Peat has traditionally been cut by hand for domestic fuel and this practice can be compatible with maintaining the conservation interests of peatlands. The following practices should ensure that the vegetation cover survives and the peat forming process continues:
• Existing peat banks may continue to be cut by hand taking care that the turfs are carefully replaced on the cut surface with the vegetation side uppermost.

Collaborative approach

A collaborative approach is desirable where farm and wild livestock have free range across management unit boundaries (most cases) and essential when a separate parties exercise grazing and sporting rights over the same management unit (many cases).

This measure will have restricted availability

It will be available on hill grazings where soft peaty soils or thin upland soils predominate. These conditions are more frequently encountered in the north and west of Scotland and a presumption in favour of this supplement should be reflected in the targeting statements for these areas.

This supplement will be available only on SSSIs and Natura Sites designated for upland habitats and species.

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

Over 450,000 hectares of designated sites are dominated by soft peat and thin upland soils that are prone to erosion. This measure will encourage improvements to the management of hill grazings and livestock aimed at conserving the soils restoring the special features on these sites to favourable condition.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

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

Payment rate €2.92/ha

(g) Moorland - Stock Disposal (Rural Priorities)

Objectives

To encourage the regeneration of suppressed heather and/or other moorland vegetation of conservation interest, by the reduction of sheep numbers where it has been identified on a Moorland Management Plan. BAP species that may benefit include Juniper, Netted Mountain Moth, Woolly Willow and Black Grouse.

Scope and actions

• To be eligible for the first payment, the ewes must be disposed of prior to 1 March in year 1 of the agreement. The first stock disposal payment will be made at the Plan anniversary.
• The requirements of the Moorland Management Plan must be followed.
• An agreed number of ewes must be removed from the site. Ewe numbers in the IACS business must be reduced by at least the number of ewes removed from the site in accordance with the plan and must not be increased on that site for the duration of the agreement. In locations where both sheep and Grouse predominate you may also wish to consider the potential impact of ticks on the Grouse population when deciding on the level of sheep reduction.

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 regeneration of suppressed heather and/or moorland vegetation of conservation interest by reduction of sheep numbers on the holding.

Geographical targeting

Moorland which is of conservation interest and would benefit from a reduced stocking density beyond the reduction required to rectify any identified overgrazing problem.

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. For the purposes of payment, it is assumed that each ewe disposed of will benefit 0.8ha of moorland. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment Rate €27.74/ha.

(h) Away-Wintering of Sheep (Rural Priorities)

Objectives

This option provides support for sheep to be removed from upland sites in winter. It will protect and enhance a range of upland habitats and species, protect and manage fragile upland soils and deliver landscape benefits. In combination with a suite of moorland measures, it will deliver habitat condition targets on SSSIs and Natura Sites. It goes beyond the statutory obligations and will deliver additional environmental objectives.

Scope and actions

This measure will not have restricted availability and will be available where a Moorland Management Plan identifies the need for reduced winter grazing in order to deliver an improvement in habitat condition. The Plan will specify the improvement in habitat condition that will result. It will also consider other management options, including Off-wintering, and justify the need for the Away-Wintering option.

Priority should be given to sites with notified upland and moorland features in unfavourable condition or where Natural Care Schemes such as the Moorland Management Schemes are currently not available.

This measure provides support for sheep to be removed from upland sites in winter. It will protect and enhance a range of upland habitats and species and protect and manage fragile upland soils.

The payment calculations are based on the removal of an agreed number of ewes or hoggs from the moorland and the IACS business to another farm unit for at least 22 weeks during the winter months. In exceptional circumstances, away-wintering will be considered for a shorter period if it can be demonstrated that this is the only practical option for the unit.

If signs of negative impacts on the habitats are detected beneficiaries will review the plan with SNH or Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate and agree any changes necessary to meet the targets.

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

The following actions will be undertaken:

• Preparation and implementation of a Moorland Management Plan. A justification is required within the Plan for the need for reduced winter grazing, in terms of anticipated improvement in habitat condition within the designated site;
• The Plan will recommend an appropriate grazing regime that will sustain the moorland habitats and, where appropriate, lead to enhancement, describing indicators of success appropriate to the site;
• The agreed number of ewes or hoggs must be removed from the designated site for at least 22 weeks during the winter;
• An annual record of management that will include details of the numbers and timing of stock off-wintered must be submitted; and
• If the indicators of success within the Moorland Management Plan for a particular year are not met, the Plan should be reviewed and management adjusted accordingly - to ensure there is no overgrazing on specified areas.

Collaborative approach

A collaborative approach is desirable where livestock and deer have free range across management unit boundaries.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income foregone from the commitment made. For the purposes of payment, it is assumed that each ewe disposed of will benefit 0.8ha of moorland. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment rate €30.66/ha

(i) Off-Wintering of Sheep (Rural Priorities)

Objectives

This option provides support for sheep to be removed from upland sites in winter. It will protect and enhance a range of upland habitats and species, protect and manage fragile upland soils and have positive landscape effects. In combination with a suite of moorland measures, it will deliver habitat condition targets on SSSIs and Natura Sites. It goes beyond statutory obligations and will deliver environmental objectives.

Scope and actions

This option will not have restricted availability.

This option will be available where a Moorland Management Plan identifies the need for reduced winter grazing in order to deliver an improvement in habitat condition. The Plan will specify the improvement in habitat condition that will result. It will also consider other management options, and justify the need for the Off-Wintering measure.

Priority should be given to sites with notified upland and moorland features in unfavourable condition or where Natural Care Schemes such as the Moorland Management Schemes are currently available.

This measure provides support for sheep to be removed from upland sites in winter. It will protect and enhance a range of upland habitats and species and protect and manage fragile upland soils.

The payment calculations are based on the removal of an agreed number of ewes or hogs from the notified site to in-bye land on the holding for at least 22 weeks during the winter months. In exceptional circumstances, off-wintering will be considered for a shorter period if it can be demonstrated that this is the only practical option for the unit.

If signs of negative impacts on the habitats are detected beneficiaries will review the plan with SNH or Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate and agree any changes necessary to meet the targets.

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

The following actions will be undertaken:

• The beneficiary will prepare and implement a Moorland Management Plan. A justification is required within the Plan for the need for reduced winter grazing, in terms of anticipated improvement in habitat condition within the designated site.
• The Plan will recommend an appropriate grazing regime that will sustain the moorland habitats and, where appropriate, lead to enhancement, describing indicators of success appropriate to the site.
• The agreed number of ewes or hoggs must be removed from the designated site for at least 22 weeks during the winter.
• An annual record of Management that will include details of the numbers and timing of stock off-wintered must be submitted.
• If the indicators of success within the Moorland Management Plan for a particular year are not met, the Plan should be reviewed and management adjusted accordingly - to ensure there is no overgrazing on specified areas.

A collaborative approach is desirable where livestock and deer have free range across management unit boundaries.

Agri-environment Baseline

Amounts of support

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

Payment rate €13.14/ha

(j) Muirburn and Heather Swiping (Rural Priorities)

Objectives

To create blocks of heather at different growth stages through a planned programme of burning or swiping. BAP species that may benefit include Northern Brown Argus, Juniper, Skylark, Black Grouse.

Scope and actions

All muirburn must be undertaken in accordance with guidance approved by Scottish Ministers - the Muirburn Code, together with the associated Prescribed Burning on Moorland (Supplement to the Muirburn Code: A Guide to Best Practice).

The total area of moorland within the IACS business will be identified. All areas identified as unsuitable for burning (as defined within the Muirburn Code) will be marked on a map as fire-free areas. The appropriate length of burning rotation for the habitats present on the ground should be identified, according to the rate of growth of the heather. Different areas of the moorland may require different rotations. The beneficiary should propose a realistic average number of hectares to be burnt each year, taking into account the area of suitable heather area where burning would be beneficial, length of burning rotation, average number of days suitable for burning, and resources available to manage muirburn safely.

Payment will be made on the proposed average number of hectares to be burnt each year. Annual payments will be made provided the Scottish Executive is satisfied that the beneficiary is making reasonable progress to achieve a satisfactory burning programme over the area. It is accepted that in some years no burning will be possible due to weather conditions. In years when more days are suitable for burning, a little more should be burnt to compensate for years when weather conditions make burning difficult. Areas burnt as a result of accidental fires or fires caused by vandals will not count towards the average number of hectares expected to be burnt in a controlled manner each year.

Heather swiping is paid at the same rate as heather burning either when swiping is carried out as an independent operation or as an aid in a burning programme. Swiping may be carried out from 1 September through to 15 April.

No burning will be carried out within the identified fire-free areas, and they should be safeguarded against accidental fire spread. The proposed methods of burning/ swiping, the methods to be used to control the fires and the fire sizes should be described. Justification must be given for planned fires outwith 0.4ha and 1.0ha in size, and fires should be no more than 50 metres wide.

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

To create blocks of heather at different growth stages through a planned programme of burning or swiping.

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 €97.82/ha

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