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INFORMATION AND AWARENESS RAISING (Rural Priorities)
Article 52(a)(iii)
Measure Code (313)
Rationale for Intervention
This measure supports the priority in the Strategic Plan to "promote public access and understanding of the countryside". The facilities and awareness provided through this measure will make available a sustainable resource for nearby communities and for enterprises in the wider locality, generating broad social and economic benefits from improved information and understanding; developing public awareness of the value of conserving the architectural heritage and increasing enjoyment of local outdoor access and recreation. This option will foster increased public awareness and interest and provide a source of cultural inspiration and creativity.
The Scottish Executive is committed to encouraging responsible public outdoor access and to integrating access with good land management, as well as to ensuring that communities have access to the benefits of open space. In Scotland much of the population is urban and has limited understanding and awareness of the resources and services that the land-based sector provides in terms of food and wood production, conservation of the natural and historic environment, management of the landscape, production of industrial and bio-fuel crops, and its wider contribution to tourism and rural services. Support for land managers to raise awareness, respect and understanding of our countryside through " first hand" experience is a simple way of encouraging land managers to promote what they do, and the environment they live in, through an interactive approach.
Without a financial incentive, this public service will not be undertaken by many land managers as the daily tasks required to keep their businesses viable in a competitive environment will be their main focus.
Objective
To improve public understanding of rural land management, including for instance farming, forestry, natural and cultural heritage - for example through the provision of on-site displays and interpretation, exhibitions, advisory signage and interpretive trails.
Scope and Actions
Support will be available to all rural land managers and non-profit organisations for small scale recreational and interpretational infrastructure, and the development and marketing of services in relation to access to the countryside. Training for economic actors in Axis 3 is not eligible under this option.
Description of the type of eligible operations:
Publications and other media - e.g. booklets, leaflets, worksheets, audio-visual programmes, tapes, CDs etc.- which must include information appropriate to the target audiences ( e.g. general information for the public on land management practices, environment, ecology, topography, maps, land use and changing land use, built heritage, access code and responsible behaviour, etc.)
Interpretation panels / trails / signage - These items provide information to the public on the area or activities they can see around them when they are out on a trail. They aid their understanding of the rural environment, architectural, cultural, archaeological and historic heritage.
Accessibility improvements - ( e.g. ramps for disabled users and induction loops for those who are hard of hearing).
Coach parking and turning areas for parking by people with a disability and for school groups.
Eligibility
All rural land managers, community groups and non-profit organisations are eligible to apply for this option. Applicants will require to declare they are not in receipt of other funding sources such as from LEAF and local access groups.
Demarcation criteria with other measures
Options available under this measure cannot be supported for the same information and awareness purposes as those being provided for in other measures in the Scotland Rural Development Programme including those in:
Axis 2 - Sustainable management of forests and woodlands and Woods in and around towns challenge fund.
Axis 3- Support for diversification outwith agriculture, Support for the development and creation of micro-enterprises, Provision, development or upgrading of small scale tourist faculties by land managers, Improving access, Area access management and monitoring, and creation and upgrading of paths and routes, Forests for people challenge fund and Provision of leisure, recreation, sporting, catering and other rural community services and facilities.
Aid Intensities
Up to 75% of actual costs for capital items with a ceiling limit of up to €730 per item, in arrears based on receipted invoices. At least two quotes must be submitted with the application.
Type of support
One off payment of capital investment cost in arrears.
Transition arrangements
None
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