The Scottish Government

Basic path construction - 1.2 m to 1.5 m wide

The specification should ensure that the path best meets the needs of the users and is deemed 'fit for purpose'. It should also be appropriate to the environment through which it passes.

The siting of the paths and path design will be described within the accompanying Recreation Area Management Plan. This plan will describe the activities and operations that are being carried out to meet and maintain the site specific objectives.

This specification takes into account the following:

• Simple, lightweight paths should be made by removing debris, brashing trees and using material won cutting the path to fill any hollows or levelling any side cast.
• This specification may be used in a low rainfall area where the soil is free-draining and only light use is expected to be made of the path.

The finished path must be at least 1.2 metres wide with shallow drain and have a camber or cross-fall to ensure no build-up of surface water. The standard cost covers the installation of any burn crossings up to 1 metre in width, e.g. piped culverts or cross-drains. The completed path should include wider areas to be used as 'passing places' where wheelchairs, push chairs or people with mobility problems can pass.

Standard built and rolled path construction - 1.2 m to 1.5 m wide

The specification should ensure that the path best meets the needs of the users and is deemed 'fit for purpose'. It should also be appropriate to the environment through which it passes.

The siting of the paths and path design will be described within the accompanying Recreation Area Management Plan. This plan will describe the activities and operations that are being carried out to meet and maintain the site specific objectives.

Footpath for light use and/or for dry site:

a. Turf stripped and stored for finishing off.

b. Path excavated to hard base. Large rocks and roots to be removed. Overhanging vegetation cut back.

c. Pipes laid at drains and aggregate sub-base spread and firmed to a depth of a 200mm. Layer formed into a camber before dressing as described at d.

d. Type 1 material with whindust on the top laid to bring the surface to required level. Shaped to shed water and vibrator rolled. Turf re-laid along path verge.

The standard cost specification takes into account:

• Installation of any burn crossings up to 1 metre in width, e.g. piped culverts or cross-drains.
• The finished path must be at least 1.2 metres wide and have a camber or cross-fall to ensure no build-up of surface water.
• The completed path should include wider areas to be used as 'passing places' where wheelchairs, push chairs or people with mobility problems can pass.

Enhanced path construction - built & rolled, greater than 1.5 metre wide and/ or for heavy use/ wet/ steep site

The specification should ensure that the path best meets the needs of the users and is deemed 'fit for purpose'. It should also be appropriate to the environment through which it passes.

The siting of the paths and path design will be described within the accompanying Recreation Area Management Plan. This plan will describe the activities and operations that are being carried out to meet and maintain the site-specific objectives.

The construction specification for paths greater than 1.5 metres is as above (item number 42).

The finished path must be greater than 1.5 metres wide and have a camber or cross-fall to ensure no build-up of surface water.

The completed path should include wider areas to be used as 'passing places' where wheelchairs, push chairs or people with mobility problems can pass.

The construction specification for paths for heavy use and/or wet and/or steep site includes:

• short sections requiring manual construction,
• gabion path supports or edgings:
• Excavated to hard base
• Soil loosened and raked level or bed of sand laid
• Large flat faced rock used for edging and steps.
• Centre filled with selected stone tramped well into base to provide level walking surface.
• Shattered rock and fines rammed into cracks to firm up the paving.
• Water led off path at suitable intervals, includes cut-off drains.
• Finished off with turf laid along path edge.
• All stone used should be locally won to fit in with surrounding environment.
• Includes hand-built burn crossings up to 1 metre wide.
• Finished paths at least 1.2m wide.
• Sections of board-walk up to 5 metres long.

Board-walk

This specification applies for board-walks over 5m in length. The requirement for a board-walk is dictated by the ground conditions; for example a board-walk may be used on wetlands, marshes and other situations where the decking needs to be raised well above ground level.

The decision on the appropriate width of a board-walk will be determined by the expected level and types of use and the width of the approach paths, and the minimum clear width of board-walks should be 1200 mm. A width of 1700 mm should be used to accommodate two-way traffic, and to provide passing places on a 1200 mm wide board-walk. Decking should be of treated timber 150 mm x 50 mm section; stringers should be 2 no. 2200x 100x100 mm per 2000 run of boardwalk, to allow for a 200 overlap at each join. Deck level edging rails should be 75x75 mm section.

Information on designs and structures can be found within the Countryside Access Design Guide, section 6, available at: http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/accessguide

Grass cutting in recreational areas

This cost is based upon the mowing/ strimming of recreational paths to ensure between 1m and 3m width of mown/ strimmed grass is maintained throughout the growing season.

This is an annual payment which has been based upon an average of 3 cuts per season.

The details of this operation will be described in the Recreational Management Plan.

Waymarker

As a guide, Waymarkers should be at least 75 mm x 75 mm square sawn or 100 mm diameter, treated, routed and erected. Set in concrete if required.

Signpost - Threshold

These are entry signs to an area under a managed access and/or recreation agreement and should provide a local theme for guidance. As a guide, threshold headboard signs will be in the region of 45x450x2250 mm size.

The sign design must have the prior written agreement of the lead body administering your application

Signpost - Primary headboard or Finger post

These are local title/name/information signs for areas under a managed access and/or recreation agreement and should provide a local theme for guidance. As a guide, primary headboard signs will be in the region of 27x300x1500 mm size.

The sign design must have the prior written agreement of the lead body administering your application.

Signpost - Interpretation Board

Interpretative sign, laminated printed sheet on a board of at least A1 size with clear lexan. Mounted on treated posts or lectern.

The text for the interpretation board must have the prior written agreement of the lead body administering your application.

A3 or A4 leaflets

Leaflets are to be of A4 or A3 size - single colour, including design and printing.

The text for the leaflets must have the prior written agreement of the lead body administering your application.

Picnic table with bench

Picnic tables should be designed so that they are readily accessible to both able-bodied and disabled people, with some tables that are accessible to people in wheelchairs being provided in suitable locations.

Picnic table designs that incorporate high horizontal beams between the table and bench are best avoided because they can cause problems for users, and especially people with mobility difficulties, in gaining access to the bench.

At sites that are accessible to wheelchairs, some picnic tables that accommodate wheelchair users should be provided.

It is recommended that a 900mm wide space is allowed for each wheelchair and that this is preferably situated between or adjacent to the seats for non-disabled people; circular or oval table designs are particularly well suited to this.

The provision of an access area, extending to at least 1500mm around the table, will assist when manoeuvring wheelchairs. This space should be level, accessible to any adjacent paths and suitably surfaced ( e.g. aggregate with a high proportion of fines).

The surface around seating and picnic tables should be firm, stable and on the same level as the path if access for all is required.

The timber must be sourced from a sustainable timber producer.

Information on designs and structures can be found within the Countryside Access Design Guide, available at: http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/accessguide

Seat

Seats provide useful resting places for elderly and disabled people and those with mobility difficulties. This is especially important in the countryside where path surfaces may not be as good as in urban areas, the ground may be uneven and there are more likely to be ramps or steps.

Seats or resting points are most useful at the top and bottom of slopes and at intervals along more difficult or arduous sections of path.

The surface around seating and picnic tables should be firm, stable and flush with the path.

If the path is accessible to wheelchairs, a surfaced resting place at least 900 mm square can be provided for wheelchair users.

Seating is best set back from the main route so that it does not pose an obstacle, but care should be taken that it is still readily accessible and, where possible, is on the same level as the path.

The incorporation of a heel space of at least 100 mm below seats and perches helps people to stand up more easily by allowing them to put their feet below their centre of gravity.

The timber must be sourced from a sustainable timber producer.

Information on designs and structures can be found within the Countryside Access Design Guide, available at: http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/accessguide

Car park construction

Basecourse of 100 mm of dust stone to compacted depth of 20 cm.

Wearing course of Type 1 sub-base to a compacted depth of 10 cm.

Allow 30 to 36 square metres/car.

All stone to be of local origin/colour.

Parking boundaries to be defined by earth banks or wooden barriers.

Car park edges made good with saved turf.

Parking bays suited to locality ( e.g. parking in bays for up to four cars per bay, designed to reduce apparent scale by leaving trees between bays).

The site design will be acceptable only with the prior written agreement of the lead body administering your application.

You must demonstrate that Local Authority permissions and planning consents (if applicable) have been obtained.

Supply and erection of people counter

This item is limited to key sites with the prior written agreement of the lead body administering your application.

It must be capable of counting individuals as they pass through a narrow gap.

A combined sensor and logger package will allow the collection of data required for the justification of the recreational project.

This standard cost includes the people counter equipment, power sources, associated software, supply and erection of suitable post or counter housing.

Screening access paths from public highways as a noise reduction measure:

vertical board fencing

Undertake appropriate ground preparation. Supply and erect pre-treated vertical slat 'hit and miss' boarding, with gaps not less than 35 mm, to a maximum height of 1.8 metres. Stain fence in a dark colour designed to fit in with other nearby built structures, or dark grey if associated with planted shrubs or trees. If appropriate, fit badger gates or undertake other mitigation measures where movement of animals requires to be taken into account.

Stock Fence

Conventional stock fencing should consist of stobs placed at intervals of no more than 3.5m centres with a minimum of 6 line wires or 2 line wires and woven wire netting. If a high tensile pattern fence is erected, the same requirements apply to the number of line wires or netting but stobs may be placed at up to 12m centres (6m spacing if cattle are present).

Fence to be erected to be fit for purpose ( i.e. to ensure exclusion of livestock).

Barbed wire should not be used as a separate line wire where fallow deer are present.

Minimum Woodwork Sizes: Fencing against sheep and cattle

The costs of gates (except water-gates) are not included within this standard cost. Gates will be installed where required to enable any appropriate management activities or husbandry operations to be carried out (see item 15). Gates for non-vehicular access must be installed, or gaps provided, in reasonable numbers and locations, sufficient to allow exercise of the right of responsible access (see item 16), or, as a last resort, stiles installed in reasonable numbers and locations, sufficient to allow exercise of the right of responsible access (see item 17).

Any water-gate must be fit for purpose, i.e. designed to keep watercourses stockproof, whatever the level of the water.

Electric fences can be used. Barbed wires must not be used in electrified fences. Warning notices must be displayed on all electric fences (including conventional fences or supports which carry bare lead wires) at access points and suitable intervals of 50 - 100 metres along their length.

Upgrading stock to deer fence

This standard cost is for the upgrading of an existing stock fence to that of a deer fence.

For full specification, please refer to specification for capital item 12.

The position of the fenceline should take into account the right of responsible access. The supply and erection of any upgraded or additional gates and watergates are included in the fencing costs.

Scare or temporary fencing

(a) Scare fencing, either alongside a rebuilt dyke or on metal stanchions set in the dyke, should consist of a minimum of 2 wires with posts or metal stanchions at intervals of not more than 6 metres.

(b) Temporary electric fencing is eligible where the delivery of an outcome requires the seasonal control of grazing on an area being managed under a contract. The temporary electric fencing system chosen (single wire, multiple wires, netting, electrified tape and/or electrified rope) must be fit for purpose, i.e. create an effective barrier against the category of livestock being controlled.

Fence removal

The fence should be completely dismantled and all materials removed from site for re-use/recycling or disposed of in a suitable landfill site - as recognised by the local authority.

Gate

Gates must be fit for the purpose of enabling appropriate management or allowing any necessary husbandry operations to be carried out, e.g. livestock grazing control or woodland establishment.

The gate must have a minimum width of 3 metres and be correctly fitted with hangings and latches. The use of wire, rope, baler twine etc. to secure the gate is not acceptable. The standard cost includes the cost of one strainer.

Gates and gate posts will be either timber or galvanised steel. Timber is to be of CCP pressure-treated softwood or untreated hardwood.

Access provision should always take account of the needs of people with disabilities.

Kissing gate/self-closing gate for non-vehicular access

Gates and gate posts will be either timber or of galvanised steel. If timber, gates and posts are to be of CCP pressure-treated softwood or untreated hardwood.

(a) Bridle or wicket gates are to be two-way opening, and self closing. Latches to be standard bolts or latches, preferably operable from horseback. Wire, twine or rope is not acceptable.

Desirable minimum width of bridle gate is 1500mm. Absolute minimum width of 1200mm is acceptable if available width is restricted.

(b) If a kissing gate is justified it must be of the largest possible size and be the least restrictive design. Gates must be self closing with user friendly latch if required. Latches should be unlockable to allow gate to open out of cage for maximum accessibility.

Desirable minimum width of kissing gate is 1500mm. Absolute minimum width of 1200mm is acceptable if available width is restricted. Cage width / diameter to be appropriate to gate width and use.

Hang / clash posts to be either galvanised steel minimum of 50 x 50 box section or 75mm diameter tube or timber strainer posts minimum of 200mm diameter. Posts to be firmly dug or driven into ground and concreted if required. Proprietary gate frames are acceptable and must be installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions

Where fences are cut to allow gate installation, restrain with timber or steel strainer posts. Struts and stakes to be specified as in item 6 above.

If drystone walls are to be cut, new end faces of stonework are to be straight and even and tight to new gate posts. Provide timber or steel post and rail fencing to tie new gates into existing fence / wall lines as appropriate.

Surfaces up to and through gates should be firm, level and well drained. New surfacing is not always required but surface though the gate should be appropriate to the standard of path it is located on. New surfacing, if required, should be 100 - 150mm depth (as required) of graded granular fill ( e.g. Type 1, Scalpings, road planings, sand & gravel) blinded with dust to provide a smooth, even surface. Provide suitable falls to ensure surface water drains away.

Information on designs and structures can be found within the Countryside Access Design Guide - Information sheets 2.2 - 2.17 ( http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/accessguide)

Stile

Stiles can only be used as a last resort where it is not possible to provide access through a gap or gate. Access provision should always take account of the needs of people with disabilities.

The beneficiary must have prior written agreement of the local access officer to the installation of any stiles prior to applying for this measure. As stiles are impassable to wheelchairs and pushchair users and can be an insurmountable barrier to the disabled, elderly and less agile people. Stiles should only be provided if there is no other alternative where a gate or gap is judged to be unsuitable. Stiles are also more likely than gates to cause a trip or a fall.

If the local access officer agrees to the requirement for a stile to be built it must be built to the following specification and key deign principles:

• The height rise between the ground and the first step and between steps must be the same with each height rise being no more than 300mm;
• Steps must be at least 200mm wide and 900mm long;
• There must be no sharp edges on steps, fence rails or uprights;
• Hand posts must be fitted; and
• A dog gate must be fitted with a minimum gap size of 375mm high and 300mm wide.

Information on designs and structures can be found within the Countryside Access Design Guide - ( http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/accessguide)

Stock bridge for bog management

Bridges should be strong enough and wide enough to allow sheep and quad bikes safe and easy access across them.

The use of high quality second-hand materials such as telegraph poles or railway sleepers is acceptable, as long as they are likely to remain appropriate for use in 5 years.

Post & rail fence

Wooden post and three rail fencing shall not be less than 1.1 metres high with rails of at least 38 mm x 87 mm sawn timber and posts not greater than 1.8 metres apart.

Purposes would include -

• to protect a veteran/ established parkland tree or new individual trees from damage by livestock Metal tree guards should be 1.1 metres high and painted to match any existing guards. All fencing materials must be new.
• to provide a safeguard or handrail beside a section of path - for instance close to a steep drop or embankment edge. The fence should be in keeping with the surroundings of a recreational site.

Heather track creation for bog management

1 metre wide tracks will be created through blocks of tall heather, by hand-strimming or double-tyred tractor-mounted swipe (if use of machinery will not damage ground vegetation)

Fell / extract dangerous large tree

Fell and extract large conifer and hardwoods in areas under a managed access and/or recreation agreement.

Assumes each tree is greater than 1m ³OB.

Cost includes the labour and the equipment used in the felling of the tree, clearing of brash and stacking of timber.

Cost includes use of manual or mechanical winches for takedown.

Cost includes skidder or forwarder extraction to roadside and stacking at roadside.

Manuel brashing

Brashing to increase light levels along routes, paths and path edges, to open up views or create a variety of habitat in areas under a managed access and/or recreation agreement.

Should be carried out using purpose made hand or mechanical pruning saws.

Cuts should be flush with stem. Includes pruning up to 1.5metres high

High pruning

High pruning to increase light levels along path edges, to open up views or create a variety of habitat in areas under a managed access and/or recreation agreement.

Should be carried out using purpose made hand or mechanical pruning saws.

Cuts should be flush with stem. Includes pruning up to 6 metres high.

The first stage of high pruning larger branches is to remove most of the weight of the branch to ease the later cuts. This is achieved 6-12 inches away from the stem by a first undercut to prevent splitting followed by a second top cut which severs the branch at this point. Before the final cut is made the 'branch bark ridge' must be identified: this is an external feature which is readily visible at the trunk/bark junction. The final cut must not disturb this ridge or the internal anatomical features associated with it.

Presumes that woodland has been brashed previously or lower branches are minimal.

Early pruning of trees

Early pruning improves the woodland environment for wildlife and facilitates improved, safer access. It can also encourage the formation of good stem and branch structure, by improving the orientation, spacing, growth rate, strength of attachment and ultimately size of branches. Well planned, formative pruning during the establishment of a young tree can prolong its useful life expectancy within the context of the particular woodland objectives.

This type of pruning can reduce the need for large branch removal, and the creation of oversized wounds, when the tree is older, helping to engineer crowns which need less pruning when mature, and wherever possible limiting the development of weak structural features which may fail in latter life.

The main criteria comprise:-

• To ensure no adverse effects on individual tree increment, at least one-third of the total height of the tree should be crown.
• Early or formative pruning should be carried out within crops over 5 years old or up to 3 metres tall.
• Pruning should occur on up to 1000 stems/hectare.

High pruning of trees

High pruning is the selective reduction and removal of branches to create some vertical lift of the tree canopy, allowing space under the tree for light, people, wildlife, vehicles and/or existing buildings. It can also open up views or create a variety of habitat in areas under a managed access, recreation and/or biodiversity improvement agreement.

High pruning should be carried out using purpose made hand or mechanical pruning saws.

To ensure no adverse effects on individual tree increment, at least one-third of the total height of the tree should be crown.

High pruning should be carried out to achieve a minimum of 4 metres and up to 10 metres clear stem at the time of the first pruning operation.

The first stage of high pruning larger branches is to remove most of the weight of the branch to ease the later cuts. This is achieved 6-12 inches away from the stem by a first undercut to prevent splitting followed by a second top cut which severs the branch at this point. Before the final cut is made the 'branch bark ridge' must be identified: this is an external feature which is readily visible at the trunk/bark junction. The final cut must not disturb this ridge or the internal anatomical features associated with it.

Small scale woodland thinning

For the small scale thinning of trees for improving biodiversity, designed landscape and/or recreational important areas.

You must prepare a report stating the current stocking of the woodland, the number and percentage of unwanted stems to be thinned and the desired stocking density of the woodland after the completion of the operations. This must be agreed with FCS.

If felling conifers, stump protection procedures must be followed.

Cut trees must not be left hanging or leaning on adjacent trees for safety reasons.

This grant is only applicable if the net cost of the operation exceeds the standard cost.

Small scale felling and/or thinning will apply to discrete areas of up to 0.25ha in size and overall will not cover more than 25% of the eligible woodland area.

Baseline (Lead Indicators)

Baseline value

Objective 31

Tourism infrastructure in rural areas [Number of bed places]

153,197 bed places

Input

• Amount of public expenditure (total)

Output

• Number of new tourism actions supported (division according to the type of action)

600 investment projects

• Total volume of investment (division according to the type of action)

Result

• Additional number of tourist visits (division according to the number of overnight stays and the number of day visitors)

150 bed places

• Gross number of jobs created (division according to age gender and on/off farm)

60.

Additional Result

• Improved and enhanced public access

5,250 km paths*

Impact ^#

• Economic growth (net value added in Purchasing Power Standards

Increase. Target will be confirmed once baseline values on beneficiary population are available

• Employment creation (division according to age gender and on/off farm)

40.