Introduction
The aim of this Option is to support changes in grazing management to benefit a wide range of landscapes, habitats and species found on moorland.
What this will achieve
This will encourage a wide range of moorland habitats, including feeding and breeding sites for birds and animals, as well as a wide range of insects and plants.
What you can do
Requirements.
- You must prepare a Moorland Grazing Plan and carry it out. The plan must be in place by the beginning of your undertaking, and should take account of the combined impacts of livestock and other grazing animals present on the land
- The Plan should describe the current condition and management of the moorland. It should propose changes in shepherding, managing livestock and feeding practices that will benefit the environment and wildlife.
Who can apply
All land managers are eligible to apply for this Option.
Eligibility criteria
You must use the moorland for agricultural livestock production.
'Moorland' means land with predominantly semi-natural upland vegetation or rock outcrops and semi-natural upland vegetation, which is primarily used for rough grazing.
Land receiving payments for similar management under other agri-environment schemes is not eligible under this Option.
Rate of support
This is a 5-year commitment. We will pay you £1.30 per hectare per year. We will pay at the end of each year.
There are Capital Items attached to this Option. For a comprehensive list of Capital Items click here. Any cost claimed must be fully justified.
When completing your Proposal, you can select the appropriate capital item(s) from the dropdown list of standard cost capital items for this Option.
In addition to these capital items, financial support of up to 100% of eligible actual costs is available in respect of the following:
Please note that these capital items will not appear in the dropdown list of Standard Cost capital items for this Option and will need to be entered manually in the box for Actual Cost capital items. Only costs for the types of capital works listed above should be entered in the Actual Cost capital items box for this Option. Any other costs entered cannot be considered for funding.
To ensure value for money we require you to provide 2 competitive quotes for any capital items applied for which are based on actual cost. If, however, you are seeking grant support towards something so specialised it is only available through 1 source then we would accept 1 quote. Please see the guidance on quotes and estimates for more information.
Inspections/verification
The inspector will check the requirements (as detailed above under 'what you can do') of the Option are being met, by a visual assessment on the day of inspection.
Beneficiaries must comply with the requirements of cross compliance and the minimum requirements for fertiliser and plant protection products. You must also comply with the requirements to avoid damaging any features of historic or archaeological interest, and follow Scottish Ministers' guidance for the protection of such areas or features (detailed in links below).
The following is a brief overview of the inspection procedures, for a full explanation please see links below:
Inspectors will check:
- The Moorland Grazing Plan has been prepared and is being carried out
- The moorland is being used for agricultural livestock production
List of links to relevant technical guidance