Land Improvement
3.1 There is a general condition to avoid damaging
the conservation interest by ploughing, draining,
cultivating for re-seeding or regeneration, land levelling
or any other operation which will cause loss or damage to
the conservation interest. This condition applies to rough
grazings (including heather moorland, coastal and lowland
heath and also lowland raised bog), unimproved grassland,
reverted improved grassland, machair or dune grassland,
wetlands, water margins, woodlands and scrub and
archaeological features.
3.2 Such items as re cutting moorland grips or the
improvement of ditches etc in areas of conservation
interest can only be carried out with the prior consent of
the local SEERAD Office.
3.3 The erecting of wind generator(s) on areas of
conservation value constitutes a breach of scheme
conditions. However, if the areas under construction
traffic access tracks and the construction site itself are
kept to a minimum, damage and destruction of habitat is
likely to be minimal. If this is the case, the breach
action would involve recovery of any monies paid on that
specific area and reducing the area upon which future
payments are to be made.
3.4 Under Article 21 of EC Reg 445/2002, the
conversion of a commitment under an agri-environment scheme
agreement to a commitment under the SFGS (Stewardship
Grants) may be authorised provided the following conditions
are met:
(a) any such conversion is of unquestionable
benefit to the environment;
(b) the existing commitment is significantly
reinforced; and
(c) the SRDP includes the commitments
concerned.
It will be necessary for Area Office staff to put on
record, for each such conversion, his/her basis for
concluding that the requirements of Article 21.1 have been
met.
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