Eligible viewpoints include those to and from natural and built features include natural features such as landforms like crags or knolls rivers, waterfalls or locally important tree features. Built features can include historic buildings, archaeological sites, a hill-top folly tower or a memorial.
Your view can include
- Panoramic or extensive views that are wide or distant, including areas of countryside, or across settlements.
Views across water that are out to sea, along the coast or out to islands.
Views to and from natural and built features that are towards or out from recognised national, locally important or prominent landmarks.
- Views or potential views provide an open break within an otherwise enclosed route.
The following list of activities are eligible under this element. Where required further technical information is provided to help you undertake this activity in the required manner.
Initial site clearance of trees, scrub and structures to reveal views:
- Removal of vegetation and relocating fencing which obstructs your proposed viewpoint to provide a clear, unimpeded view of features or landscape. This activity can include one-off crown lifting, limb removal or thinning of trees. Works must be carried out by an appropriately qualified person. Any tree surgery works, for reasons of public health and safety, must be carried out by a qualified tree surgeon.
- Removal of vegetation, trees or structures and any tree surgery must be carried out between December and March. For reasons of public health and safety, any tree surgery works must be carried out by a qualified tree surgeon.
- If removal of non native invasive species is required you must undertaken this in conjunction with Control of invasive non-native species measure.
You must undertake at least one of the following annual management activities.
- Reduce the height of scrub and vegetation to ground level on an annual basis through grazing, cutting or flailing vegetation close to the ground each year, to maintain visibility. Cutting or flailing must be carried out between August and March. Grazing can be carried out to fit with farming practice.
- Remove litter from the site three times a year, in spring, summer and autumn, to maintain the quality of the viewpoint.
In all cases the removal of vegetation, trees and any tree surgery must be done between December and March.
In your application define the category of the view under the following headings
- panoramic or extensive view
- view across the water
- view to or from a feature, and
- view to provide an opening.
In your application describe any current management of the viewpoint including any works undertaken by your local authority or by BEAR Scotland [hyperlink] or any other individual, organisation or bodies.
To assist your application indicate the current level of viewpoint use and potential future level of use of the viewpoint. You may find it helpful to speak to your local VisitScotland Network Office.