< Previous | Contents | Next >

THE RURAL STEWARDSHIP SCHEME

Section 3 Making an application?

3.1 How do I apply?

If, after reading the booklet, you decide to apply to join the Scheme, you should submit a completed application form and Environmental Audit proforma to your local SERAD office. If you wish to undertake any of the moorland management options, your local SERAD office will be happy to provide you with a copy of the Moorland Management Plan proforma. Staff at your local SERAD office will also be pleased to provide any further information you require about the Scheme. The address and telephone number for each of the local SERAD offices is given at Appendix 3 of this booklet.

3.2 Can the application cover more than one unit within the IACS business?

An application can involve one or more individual units within an IACS business but it must relate to the whole unit or units that are managed as one in functional terms. Artificial sub-divisions of management units will not be accepted.

The IACS business can submit more than one application but each IACS business will be subject to one set of hectarage limits. Consequently, if an IACS business submits more than one application, these added together will be subject to the appropriate hectarage limits.

The General Environmental Conditions and the Standard of Good Farming Practice apply to the whole of the farm, croft or common grazings entered into the RSS. (see Part 2, Sections 1 and 2 for more detail).

3.3 Do I need to inform anyone else if I apply?

If you are a tenant, you must notify your landlord of your intention to join the Scheme and you will be asked to confirm on your application form that you have done so. You will want to ensure that your tenancy agreement will not be adversely affected by joining the Scheme.

3.4 Are there any additional requirements for applications on behalf of Common Grazings Committees?

Yes. The legal framework within which the Committee must operate requires that any proposed course of action (including participation in an agri-environment scheme) must be:

(a) within the Committee's statutory powers and

(b) consistent with the Grazings Regulations.

An outline of the procedures that a Common Grazings Committee must follow before submitting an application to the Rural Stewardship Scheme is contained in "Guidance Notes for Grazings Clerks and Grazings Committees" - a copy can be obtained from your local SERAD office.

3.5 When should I apply?

You can apply at any time. However, your application, together with the Conservation Audit and, if applicable, the Moorland Management Plan and Prescriptions for Small Units application, must be received in the relevant local SERAD office by 31 March of the year in which you wish to join the Scheme.

For more detailed guidance, you should refer to the relevant 'Notes on Completion' that form part of the Application Form, Environmental Audit and Moorland Management Plan proformas.

< Previous | Contents | Next >