Management options and capital items
This is an old version of the page
Date published: 2 November, 2023
Date superseded: 14 February, 2024
The version of this page applicable to the AECS 2021 restricted round can be found in the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme full guidance archive
For recent changes to this guidance, please see the bottom of the page.
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Please use the targeting tool to check which options are available on your holding. You must enter all location codes separately for all holdings that form part of your farm business and which you wish to include in your AECS application. Some options may only be available on some holdings. If you find your location code is not appearing on the targeting tool please contact your local RPID or NatureScot office to discuss this matter further. For some options, there is the ability to undertake activities, which are generally not permitted, as long as you have prior approval before you carry out your activity, e.g. do not apply lime, unless you have prior approval. In general, prior approval is only granted in exceptional circumstances, for example, when the case is made that an activity is required to maintain or enhance biodiversity value. It is up to the Case officer to assess if the activity proposed is acceptable. Justification will need to be provided as part of your application. You may wish to discuss the activity proposed before submission, to ensure that it is appropriate. Otherwise, there is a risk that the case officer will not approve it. If the activity is approved, the AECS contract itself acts as the “prior approval”. Note: Funding under this scheme cannot be used to support works that you are required to complete as part of a statutory or legislative obligation. This would include for example, applying for AECS management on land subject to a habitat or environmental management plan as an obligation created as part of a wind farm (or similar) planning approval. |
Table of Contents
- Arable options
- Grassland options
- Upland, peatland, moorland and heath options
- Wetland and bog options
- Farmland habitat and feature options
- Small unit options
- Control of invasive non-native species options
- Managing water quality and flood risk options
- Organic options
- Improving Public access options (IPA will not open for applications in 2024)
- All capital items (note that some capital items are suspended or restricted for the 2024 round)
- Recent changes
- Previous versions
A wide range of management options and capital items are available under the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme.
There are rules and management requirements for each and they must be followed over the course of your contract. Also, each option and capital item webpage has a link to Supporting Information with recommendations and best practice in relation to the why, where, how and what for each option and capital item. It is important to read this before you prepare your application.
For all arable options, the spatial targeting maps include the entire upland area. This is to allow for arable activity on the in-bye in these areas, it does not mean all the upland area is eligible for these options.
Only land which meets the individual option eligibility requirements can be entered for the option. For example, you cannot apply for Wild Bird Seed for Farmland Birds on rough grazing. If you have any queries, please contact your local RPID or NatureScot office. Contact us
Arable options
- Unharvested Conservation Headlands for Wildlife
- Wild Bird Seed for Farmland Birds
- Forage Brassica Crops for Farmland Birds
- Stubbles Followed by Green Manure in an Arable Rotation
- Retention of Winter Stubbles for Wildlife and Water Quality
- Beetlebanks
- Grass Strips in Arable Fields
- Water Margins in Arable Fields
- Cropped Machair