BEETLE: Beetlebanks

What is this option?

This option benefits valuable insects, such as beetles, spiders and bumblebees, by providing tussocky grassy strips for them to overwinter within large arable fields. Providing this important habitat supports populations of beneficial beetles and other invertebrates, which in turn help control crop pests or aid pollination. Beetlebanks also benefit other wildlife by providing food and cover for birds, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles and flowers for pollinating insects. Suitably located across field slopes, they can also help intercept rain water and prevent soil erosion.

What do I need to do?

Where you need to create a beetlebank, you must do so by 1 June in the first year of your contract
The field where the beetlebank is located must be in arable crop for at least four years during the period of contract
Do not cut the beetlebank, with the exception of topping to aid establishment in the first year after 1 August
Do not plough, cultivate or use the area for any vehicle access
You must exclude livestock
Do not spray, except for the spot-treatment of injurious weeds (requires prior written notification) or treatment of invasive species (requires prior written approval)
You must maintain a diary

Payment

£495.64 per hectare per year

The eligible hectarage is calculated by the length of the beetlebank multiplied by two metres.

Related capital item: There is a separate Creation of Beetlebanks capital item to support beetlebank creation.

Where is this available?

This option is available throughout Scotland.

Eligibility

Land that is in an arable rotation with either an existing beetlebank, or where you propose to create a new beetlebank (which must be at least two metres wide and located within the field)
For the purposes of this option, arable land is land which has been in crop for at least three of the past five years
An existing beetlebank can include a two metre wide strip managed as a beetlebank under a previous AECS contract
This option must remain at the same location(s) for the duration of your contract

How to apply

Applications are made through Rural Payments and Services (RP&S). You must be registered with RP&S to apply.

Application deadlines for 2026:

Agri-Environment applications: 23 February to 22 June
Combined applications with Organics: 23 February to 22 June

You must identify on a map the locations of any beetlebanks to be managed.

Visit the AECS scheme page for full application guidance.

Important note

If you choose to apply for this option over the same area of land that you are allocating as an Ecological Focus Area to meet your Pillar 1 greening requirements, there may be an issue of double funding.

Who can help

Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) - scheme administration and application guidance
NatureScot - environmental advice and endorsements where required
Farmwalk - digital farm mapping and environmental compliance support

For specific guidance on this option, contact your local RPID office.