GRASTR: Rural Payments and Services
What is this option?
This management option supports rural payments and services under the Scottish Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS).
What do I need to do?
where you need to create a grass strip you must do so by 1 June in the first year of your contract
you must cut and / or graze the area, unless you have prior approval not to
if cutting, you must not cut before 15 August and you must remove cuttings (with the exception of topping to aid establishment during the first year)
if grazing, you must not graze the grass strip between 1 April and 15 August
do not carry out supplementary livestock feeding
once the grass strip has been established, do not plough, cultivate or use the area for storage
do not allow the area to become poached or vehicle tracked
do not apply fertiliser, slurry or farmyard manure
do not establish new drainage
do not spray, except for the spot-treatment of injurious weeds (requires prior written notification) or treatment of invasive species (requires prior written approval)
Payment
Contact RPID for payment rates
How to apply
Applications are made through the Scottish Government's Rural Payments and Services portal. You must be registered with Rural Payments and Services (RP&S) to apply.
For application guidance and deadlines, visit the AECS scheme page on the Rural Payments and Services website.
Who can help
Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) - for application guidance and scheme administration
NatureScot - for environmental advice and endorsements where required
Farmwalk - for digital farm mapping and environmental compliance support
Contact your local RPID office for specific guidance on this option.
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.