LOWBOG: 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?
Ditch Blocking – Peat Dams
Ditch Blocking – Plastic Piling Dams
Control of Scrub or Woody Vegetation – Primary Treatment – Light Vegetation
Control of Scrub or Woody Vegetation – Primary Treatment – Intermediate and Heavy Vegetation
you must maintain new or existing dams installed to block ditches
do not undertake muirburn, without prior written approval
do not spray, except for the spot-treatment of injurious weeds (requires prior written notification) or treatment of invasive species (requires prior written approval)
do not apply lime, fertiliser, slurry or farmyard manure
do not plough or cultivate
do not extract peat
Payment
£37.41 per hectare per year for management without grazing
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.