MANOR: 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?
you must fill gaps in the hedge that are greater than five metres wide. This can be done by coppicing, laying or planting. These are available as capital items
you must retain existing hedgerow trees, unless you have prior approval to remove them
with the exception of newly coppiced or laid hedges, you must trim your hedges so that they are visually wider at the bottom than at the top, and at least 1.5 metres tall
you must not cut any more than one third of the length of your hedges managed within this contract in the same winter
you must not trim the same length of hedge annually
hedge trimming must only be undertaken between 1 December and the last day in February
you must exclude grazing
if new fencing is required, you must site any new fences at least one metre from the centre line of the hedge
with the exception of spraying to aid establishment, 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
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.