MOOMAN: 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 livestock are present, you must maintain agricultural livestock activity on the area subject to payment
where livestock are present, you must adhere to the grazing regime which defines livestock units and grazing dates in your moorland management and grazing plan
you must not carry out supplementary feeding outwith the area(s) shown in your plan, unless you have prior written approval
you must not cause vehicle rutting out with the vehicle use areas identified in your plan (the definition of rutting is where the soil is both depressed and bare soil is exposed)
where you are applying for payment under this option for managing deer, you must maintain deer culls as agreed in your plan and send your annual cull returns to NatureScot. Please submit your returns online .
you must not cut peat without prior approval
if approval has been given to cut peat by hand, you must replace the turfs on top of the cut surface, with the vegetation side on top
you must not undertake muirburn, unless you have prior approval
do not plant trees, unless you have prior approval
do not undertake any drainage work, unless you have prior approval
Payment
where managing livestock only: £3.60 per hectare per year
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.