WATMAR: 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 exclude all livestock
if cutting, you must not cut before 15 August and you must remove cuttings
you must cut and / or graze the area subject to payment, 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). You are only required to cut the margin from the top of the bank
if grazing, you must not graze the water margin or associated banking between 1 May and 15 August, or between 1 May and 15 September if the land is within a bathing water catchment
you must not carry out supplementary livestock feeding
you must not allow the land to become poached or vehicle tracked
you must not plough, cultivate or use the area for regular vehicle access or storage
you must 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 not apply fertiliser, farmyard manure or slurry
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.