WETMAN: 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 propose to create a new wetland you must do so by the 1 June in the first year of your contract, unless you have prior written approval to do otherwise
where you propose to create low-input grassland you must do so by the 1 June in the first year of your contract
you must graze and / or cut the area subject to payment - if grazing, you must adhere to an approved grazing regime defining the stocking density and grazing dates - if cutting, you must cut after 15 August and before 30 September
do not apply lime, fertiliser, slurry or farmyard manure
do not allow the land to become heavily poached or vehicle tracked
do not carry out supplementary livestock feeding unless with 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 plough or cultivate the area, except to aid establishment when creating wetland on arable land
do not establish new drainage
you must maintain a diary
Payment
£90.03 per hectare per year for management
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.