ISBN 0 7559 5098 4
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Contents
Introduction
PART 1 General Information
Section 1 About the Rural Stewardship Scheme
1.1 What is the Rural Stewardship Scheme?
1.2 What is the role of the RSS?
1.3 How does the Scheme work?
1.4 Do I have to join?
Section 2 Eligibility
2.1 Is my business eligible to make an application?
2.2 What about Crofters' Common Grazings?
2.3 What if I have already joined another Agri-environment Scheme?
Section 3 Making an application
3.1 How do I apply?
3.2 Can the application cover more than one unit within the IACS business?
3.3 Do I need to inform anyone else if I apply?
3.4 Are there any additional requirements for applications on behalf of Common Grazing Committees?
3.5 When should I apply?
Section 4 Assessment of applications
4.1 Will my application be automatically accepted?
4.2 How will applications be assessed?
4.3 What other issues will be addressed at the initial appraisal?
4.4 If my application is turned down because the Scheme is over-subscribed, can it be reconsidered next year?
4.5 What happens if my application is accepted?
4.6 What happens if my application is not accepted?
4.7 Can I increase the amount of land managed when I transfer from an ESA scheme to the RSS?
4.8 Must I continue to manage the same areas under RSS as I did under my ESA Scheme agreement?
Section 5 Advice?
5.1 Advice on nature conservation and habitat management
5.2 Information and advice on woodland management
5.3 Information and advice on archaeological and historic features and designed landscapes
5.3.1 What do I do if I have an archaeological or historic feature?
5.3.2 What do I do if I have a scheduled ancient monument?
5.3.3 What do I do if my farm includes an important Garden or Designed Landscape?
5.4 What will this advice cost?
Section 6 Payment arrangements
6.1 What payments are available?
6.2 If my application is not approved because of lack of funds, will I be entitled to receive payments towards the cost of preparation of the Environmental Audit and Moorland Management Plan?
6.3 When will the payments be made?
6.4 How do I claim for payments?
6.5 How are the payments calculated?
6.6 Are there limits on the capital or management payments?
Section 7 Scheme rules not dealt with elsewhere in the booklet
7.1 How long will I be expected to sign up for?
7.2 Once I have joined the Scheme, can I change my undertakings?
7.3 Can I still claim other Grants and Subsidies?
7.4 Does participation in the RSS affect any other requirements to consult or obtain permission?
7.5 What happens if I can no longer meet the conditions of the Scheme?
7.6 What if failure to meet the Scheme conditions was not my fault?
7.7 Can I sell or lease all or part of the land entered into the Scheme?
7.8 What happens if I acquire additional land?
7.9 Can I appeal if the Department decides to recover payments from me or impose a penalty?
7.10 What if I have a complaint?
Section 8 Consequences of Non-Compliance with Scheme Rules and Conditions
8.1 Sanctions
8.2 Exceptional circumstances
8.3 Notifying SEERAD
8.4 Withdrawal from Scheme
PART 2 General Environmental Requirements
Section 1 The Standard of Good Farming Practice
Section 2 General Environmental Conditions
PART 3 Eligibility Criteria and Management Requirements for Individual Scheme Options
PRESCRIPTIONS PREDOMINANTLY FOR BIRD LIFE
1. Extensive Management of Mown Grassland for Birds
2. Management of Open Grazed Grassland for Birds
3. Extensive Management of Mown Grassland for Corncrakes
4. Management of Early and Late Cover for Corncrakes
5. Management of Wet Grassland for Waders
6. Creation and Management of Early and Late Cover for Corncrakes
PRESCRIPTIONS FOR SPECIES RICH AREAS
7. Management of Species-Rich Grassland
8. Bracken Eradication Programme for Species-Rich Grassland, Coastal or Lowland Heath
9. Creation and Management of Species-Rich Grassland
10. Management of Coastal Heath
11. Management of Lowland Heath
PRESCRIPTIONS FOR MOORLAND
12. Moorland - Moorland Management
13. Stock Disposal
14. Muirburn and Heather Swiping
15. Bracken Eradication Programme for Moorland
PRESCRIPTIONS FOR WETLAND FEATURES
16. Management of Wetland
17. Management of Lowland Raised Bogs
18. Creation and Management of Wetland
19. Management of Water Margin
20. Management of Flood Plain
21. Management of Basin and Valley Mire Buffer Areas
PRESCRIPTIONS FOR FIELD MARGINS AND BOUNDARIES
22. The Management of Grass Margin or Beetlebank in Arable Fields
23. Management of Conservation Headlands
24. Management of Extended Hedges
25. Management of Hedgerows
PRESCRIPTIONS FOR ARABLE AREAS
26. Introduction or Retention of Extensive Cropping
27. Spring Cropping
28. Management of Cropped Machair
29. Unharvested Crops
PRESCRIPTIONS FOR WOODLAND AND SCRUB
30. Management of Scrub (including Tall Herb Communities)
31. Management of Native or Semi Natural Woodland
32. Management of Ancient Wood Pasture
PRESCRIPTIONS FOR HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
33. Management of a Site of Archaeological or Historic Interest
SMALL UNIT PRESCRIPTIONS
34. Conservation Management Plan with Special Measures for Small Units
35. Retention or Introduction of Cattle of Native or Traditional Breed(s)
PART 4 Capital Works to benefit other Habitats and Features
Section 1 Designed Landscapes
1.1 What are Designed Landscapes?
1.2 Why are Designed Landscapes important?
1.3 How do I find out if I have a Designed Landscape?
1.4 How do I manage a Designed Landscape?
Section 2 Field Boundaries
2.1 What type of field boundary is eligible for enhancement or management under RSS?
2.2 What works can I carry out under the RSS that will benefit field boundaries and what minimum specifications must be met in order to qualify for the Scheme capital payment?
2.3 Why are such field boundaries important?
Section 3 Black grouse breeding areas
3.1 Which parts of my farm are important for Black grouse?
3.2 What measures can I carry out under the RSS that will benefit Black grouse?
Section 4 Farm Ponds
4.1 Why are farm ponds important?
4.2 Are there any special considerations?
4.3 Where can I find guidance on pond creation and management?
4.4 What works can I carry out under the RSS that will benefit this habitat?
PART 5 Capital Works associated with Management Options
PART 6 Supplementary information
Section 1 The Environmental Audit
1.1 What does the environmental audit involve?
1.2 Who can undertake the Audit?
1.3 Can I recover the cost?
1.4 Why is the Audit an essential requirement of the Scheme?
Section 2 The Moorland Management Plan
2.1 Is a Moorland Management Plan required in all cases?
2.2 What does the Moorland Management Plan involve?
2.3 Who can prepare the Moorland Management Plan?
2.4 Is there any restriction on the amount of moorland the plan must cover?
2.5 Can I get help with the cost?
Section 3 Prescriptions for Small Units
3.1 Conservation Management Plan with Special Measures for Small Units
3.1.1 When is a Conservation Plan with Special Measures required?
3.1.2 What does the Conservation Management Plan with Special Measures involve?
3.2 Retention or Introduction of Cattle of Native or Traditional Breed(s)
3.2.1 How do I apply for this measure?
3.2.2 What undertakings are involved when I adopt this measure?
APPENDIX 1 Contact Details
1. SEERAD Area Offices
2. SNH Area Offices
3. National Monuments Record of Scotland
4. Historic Scotland
5. Scottish Environment Protection Agency
6. Forestry Commission
APPENDIX 2 Conditions relating to the aerial application of Asulam for bracken treatment under the Rural Stewardship Scheme
APPENDIX 3 Glossary of Terms