vocational training courses for individual persons eligible to apply for any of the options numbered 2 to 62 in this schedule, the training courses must relate directly to an application for aid under any of those options; or

prepares a business plan detailing the initial state of the business; the scope and aims of the project with milestones for development; the investments involved and any training advice or other action required and where the beneficiary does not hold a suitable agricultural qualification at least at Scottish Vocational Qualification level 2 or equivalent, the business plan must include a personal development plan including an objective to obtain an appropriate qualification within 3 years after approval of the application for aid. The plan must also include an objective to gain membership of a Quality Assurance Scheme appropriate to the business within 3 years of approval of the application.

produces a review of the business, detailing its strengths and weaknesses and options for change and identifies the expected improvements in performance of the business and shows that the proposed investments are part of a longer term process of improving viability and competitiveness;

the beneficiary must identify the expected improvements in performance of the business, as a result of the planned investment, against the following criteria; business viability, animal health and welfare, environmental management, or health and safety; and

manure and slurry must be stored to minimise the risk of water pollution and the beneficiary must comply with the Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (Scotland) Regulations 2003 M2.

plants a minimum of 2 hectares with 10,000 willow or poplar cuttings per hectare;

maintains the established trees for a period of at least 5 years;

has established an end use for the produce; and

has planted the trees in compliance with the UK Forestry Standard.

produces documentation to demonstrate the renewable energy system was installed by a registered installer on the Department for Business and Regulatory Reform accredited list M3 and provides the Scottish Ministers with a receipted invoice.

produces documentation to demonstrate the renewable energy system was installed by a registered installer on the Department for Business and Regulatory Reform accredited list M4 and provides the Scottish Ministers with a receipted invoice.

has a forest holding of at least one hectare, which is managed in accordance with a forest management plan which is in compliance with the UK Forestry Standard and approved by the Forestry Commission Scotland;

produces an investment plan quantifying the estimated costs of investment operations and estimated income from produce; and

does not have separate accounts for farm business and processing; and

has a turnover of less than £150,000 for the processing business.

innovative processing facilities;

new added value;

new markets for products.

non capital costs of resources to support co operation, collaboration, and development within the supply chain;

costs of developing innovative new products in a co operative way across 2 or more partners;

support for market research to increase current market share, or aid market penetration for new products;

support for market development plans at a strategic level to support the sector;

aiding the organisation and development of the sector, with a view to facilitating a greater degree of vertical integration.

purchase of buildings intended for demolition or which have been used for the same purpose previously;

working capital;

harvesting equipment;

the company's own labour and equipment costs;

consumables such as paper and ink;

repair and maintenance costs;

office equipment and other furniture (specific telephone equipment, computers and software related to the development are eligible);

landscaping and ornamental work;

general costs including fees relating to planning, building and works.

is compliant with existing European Community standards applicable to any new areas of activity undertaken as a result of investment concerned; and

identifies in the application the expected improvements in performance of the business as a result of the planned investment, against the criteria of improved viability, increased market orientation, enhanced animal welfare or protection of the water environment.

spring sows a mixture of annual crops, including at least one cereal which will provide seed for the targeted species and does not plough down until after 15th March the following year; or

F21spring sows a mixture of at least 2 crops, one of which must seed in the first year and one in the second and ploughs in after 15th March following last seeding year.

plots must be on arable or improved grassland and maximum of 2 hectares in size;

pesticides must not be applied except where the application is necessary to aid the establishment of the crop or with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species; and

beneficiaries need not manage the same field each year, but must give details of the different fields and their locations and their areas in the application for aid. If, during the relevant period, a different rotation to that originally approved is agreed with the Scottish Ministers, the area upon which the annual management payment is calculated will be restricted to either the originally approved area or the revised area, whichever is smaller.

does not roll, harrow or graze the field from 1st April until 30th June inclusive or until the crop has been secured, whichever is the later F23; for beneficiaries in Shetland the exclusion period may start any time between 1st and 30th April and last for three months from the start date;

mows the field but neither mowing nor the reintroduction of grazing may take place before 1st July or the end of the exclusion period, whichever is later;

cuts the hay and silage in a wildlife friendly manner in accordance with the programme guidance;

does not apply artificial fertilizer before 15th May, or 1st June where later ground-nesting birds and young may be found;

after mowing, leaves uncut a strip of grass 2 metres wide around the field boundary F24...;

does not apply pesticides to the 2 metre strip F25except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species; F26...

F27(where this could result in a negative impact on the target species) ensures little or no tree cover around fields F28; and

does not apply slurry or farmyard manure to the field from 1st March until 15th May, or until 1st June where later ground-nesting birds and young may be found.

excludes stock from hay or silage fields from 1st May;

does not roll, harrow or graze fields from 1st May until after the field has been mown and where ground nests are present before 1st May, they must be marked and avoided;

cuts hay and silage in a wildlife friendly manner in accordance with the programme guidance;

leaves uncut a strip of grass 2 metres wide around the field boundary; and

does not apply pesticides to the 2 metre strip F30except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species.

is a land manager in the Argyll Islands, Skye, Small Isles, Western Isles, Orkney or parts of the north coast of the Scottish Mainland which support corncrake populations;

excludes livestock from hay or silage fields from 15th May;

does not roll, harrow or graze the field from 15th May until after it has been mown and marks and avoids ground nests which were present before 15th May;

provides suitable temporary cover for at least two weeks after the field has been mown to enable corncrakes to move into more permanent corncrake cover;

does not apply pesticides to the temporary cover.

is a land manager in the Argyll Islands or in Wigtownshire where chough occur;

provides areas suitable for chough to forage in during chick rearing and fledging periods by grazing pasture until 14th June and then excludes livestock from hay or silage fields from 15th June; and

does not roll, harrow or graze the field from 15th June until after it has been mown, which must not be before 15th August, and marks and avoids ground nests which are present before 15th June.

cut the hay and silage in a wildlife friendly manner in accordance with programme guidance;

leave a strip of uncut grass 2 metres wide around the field boundary; and

not apply pesticides to the 2 metre strip except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species.

removes all livestock before 1st March;

manages an area of at least 0.5 hectares, at least 30% of which must comprise vegetation likely to be taller than 20 cm by early May and suitable for Corncrakes if ungrazed;

does not return livestock before 16th July;

keeps livestock density below 1.4 livestock units per hectare until the end of August; and

grazes the in bye land sufficiently in the autumn to prevent the sward becoming rank.

carries out this option on land adjacent to land on which the “Management of mown grassland for corncrakes” option in this Schedule is being undertaken;

carries out the option on an area at least 0.15 hectares but not exceeding 1 hectare. The area must either be sheltered by man made or natural features or by creating a strip within the field, at least 5 metres wide, protected from grazing in late winter and spring;

does not graze from 1st March until 30th September inclusive, except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers;

at other times, grazes at a level not exceeding 0.3 livestock units per hectare, except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers; F36...

cuts the area only with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers F37; and

does not apply pesticides to the managed area except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species.

carries out this option on one or more blocks of land adjacent to land on which the “Management of mown grassland for corncrakes” option in this Schedule is being undertaken;

ensures each individual area of early and late cover is at least 0.15 hectare but no more than 1 hectare, with a maximum total area of 5 hectares. The beneficiary may create an additional 1 hectare of early and late cover under the “Creation and management of early and late cover for corncrakes” option in this Schedule;

does not graze from 1st March until 30th September inclusive, except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers;

at other times, grazes at a level not exceeding 0.3 livestock units per hectare, except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers; F39...

cuts the area only with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers F40; and

does not apply pesticides to the managed area except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species.

is a land manager of moorland which has breeding hen harriers;

agrees with SNH the number and location of hen harrier nests for which food will be provided;

checks feeding posts and provides food in the nesting area on a daily basis, in accordance with the practice described in F47“Diversionary Feeding of Hen Harriers on Grouse Moors” (Scottish Natural Heritage 2004);

carries out feeding for 100 days, covering both the pre-nesting period as well as the breeding season. If a nest should fail within the 100 day period, then feeding must cease subject to agreement by SNH and payments will be reduced accordingly;

agrees the start date with SNH for feeding at each site; (the start date being the date that birds arrive on territory);

purchases appropriate food and ensures that it is appropriately stored and retains purchase receipts for inspection;

records the work undertaken using the recording forms provided by SNH and identifies on a map the sites where feeding has taken place F48; and

continues crow control on site.

is a land manager within a Golden Eagle SPA or potential SPA where SNH considers it will benefit the Golden Eagle population;

draws up a plan and agrees it with the Scottish Ministers or SNH, outlining the number of deer carcasses to be left on the hill each month (either one or 2 per month) for 4 months (November February) and how and where carcasses will be left;

undertakes this work in conjunction with existing annual hind culls and in accordance with best practice and all relevant legislation and does not use this as an incentive to cull additional deer; and

keeps a record of work undertaken, giving the dates and showing where carcasses were left and retains these records for inspection.

is within the specific targeted area where the plant species have been identified as a particular threat by SNH, SEPA or the Forestry Commission Scotland. Within these areas applications must be part of a collaborative area project/plan. Applications must either complement an existing plan or be part of a new co ordinated plan/project within an area, catchment wide or other self contained area/habitat;

requires funding in order to undertake work where action is consequential on another option in this schedule. When action is required to control the named invasive non-native plant species for another option in this schedule to succeed; or

is the first land manager in the area to have their land colonised by one of the named invasive non native plant species.

with the application for aid, on a 1:10,000 OS map, in the first year, map the current distribution of the plant species being treated before control work starts and each year thereafter, map the affected area following control work;

if spraying is to be undertaken near a watercourse, obtain SEPA agreement to the operation prior to any spraying. If spraying is proposed on or near a designated area, the beneficiary must obtain SNH agreement to the operation prior to any spraying. Written evidence of the SNH and SEPA agreement must be provided; and

start the control work in the first year of the undertaking. At the end of year 5 there must be no Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed or Himalayan balsam, as appropriate, present on the treated area.

with the application, submit a 1:10,000 OS map, showing the current outlying area affected by Rhododendron proposed for treatment before control work starts, and highlight the area proposed for treatment;

provide evidence that they have followed the guidance in the Forestry Code of Practice Guide Managing and controlling invasive rhododendron published by the Forestry Commission M18;

if spraying is to be undertaken near a watercourse, obtain SEPA's agreement to the operation prior to any spraying. If spraying is proposed on or near a designated area, the beneficiary must have obtained SNH agreement to the operation prior to any spraying.

begin control work in the first year of the undertaking. At the end of year 5 there must be no Rhododendron present on the treated area.

within one of the control areas defined under the Red Squirrel Action Plan 2006 2011 published by SNH M19, and there is evidence of grey squirrels on their land; or

has a stand of broadleaf woodland identified by Forestry Commission Scotland as being part of a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitat M20 or high biodiversity value, being mixed broadleaved woodland in a designed landscape.

SNH or Forestry Commission Scotland must agree that the application for aid is valid by consideration of current grey squirrel levels, current damage levels and current risk to the red squirrel population;

the beneficiary must with the application include, a work programme. The work programme must meet the objectives and priority actions in the Red Squirrel Action Plan, 2006 2011 published by SNH. The work programme must identify by grid reference the location of the woodland, the number of traps being deployed, the location of each trap and the dates between which traps will be set and details about any collaboration with neighbouring land owners or grey squirrel control officers authorised by SNH must be included;

keep a record of ongoing activity and regularly update it. Traps must be checked daily. A record of dates when animals were trapped and numbers of grey squirrels caught must be kept. Detailed sightings records of grey squirrels must be kept, including dates and locations. When no record of grey squirrel presence is obtained for existing activities, a transect survey as detained in the Forestry Commission Practice Note 11 Practical Techniques for Surveying and Monitoring Squirrels M21 will be required to verify the presence and extent of grey squirrels and any information must be submitted on a OS 1:10,000 map;

within areas of the south of Scotland as defined by SNH and the Forestry Commission Scotland submit, grey squirrels trapped in locations which contribute to the squirrel pox surveillance programme when requested by and under the supervision of the grey squirrel control officers authorised by SNH; and

submit maps, dates trapped and numbers caught and dispatched, and records of all samples sent for squirrelpox testing where relevant must be submitted with claims for payment; and

comply with the guidance set out in Forestry Commission Practice Note 4 Controlling Grey Squirrel Damage to Woodlands, Forestry Commission Practice Note 5 Red Squirrel Conservation and the survey methods set out in the Forestry Commission Practice Note 11 Practical Techniques for Surveying and Monitoring Squirrels M22;

comply with the Pests Act 1954 M23;

keep evidence that all trapping is carried out in accordance with the requirements in (f) above and that all guidance specified in (g) above has been complied with and that the legislation specified in (h) has been complied with.

agrees a grazing plan with Scottish Ministers which sets out a livestock management and grazing regime, limiting grazing in order to promote the growth, structure and species composition of vegetation on the land. The plan must reflect the specific biodiversity requirements of the site and may be subject to change as the site develops;

manages grazing levels to create a sward at a range of heights, including some short grassland and some dense tussocks;

ensures the sward is at its longest in the summer and shorter in the spring and autumn;

where grazing is impractical, cuts the grassland once between mid July and mid August to a height between 5 and 10 cm, and once again in the autumn or the following spring. Cuttings must be turned in the field in order to allow their seed to drop and then removed;

in areas where Corn Buntings breed, does not graze or mow from 16th April until 15th August inclusive and includes this requirement in the plan;

does not apply fertilisers, slurry, farmyard manure or lime;

does not apply pesticides except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species; and

does not use the site for supplementary feeding.

carries out primary treatment of bracken, where the need for more intensive initial control methods has been identified within the bracken management programme, in year 1 of a BMP;

if chemical control is proposed, obtains consent from the appropriate bodies including SEPA, the local water authority, SNH and the local authority environmental services; and

if mechanical eradication of bracken is proposed, carries out cutting or crushing 3 times per year, at appropriate stages during the growing season.

agrees a grazing plan with Scottish Ministers that describes the livestock management and grazing regime, identifies and reflects the specific biodiversity requirements of the site and identifies the biodiversity outcomes to be delivered. The application for aid must be supported by evidence to support the management proposed in the grazing plan. The grazing plan may be subject to change as the site develops;

does not apply fertilisers, slurry, farmyard manure or lime;

does not use the land for supplementary feeding. Where improved grass is present, feeding can take place on these areas provided there is benefit to the rest of the habitats in doing so. Details of any supplementary feeding must be included and justified in the grazing plan F56; and

does not apply pesticides except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species.

agrees a livestock management and grazing plan with the Scottish Ministers. The plan must reflect the specific biodiversity requirements of the site and may be subject to change as the site develops. It must identify the type of wetland community and the area to be managed, the outcome that will be achieved and how it will be achieved;

does not apply fertiliser including slurry or farmyard manure to the site;

includes a statement in the grazing plan outlining the method to control rank vegetation growth;

removes cuttings where it is practical to do so;

provides no supplementary feeding on the site;

provides hibernacula where management is for the great crested newt;

creates a sward through grazing farm livestock with a range of heights across the wetland. The height of the sward at the end of the grazing period must range from 2 cm to up to 30 cm;

removes livestock from the site when poaching is likely to occur;

manages the build up of plant litter so that unless the area is a reed bed, rank growth and litter accumulation are not widespread;

manages the sward so that it is at its tallest during the summer, with short sedge swards extending to between 10 and 15 cm and fen sedge communities growing up to 50 cm. Reedbeds will be taller and often of a more uniform height;

aims for 30% of the vegetation to be in tussocks or patches over 50 cm in height. The vegetation should also include a mosaic of shorter and/or taller plant species;

enhances the management of drier rank areas by the addition of late summer cutting (in August and September) followed by a period of aftermath grazing until the ground becomes too wet for grazing;

outlines the necessary control measures where there may be a problem with the development of woodland or scrub on the wetland site;F59...

provides evidence to support the management proposed in the grazing plan with the application for aid F60; and

does not apply pesticides to the site except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species.

agreeing a livestock management and grazing plan with the Scottish Ministers. This is mandatory for the management of saltmarsh. Such plan must reflect the specific biodiversity requirements of the site and may be subject to change over time. The plan will identify the area that will be managed, the outcome that will be achieved and how it will be achieved. The outcome may be achieved by adjusting the grazing or cutting regime; or

not grazing or mowing the site for a period of at least 3 consecutive months from 1st April until 31st July inclusive, after which rank growth should be controlled. On fertile sites, cutting and removal may be allowed between these dates, where practicable, but only with the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers.

not apply F61... fertiliser including slurry or farmyard manure to the site;

not provide supplementary feeding on the site;

provide hibernacula where management is for the great crested newt;

ensure that the action to be taken to create the damp conditions will only affect the proposed site;

prevent the reversion to woodland or domination by a few aggressive species. If there is to be no grazing or mowing, the site may eventually become woodland. In such cases young trees must be removed F62; and

not apply pesticides except in consultation with SEPA and with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot-treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species.

provides an audit of the current extent, condition and management of the bog and includes guidance on suitable grazing regimes and any additional work required to secure its maintenance and recovery, with bog conservation being the key management priority;

keeps the peat and vegetation of the bog surface intact and undisturbed and as wet as possible;

monitors the site each year to ensure peatland habitats are in good condition and submits an annual monitoring report with their claim for payment;

where ditch blocking is carried out, inspects dams twice a year and carries out maintenance work to prevent leaking.

woodland clearance beneficiaries will clear plantation and other woodland where it is affecting the hydrology of a raised bog and curbing its ability to support bog vegetation. Sites that support bog woodland; are ineligible;

seedling tree removal: beneficiaries will clear tree seedlings where they have the potential to significantly adversely affect the hydrology of a raised bog and its ability to support bog vegetation;

scrub clearance –remove scrub and prevent re-colonisation by herbicide treatment and/or the introduction of stock;

grazing management –continue to or introduce grazing to control the growth of heather and re-growth of scrub. Grazing must be removed if poaching is evident.

details the maintenance of cover and abundance of characteristic bog plants;

keeps any regeneration of birch in check by grazing;

stops grazing where poaching is evident;

submits an annual record of grazing management including numbers and types of livestock and dates of livestock movements.

for a site bordering still water, has a width of between 12 and 24 metres;

for a site bordering a watercourse with a bed width of less than 1.2 metres, has a minimum overall width of 5 times the bed width of the watercourse and F68has a width of between 3 and 12 metres on any side; or

for a site bordering a watercourse with a bed width of at least 1.2 metres, has a width of between 6 and 12 metres on any one side;

for sites with steep ground or existing semi-natural habitat, the water margin width may be extended to 20m.

provide a management plan to describe the existing vegetation and outline their management objectives and how they will be achieved; and does one or both of (b) and (c)–

F70on a site which is identified as a high priority in a diffuse pollution mitigation plan, reduce diffuse pollution by controlling rank, or tussocky growth to maintain a close, even sward, either by light grazing or by mowing to reduce the sward height to between 10 and 15 cm in late summer/early autumn. and removing cuttings from the site, or by agreeing an alternative management plan with Scottish Ministers where the particular conservation interest of the site would not be met by this approach.

ensures that the natural flooding of the land is not hindered;

ensures that cultivations are not carried out within 12 metres of the water's edge (mean summer water level); and

agrees any additional management specific to the site with Scottish Ministers.

manages the fen or lowland raised bog area in accordance with the Management of Wetlands option or the Management/restoration of lowland raised bogs option – in this Schedule;

manages the surrounding area as a grass/semi-natural vegetation buffer. The external boundary of the buffer area must be at least 10 metres in width;

leaves existing semi-natural swards intact. If no sward exists at the time of agreeing the management, establishes buffer vegetation the first spring following the commencement of the undertaking by sowing a suitable mixture of native grass/sedge and wildflower seeds;

ensures field drains and culverts are broken and brought to the surface to reduce the direct flow of water, nutrients and chemicals into the wetland and encourage drainage water to flow across the established sward in the buffer;

does not apply F73..., fertiliser, slurry or manure to the buffer area;

does not cultivate within the buffer area unless the existing use is arable; F74...

carries out scrub control only with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers F75; and

does not apply pesticides except in consultation with SEPA and with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species.

agrees with the Scottish Ministers a farm livestock management and grazing regime set out in a grazing plan drawn up in consultation with a recognised conservation organisation;

excludes farm livestock from the area from 1st November to the end of February inclusive;

does not exceed grazing levels of 0.3 livestock units per hectare at other times;

does not allow bracken or scrub to exceed 20% cover of the total site area and where this occurs carries out ongoing management;

does not apply fertiliser, slurry or farmyard manure to the site.

where the land is also grazed by farm livestock, undertakes the Management of moorland grazings option in this Schedule, in relation to that land;

uses only low ground pressure vehicles on existing tracks of dry, hard ground, wherever possible, and outwith reseeded areas and only for essential agricultural management;

where peat is cut for domestic fuel, cuts existing peatbanks, provided that the turfs are replaced on the cut surface with the vegetation side uppermost; and

prepares and implements a moorland grazing plan which must be in place by the commencement of the undertaking, and which takes account of the combined impacts of livestock and other grazing animals present on the land;

includes in the plan a report on the current condition and management of the moorland and the F78appropriate proposals for shepherding, managing livestock and feeding practices that will benefit the environment and wildlife, which the beneficiary will carry out; and

uses the moorland for agricultural livestock production.

prepares and implements a Moorland Management Plan (MMP) that addresses, in an integrated way, all the impacts that can lead to erosion of peat and upland soils including: trampling by livestock, tracking by all terrain vehicles, muirburn and peat cutting;

uses only low ground pressure vehicles on existing tracks of dry, hard ground, wherever possible, and outwith reseeded areas and only for essential agricultural management; and

replaces turfs cut in existing peatbanks, where peat is cut for domestic fuel, on the cut surface with the vegetation side uppermost.

removes the agreed number of ewes from the site and the IACS business and does not increase the number of ewes on the moorland or business during the undertaking;

prepares and implements a Moorland Management Plan. The plan must describe the current condition of the moorland and how it is managed; how many ewes the flock will be reduced by and explain why this will benefit the condition of the moorland; and

removes from the IACS business the livestock before 1st March in the first year of the undertaking.

removes an agreed number of ewes and/or hoggs from the notified moorland site and the IACS business for at least 22 weeks during the winter;

submits an annual record of management that includes details of the numbers and timings of stock away wintered; and

reviews the plan with SNH or Scottish Ministers and agrees any changes necessary to meet the indicators of success.

removes an agreed number of ewes and/or hoggs from the notified moorland site to in-bye land on the holding for at least 22 weeks during the winter;

submits an annual record of management that includes details of the numbers and timings of livestock off wintered; and

reviews the plan with SNH or Scottish Ministers and agrees any changes necessary to meet the indicators of success.

follows the Muirburn Code published by the Scottish Ministers M25 for all muirburning;

does not burn within fire free zone identified on plan and takes reasonable precautions to prevent fire spreading accidentally; and

carries out swiping from 1st September to 15th April only.

fills gaps in the hedge by coppicing, laying or planting;

when managing a hedge for landscape benefits, cuts the hedge on both sides a maximum of once every 2 years and cuts one half of the length of the hedgerow in any one year F80with a different section of the hedge cut each year so that the hedge is cut in rotation;

when managing for biodiversity benefits, cuts the hedge on both sides a maximum of once every 3 years and cuts only one third of the hedge in any one year;

manages hedges so they are at least 1.5 metres tall and at least 2 metres wide at the base;

trims hedges between 1st December and 1st March;

does not apply pesticides within 2 metres of an established hedge F81except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive, non-native species, and where the hedge is next to a watercourse, the beneficiary must also consult SEPA before applying pesticides;

uses, following consultation with SEPA where the hedge is next to a watercourse, an approved herbicide for any spot treatment of weeds within 1 metre of any new hedge plant;

does not mow or graze the hedge bottom;

sites any fences at least 1 metre from the centre line of the hedge;

manages both sides of the hedgerow, 1 metre on either side of the centre line, which equals a 2 metre strip in total to be managed;

plants new hedges as early as possible in the first year and no later than by the autumn immediately following the start of the undertaking. The hedge must be fully established within its first 18 months of development;

when undertaking new hedging or gapping up of existing hedges, establishes plants in a double row with a minimum of 6 plants per metre. A single species must not account for more than 75% of plants established. Species used must be native species of trees and shrubs, although beech and sycamore may be planted where these are appropriate and traditional in hedges locally. Plants should be used from the local area wherever possible;

protects plants from grazing livestock (farmed and wild) and rabbits; protection may be in the form of stockproof fencing with rabbit proof netting, where necessary;

controls weeds around each hedge plant for 3 4 years, by frequent cutting or mulching (including black polythene sheeting) or spot treatment using a herbicide approved for this purpose;

obtains road authority's consent for planting or replanting hedges within 5 metres of the edge of any major road; F83...

where necessary, coppices leggy hedges by cutting the main stem at a slight angle (to allow water to run off) 75 100 centimetres above ground level and erects fences where necessary to prevent stock from browsing the re growth F84; and

maintains existing hedgerows, trees and where new hedgerow trees develop, maintains at least one tree per 200 metres of hedgerow by marking the trees and not cutting them.

excludes all farm livestock from, and does not carry out arable cultivations within a strip extending to at least 3 metres from the centre line of the hedge;

trims the hedge between 1st December and 1st March inclusive and once trimmed, does not trim the hedge again for at least 3 years;

leaves the grass in the strip uncut, unless with the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers;

does not apply fertiliser, slurry or farmyard manure to the site;

does not apply pesticides to the managed strip except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species, and where the hedge is next to a watercourse, has consulted SEPA before application of the pesticides;

creates an extended hedge during the first year of the undertaking and maintains and manages it for a minimum 5 years;

uses where possible appropriate native-species trees and shrubs in hedge gaps;

where only one side of hedgerow is being managed, cuts the other side no more than once a year between 1st December and 1st March F87; and

maintains existing hedgerow trees and allows new hedgerow trees to develop at irregular intervals and maintains at least one tree per 200 metres of hedgerow by marking the trees and not cutting them.

manages a strip between 1.5 metres and 6 metres in width in an arable field, with a minimum width of F883 metres or more where the management is to benefit Hen Harriers, Corn Buntings, Barn Owl or Kestrel F89, and plants at least one species of a nectar-feeding plant such as red clover if it does not exist currently on the strip;

ensures that where the entire field is not sown to an arable crop, the minimum width of the arable area adjacent to the grass strip is 30 metres;

F90where no strip currently exists, establishes a strip by sowing a suitable mix of grass seed, including at least one species of nectar-feeding plant such as red clover, into a sterile seedbed;

does not apply fertiliser, slurry or farmyard manure to the strips. F91...;

does not carry out scrub control except with the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers. Beneficiaries are not eligible for additional payment to control scrub or weeds.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

does not apply pesticides to the site F93except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species;

if grazing or topping the grass margin or beetlebank after harvest, ensures the average height of vegetation is not taken below 100 millimetres;

retains any area adjacent to the grass margins or beetlebanks in an arable crop for the duration of the undertaking;

sows plots of spring cereals, fodder root crops or fodder rape each up to 2 hectares; their total area should not exceed 4 hectares over the whole unit;

only undertakes cultivations and spreads fertiliser between 1st March and 15th May inclusive. Exceptionally, for fodder rape or root crops, cultivations may be carried out after 15th May; any nests located must be marked and avoided;

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

does not apply pesticides to the site F97except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species;

after cropping does not plough or cultivate the area before 1st March of the following year;

maintains the same area of cropped land in each year of the undertaking unless as otherwise agreed by the Scottish Ministers.

ensures the site is included in an arable rotation, comprising at least 15% of the ploughable area of the machair on the site and is sown to an arable crop or left fallow F99and the site may be sown to an arable crop for up to two consecutive years;

after harvesting the arable crop F100in the second year (where it applies), leaves the site fallow to revert to natural grassland for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 years;

only undertakes any cultivation or rolling between 1st March and 15th May inclusive;

does not cultivate to a depth of more than 150 millimetres and where cultivation does not exceed 100 millimetres, a supplementary premium will be paid;

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

pesticides must not be applied to the site F103except with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species;

seaweed and farmyard manure may be applied in accordance with traditional practice; and will be eligible for a premium payment in accordance with the rate of payment set out in Column 3.

manages the grazing of scrub and open habitat mosaic to maintain an appropriate balance between these components, ensuring that scrub is in good condition and regeneration is present at a level sufficient to maintain current extent. The open habitats must be managed according to the programme guidance;

eradicates any Rhododendron present on the site;

avoids poaching by managing stock carefully when ground conditions are wet;

unless otherwise agreed with Scottish Ministers, retains all mature or over-mature standing trees and all standing and fallen deadwood, unless they are a genuine safety hazard. Tree surgery must be limited to that required for the safety of people and farm livestock;

in upland areas, marks all new fences with bird strike markers, where relevant to Capercaillie and Black Grouse;

does not apply fertilisers, slurry, farmyard manure, or lime to areas of scrub habitat except with the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers;

does not apply pesticides to the site F112except for herbicides which may be applied with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers for activities such as spot treatment of injurious weeds or control of invasive non-native species;

does not provide supplementary feeding on the site;

does not plough or carry out cultivation such as reseeding, rolling or chain harrowing work unless these are required to establish trees and shrubs and as agreed with Scottish Ministers;

does not cut new drains or modify or improve existing drainage systems although existing drains may be maintained;

does not clear existing drains or cut new drains except with the prior written approval of Scottish Ministers.

keeps cattle in which case the beneficiary must continue to keep 2 or more breeding cows of Scottish traditional or native breed(s) on the holding for the lifetime of the undertaking; or

develops and implements a specialist agri environment plan in order to deliver the desired outcomes in support of an application for aid which includes activities in any of the rural priorities options numbered 15 to 56 F117and 74 to 77; and

provides evidence that the concrete agri environment commitments set out in the specialist agri environment plan referred to in (a) above have been completed.

undertakes additional shepherding efforts to achieve outcomes specified in the moorland management plan; and

submits an annual record of management work detailing the number of hours when undertaken problems encountered any visible signs of change in target habitat and any changes in sheep behaviour.

identifies any livestock tracks, gateways or river crossings that are not suitably positioned, or could be improved, to prevent soil, nutrient or faecal contamination of watercourse and identifies more appropriate sites for these features;

identifies on a plan the location and nature of the risk factors for all sites (track, gate, and river crossing) and the activities to be undertaken, and describes how they will reduce the risk to the water environment; and

takes appropriate remedial action based on (a) and (b).

ensures the design of the woodland F121(other than such woodland in Central Scotland) conforms to the design criteria in table B set out in Part 2 of this schedule; and.

ensures the planting complies with the UK Forestry Standard.

manages the land in accordance with an approved forest F127management plan that complies with the UK Forestry Standard; and

produces a costed action plan that demonstrates that the proposed expenditure exceeds £28 per hectare per year for the relevant period of the undertaking; and

delineates areas of even-aged planting undergoing restructuring felling during the period of the forest plan.

carries out one or more of the items listed in Table D in Part 2.

demonstrates that there is a market for the proposed product or service which is a diversified activity outwith agriculture and that the beneficiary has or can acquire the skills and resources to provide these on a commercial basis; and

demonstrates that these diversified activities will improve the household income stream and complement existing agricultural activities.

new or upgraded buildings or structures;

changes in land use from agricultural to non agricultural uses;

the development or upgrading of services or other infrastructural elements;

new machinery or equipment including information technology; and

general costs related to these expenditures including architects, consultants and engineers fees.

a land manager (other than a farmer) who diversifies or adds value to their existing land based enterprises to complement or supplement their income from traditional land management activities; or

an entrepreneur who sets up or develops unique businesses which will contribute to the vibrancy of the rural community, create employment opportunities and/or meet market demand for the provision of certain facilities and services in rural areas;

new or upgraded buildings or structures;

the development or upgrading of services or other infrastructural elements;

new machinery or equipment including information technology;

general costs related to these expenditures including architects, consultants and engineers fees; and

marketing and promotional costs.

where applicable, shows that a viable fuel supply and an adequate installation and after sales support will be available to the end user.

purchase and installation, construction, upgrading or development of infrastructure and/or equipment of renewable device;

purchase of specialist equipment for harvesting, pre use processing, quality assurance and handling;

direct costs related to the creation of producer groups, including legal and administrative work in setting up, rental of office accommodation and purchase/rental of office and information technology equipment.

in their application for aid, identifies how they propose to promote and market the project. This must include the activities to be undertaken and written confirmation from their local authority as defined in section 32 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 M28 that the beneficiary has liaised with them prior to submitting the application;

with their application include a 1:10 000 scale map showing the detail of the project including the location of any capital items included in the application. A copy of the map must be submitted by the beneficiary to their local authority as defined in section 32 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 prior to submitting their application. Written evidence of receipt of the map by the local authority must be submitted with the application;

keeps a record of the relevant biosecurity and health and safety requirements undertaken to support this option;

provides written confirmation that they are not in receipt of other funding sources for any items being applied for under this option;

submits two quotes based on actual costs for each capital item. Where the item can only be supplied by one supplier, one quote is sufficient.

to increase and improve the amount and quality of paths/routes in and around communities, or at locations which experience or have potential for significant visitor use;

to increase and improve the amount and quality of paths/routes between communities;

to improve shared path use (multi-use), and use by specific user groups;

increase and improve the amount and quality of paths/routes to, through and along places of interest;

improve the integration between access and land management; and

assist the suitable implementation and monitoring of core paths as defined in accordance with Section 17 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 M29;

provide evidence that they have consulted the local authority within the meaning of section 32 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, to help co ordinate with local access priorities; and

provides visitor information leaflets.

submit a 1:10 000 scale map, with their application for aid, showing the detail of the project and identifying the location and type of path/route and each capital item contained within the proposal;

submit a copy of the map to their relevant local access authority prior to submitting their application. Written evidence of receipt of the map by the local authority must be submitted with the application;

ensure all paths and routes and capital items meet the technical specifications contained within the programme guidance, unless the beneficiary provides prior written agreement to any variation to such technical specifications from their local authority as defined in section 32 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 M30 prior to submitting their application; and

with their application, confirms in writing that no other funding mechanism, organisation or individual is enhancing or maintaining any of the paths or facilities identified in the proposal.

has a septic tank or other sewage treatment system that meets basic environmental protection criteria, as confirmed by SEPA;

SEPA confirms that this discharge is in need of additional (secondary or tertiary) treatment in order to meet the microbiological objectives of downstream protected areas, including marine waters; and

is a rural community group;

provides or improves rural community structures, services or facilities;

provides evidence that such provision or improvement have economic and environmental sustainability; and

demonstrates community need and demand for the structure, service or facility to be provided.

carries out management works to improve the condition of specified archaeological or historic sites or historic landscapes F136...; or

carries out a programme of specified repair to conserve and enhance the historic fabric of pre 1940 vernacular buildings, excluding buildings designated as scheduled monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

a beneficiary must submit receipted invoices in support of payment claims. Works associated with the requirements of F143the Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2011 are ineligible for funding.

a beneficiary is eligible for payment if the beneficiary—

carries out repairs on the historic fabric of the building on a like-for-like basis or the re-instatement of original or historic feature or materials; at least 75% of the walls of the building must survive to the wallhead; and

submits receipted invoices in support of payment claims; specialist fees, including architects’ and engineers’ fees, are eligible for payment;

this option can be undertaken with other rural priorities options if this does not result in the loss or modification of the historic fabric of the building or the unnecessary loss of original internal fixtures.

the training courses must relate directly to an application for aid under options numbered 63 to 73 in this schedule;

the training provider must be certified by an appropriate certification body; and

A beneficiary is eligible for payment under this option on land on SSSI Sites and European site features.

the list of eligible capital items are set out in table B in Schedule 3.