The Scottish Government has recently announced that the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) round will be open for applications from the 30th January.
The scheme aims to promote environmentally friendly land management practices in Scotland to improve water quality, manage flood risk and adapt to climate change.
NatureScot’s Chief Executive, Francesca Osowska, said:
“As well as tackling climate change, by moving to a more environmentally sustainable approach, farmers and crofters can help the long-term economic sustainability and resilience of their businesses.”
AECS provides annual payments to promote sustainable practices and saw 680 successful applications in 2022, sharing some £14 million.
AECS and Rethink Carbon
The Rethink Carbon platform assists land managers in evaluating the ecological and financial benefits of different AECS options by running user created what-if scenarios on the land. The results can be assessed to find the optimal solution for you and the environment.
The platform also conducts automated eligibility assessments to confirm compatibility of options suited to the land.
With the the ability to collaborate with colleagues and consultants on projects, the planning and decision making process has never been more efficient.
AECS Updates
A number of items have been dropped from previous years including:
- Pond creation
- Improving public access
- Muirburn and Heather Cutting
- Restoring Drystone or Flagstone Dykes
- Primary Treatment of Bracken (mechanised or chemical)
- Follow up Treatment of Bracken (mechanised or chemical)
The Creation of Hedgerows option has also been limited to 500 metres per application.
The application windows are:
- Slurry Stores: 30th January 2023 – 24th March 2023
- Organic Conversion and Maintenance: 30th January 2023 – 7th June 2023
- Agri Environment: 30th January 2023 – 7th June 202
Summary
It’s disappointing that the public access improvements were removed from the agenda, as it represents a setback in Scotland’s progress towards a Just Transition. The Rethink Carbon platform highlights other public access opportunities such as the Forestry Grant Scheme – Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT) grant and allows land managers to engage with the community over plans.
Nevertheless, it’s positive to know that AECS funding, although one small part of the solution, will continue to help sustain the progress towards Scotland’s goals for climate and biodiversity. It’s reassuring to see the commitment to funds for 2024 also.
