Management options and capital items

Date published: 16 January, 2019

For recent changes to this guidance, please see the bottom of the page.

Important updates
For those of you intending to apply for Improving Public Access, please be aware that following a record number of high quality applications in 2018 we will not be reopening this element of AECS in 2019. Therefore, no applications should be submitted for Improving Public Access in 2019.

Please use the Targeting tool to check which options are available on your holding.

You must enter all location codes separately for all holdings that form part of your farm business and which you wish to include in your AECS application. Some options may only be available on some holdings.

If you find your location code is not appearing on the targetting tool, this may be connected to the ongoing mapping and land change work taking place following the introduction of the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS). Please contact your local RPID office to discuss this matter further.

For some options, there is the ability to undertake activities, generally not permitted, if you have prior approval, e.g. do not apply lime, unless you have prior approval.

In general, prior approval is only granted in exceptional circumstances, for example, when the case is made that an activity is required to maintain or enhance biodiversity value. The AECS contract provides the prior approval and it is up to the Case officer to assess if the activity proposed is acceptable. Justification will need to be provided as part of the application.

You may wish to discuss the activity proposed before submission, to ensure that it is appropriate. Otherwise, there is a risk that the case officer will not approve it.

As all the activities requiring prior approval are slight deviations from the option management requirements, if approval is not granted, it will result in you having to adhere to all management requirements as they stand, or removing the option from your application.

If, by removing the option, there is a significant change to the scale and value of the application, there is a risk that the whole application will be rejected.

A wide range of management options and capital items are available under the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme.

There are rules and management requirements for each and they must be followed over the course of your contract. Also, supporting information is available which provides recommendations and best practice in relation to the why, where, how and what for each option and capital item.

For all arable options, the spatial targeting maps include the entire upland area. This is to allow for arable activity on the in-bye in these areas, it does not mean all the upland area is eligible for these options.

Only land which meets the individual option eligibility requirements can be entered for the option. For example, you cannot apply for Wild bird seed for Farmland Birds on rough grazing. If you have any queries, please contact your local RPID or SNH office.

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Also, supporting information is available which provides recommendations and best practice in relation to the why, where, how and what for each option and capital item. Your application could gain additional points if you follow these.

Section Change
Important updatesLink to new spatial targeting maps added and guidance regarding prior approval added