Rural Payments and Services

The aim of this item is to benefit lowland bogs and upland peatlands by protecting the bog surface from damage by heavy machinery when conservation management, such as tree or scrub removal or installation of peat dams, is being carried out.

Rough grazing or permanent grassland which includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest or Natura-designated upland peatland or lowland bog is eligible.

You must combine this item with one of the following management options, unless you have prior approval otherwise from Scottish Natural Heritage:

• Lowland Bog Management
• Management of Buffer Areas for Fens and Lowland Bogs
• Moorland Management

You must identify the location of the proposed matting on a map for lowland bog, or map for upland peatland, and indicate the type of matting you will use.

• you must create a stable surface for machinery to access the site using brash mats of timber or scrub, or bog mats
• you must remove the matting as soon as possible after tree or scrub removal has been completed, unless you have prior approval otherwise from Scottish Natural Heritage
• you must maintain a diary

Payment will be made on an actual cost basis, upon completion of the work.

The inspectors will check:

• the location and extent of the work
• you have created a stable surface for machinery to access the site using brash mats of timber or scrub, or bog mats
• you have removed the matting as soon as possible after tree or scrub removal has been completed, unless approval has been granted otherwise
• you have maintained a diary