Rural Payments and Services

The aim of this item is to benefit lowland bogs and other wetland habitats.

Realigning ditches will help protect the hydrology of adjacent bogs, and / or support the creation and management of lagg fen or other wetland habitats.

Any land that is either adjacent to or within a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest or Natura lowland bog or wetland is eligible.

This item must be combined with one of the following options, unless you have prior approval otherwise from Scottish Natural Heritage:

• Management of Buffer Areas for Fens and Bogs
• Wetland Management

You must prepare and submit for approval a plan detailing the ditch realignment proposals.

This must include the route, depth and proposed construction method of the new ditch, together with details of the proposed management of the previous water course.

You must also identify the location of the current and proposed ditches on a map.

• you must carry out the ditch realignment work as detailed in your plan
• if the ditch is shown on a 1:50,000 map, you must seek approval from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to undertake the works
• you must block the existing drain
• 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 blocked the existing drain
• you have maintained a diary