Rural Payments and Services

There are two sizes of stock bridge that you can apply for:

• small bridge up to 2.6 metre span
• large bridge greater than 2.6 metre span

These capital items are only eligible where the application also contains the Sustainable Management of Forests – Woodland Grazing option and the construction meets the objectives of the option as detailed in your Woodland Grazing Plan.

Your submitted application and map must clearly identify which type of stock bridge you are applying for and where they will be positioned.

To maintain or improve the quality of bog, fen or wetland habitat by providing simple sleeper bridges to allow stock access to grazing areas where ditches or wetland areas would otherwise restrict livestock access.

The bridge must be:

• single span
• at least 1.5 metres wide
• secured into the banking on both sides
• constructed so as not to impede water flow
• sleepers must be secured to any bearers

We require these items to be in place, meeting minimum specifications and in good working order for a period of at least five years following the date you received your payment.

Please make sure you abide by conditions set out in the Forestry Grant Scheme claim form and guidance.

Click 'Download this page' to create a printer-friendly version of this guidance that you can save or print out.