Rural Payments and Services

The aim of this capital item is to benefit a variety of habitats where scrub is invading a sensitive site.

Although scrub is a valuable habitat, there are cases where it can have a negative effect on the underlying habitats.

Scrub can draw water out of the peatlands and wetlands, and intercept rainfall further drying out the habitat. It can also shade out plants in species rich grasslands.

Follow-up control may be required following the initial primary treatment, particularly if few grazing stock are present.

You can only apply for two follow-up treatments on any area.

Any land where you have completed primary scrub control, including under a previous Scottish Natural Heritage or Scottish Government agri-environment scheme in the last five years is eligible.

You must also prepare a scrub control plan.

The plan must include a map and photographs showing:

• the extent of the scrub
• the areas to be treated
• the type of chemical control you propose (spraying, stem injection etc)
• the timing of treatment

• you must treat any scrub regrowth within the area detailed in your scrub control plan by chemical methods
• if spraying within one metre of the top of the bank of a watercourse, near water, you, or your spray operator must have Scottish Environment Protection Agency authorisation. You must retain a copy of this authorisation
• you must maintain a diary
• you must keep photographic evidence of the site before and after treatment as part of your claim

You can claim £200 per hectare treated.

You may apply for payment on an actual cost basis for this item if the work you are proposing to carry out will benefit the notified features of a designated site, and where there are exceptional circumstances.

The inspectors will check:

• the location and extent of the work
• you, or your spray operator, had Scottish Environment Protection Agency authorisation
• you have treated any scrub regrowth within the area detailed in your scrub control plan by chemical methods
• you have maintained a diary
• you have kept photographic evidence of the site before and after treatment as part of your claim

Supporting guidance is available for this item.