Rural Payments and Services

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The aim of this item is to improve water quality by creating a wetland to intercept and treat run-off that currently discharges direct to a watercourse or freshwater drain. Wetlands can improve water quality through natural processes, including filtration, retention, biological breakdown and plant uptake.

Any land is eligible, provided that it meets all of the requirements set out below.

You can check if this item is available on your holding here.

You must prepare a plan which must include a map of the relevant fields / steading identifying the location of the proposed rural sustainable drainage system feature.

You must also produce a diffuse pollution steading assessment.

Only run-off which does not fall within the definition of slurry may be conveyed to a wetland, unless the run-off is of a type permitted by The Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (Scotland) Regulations 2003 as amended to be conveyed to a constructed farm wetland, and the wetland has been designed and constructed in line with the Constructed Farm Wetland Design Manual for Scotland and Northern Ireland, 2008 as evidenced by a sign-off from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Additionally:

• run-off from pesticide handling or washdown areas must not be conveyed to a wetland
• fencing must be provided to protect people and livestock
• existing wetlands must not be used
• you must obtain planning permission, or have confirmation that planning permission is not required for your proposed wetland
• where a proprietary lining is used, a receipt for the liner will be required

You can claim:

• £9 per square metre for wetland with a proprietary lining
• £5 per square metre for wetland with a soil lining

The inspectors will check:

• the location and extent of the wetland
• that there is a receipt for a proprietary liner
• only run-off which does not fall within the definition of slurry is conveyed to a wetland
• run-off from pesticide handling or wash-down areas is not conveyed to a wetland
• fencing has been provided to protect people and livestock
• existing wetlands are not used

Supporting guidance is available for this option.

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