Rural Payments and Services

The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme is a competitive scheme that promotes land management practices which protect and enhance Scotland’s magnificent natural heritage, improve water quality, manage flood risk and mitigate and adapt to climate change.

It will also help to improve public access and preserve historic sites.

A total of £350 million will be available between 2015 and 2020 to fund a range of activities that help to maintain and enhance our rich and varied natural environment.

This funding will help to:

• deliver the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity by supporting appropriate management for vulnerable and iconic species and habitats, strengthening ecological networks, controlling invasive non-native species and enhancing the condition of protected nature sites
• contribute to Scotland’s world-leading climate change targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and securing carbon stores in peatlands and other organic soils
• meet obligations to improve water quality under the EU Water Framework Directive by reducing diffuse pollution
• control flooding through natural flood risk management
• support organic farming
• preserve the historic environment
• improve public access

The scheme will be delivered jointly by the Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) of the Scottish Government and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

A case officer will be assigned to your project once you have formally submitted your application.

However, if you have any questions or concerns about the scheme before then and you need further clarification, you may find it helpful to contact your local Rural Payments and Inspections Division area office or Scottish Natural Heritage office.

Rural Payments and Inspections Division contacts

Scottish Natural Heritage contacts

If you are considering options that require advice on the management of Scheduled Monuments, you should get in touch with Historic Environment Scotland.

Historic Environment Scotland