Forth and Borders - News

Environment and Tourism Recovery Grants Scheme

This grant scheme has been developed as a short term programme for farmers in Dumfries and Galloway and Borders affected by foot and mouth. Initially the scheme will focus on those farms that have lost stock as a result of culling programmes in place to control the disease.

Requirements of the scheme

You should:

• Comply with SEERAD's General Environmental Requirements set out in Part 2 of the Rural Stewardship Scheme.

• Await approval before commencing any work.

• Start work on projects by 31 December 2001 at the latest, and these must be completed within 8 months of approval of your grant application.

• Consult SNH or Historic Scotland prior to starting work on a designated site such as a SSSI or a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

• Depending on the proposal, undertake the necessary maintenance, normally for 5 years.

• Ensure projects entered do not duplicate work being funded under an existing agri-environment or conservation agreement, (but may complement such schemes).

Who can apply?
All farmers (landowners and land managers) who occupy and have control over agricultural land.  Priority will initially be given to those who have lost stock but the scheme is open to all in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders infected area.

How do I apply?
Complete an application form , produce a costed plan, and return both to SNH.  The grant scheme is open for applications now.  Applications are accepted and funded on a 'first come, first served' basis.  It is therefore advisable to return your application as son as possible.

Will my application be automatically accepted?
Yes, if it is satisfactorily completed and accompanied by a costed plan that fits with this scheme.  Applications will be logged, as received, and funds allocated until they are exhausted.

When will payment be made?
75% of the total eligible cost will be payable upon the approval of your application.  The remaining 25% will be paid upon satisfactory completion of the proposal.  All projects must be completed by 30 September 2002.   Claims must be accompanied by a certified list of expenditure accompanied by appropriate supporting evidence which includes photographic evidence.  SNH reserves the right to request further information and evidence.  If work is not completed satisfactorily, following appropriate monitoring, you will be required to repay any funds received under the scheme.

The rate of grant will be 100% of eligible costs.  Eligible costs are those incurred in carrying out the practical aspects of the project as proposed in the application.  Although the total cost of a project is not limited, only the initial £5,000 of eligible costs will be considered for grant aid, i.e.  maximum of £5,000 will be available per Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) unit.

Project proposals must be greater than £500 in eligible costs as there will be a minimum payment level of £500.

What sort of work can I do with the grant?
The following are all options available:

• Improving facilities for visitors in the countryside:   Access creation or improvement, signage and interpretation, study facilities, picnic sites, gates, footbridges and stiles.

• Tree planting:  small scale tree planting and management, individual hedgerow trees, amenity trees or parkland trees.

• LBAP projects:  Individual projects involving capital works that will be funded where they are of benefit to the habitats and species listed in the Local Biodivesity Action Plan for your area.  These habitats, for example, including planting new hedgerows, restoration or management of hedgerows, creation of ponds or action for farmland species such as the barn owl, 3 types of bat, otter, red squirrel and others.

• Archaeology:  There may be archaeological or historic features on the farm.  These may have been recognised as nationally important through designation s a Scheduled Ancient Monument.  Other features will be of more local interest.  Inadvertent ground disturbance by plants, animals, people or machines can damage these sites beyond repair.  If they are to survive in good shape for the future you need to think about their long term management.
  Also think about how, along with other features of interest, they might add to the interest of an access proposal for a farm trail linking you with your neighbours.
  The roots of scrub and trees can disturb sites and cause considerable damage.   These should be controlled by cutting back to the stump and treating the stump to kill the roots.

If you qualify you can download the application and once completed send it to the address on the form. Grant application

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