Introduction
The Habitats Scheme is now closed to new applicants but existing plans will run until the end of their agreements.
This Scheme, which is part of the Scottish Agri-Environment Programme, came into operation in November 1994. It provides assistance to encourage farmers and crofters to establish specific habitats of conservation value. The aim is to establish or improve certain types of habitat which considered to be of significant conservation value. Participants could choose either:
- take the specified land out of agricultural production for 20 years;
or
- restrict the agricultural use of the land to limited grazing, managed in the interests of conservation, for a period of 10 years.
In addition the farmer must follow certain management requirements to help establish and maintain the habitats identified. In return, farmers and crofters will receive annual payments for the duration of their participation in the scheme.