Agri-Environment Climate Scheme opens for applications

The next round of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) has opened for applications today (17 January).

AECS is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme. It supports environmentally-friendly land management practices that aim to safeguard and improve Scotland's natural heritage and help businesses adapt to climate change.

The Agri-Environmental Climate Change 2019 application window will run for 12 weeks from 17 January to 13 April, with 31 May for collaborative projects which involve five or more businesses. 

Announcing the application window is now open, Environmental Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:

"I am delighted to confirm that we are now accepting applications to the Agri-Environmental Climate Change scheme.

"The scheme supports our continued efforts to protect and enhance our environment by promoting environmentally friendly land management practices. It also helps businesses to manage flood risks and mitigate and adapt to the challenge of climate change.

"I would therefore encourage all farmers, crofters and land managers to apply for support under the scheme, and explore how they can benefit and realise the environmental and economic potential of low carbon, environmentally friendly practices."

Since its launch in 2014 the scheme has committed more than £100 million to 2,090 businesses.

Visit our Case Studies section to find out about some previously funded projects. And below you can watch our short film about a project to improve river margins on farm.

Further announcements will follow about the next round of the Improving Public Access Scheme, which is aimed at building or improving paths that encourage enjoyment and appreciation of Scotland's diverse landscapes and nature.

Go to the Rural Payments and Services website to find out more about the AECS scheme.

SRDP on Film: River Margins Enhancement Project (subtitled) from ScottishRuralNetwork on Vimeo.