Scottish Rural Development Programme
Funding for rural Scotland is available through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2014–2020.
The main priorities of SRDP are to:
- enhance the rural economy
- support agricultural and forestry businesses
- protect and improve the natural environment
- address the impacts of climate change
- support rural communities
The Scottish Government delivers SRDP in partnership with other public bodies, including NatureScot and Forestry Commission Scotland.
Find out more on the Scottish Government SRDP web pages.
SRDP 2014–2020 schemes
The schemes include:
• Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS)
• Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS)
AECS promotes land management that protects and enhances Scotland’s natural heritage, improves water quality, manages flood risk, and helps us to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
AECS also provides funding for access projects, under the Improving Public Access (IPA) option. Further details can be found on the Improving Public Access (IPA) web page.
The Improving Public Access (IPA) aspect of AECS did not reopen for applications in 2019 or 2020, following a record number of high quality applications in 2018. In recognition of the increased demand in 2018, £3.5m was allocated to deliver new and upgraded paths across Scotland's rural areas, but this success means that the 2014-20 programme budget is now fully committed. Information has been provided to stakeholders and key customers and included on RPID and NatureScot websites. Any IPA queries can be directed to IPA Co-ordinator Bridget Jones; [email protected]
Forestry Grant Scheme
FGS supports the sustainable management of existing woodlands and the creation of new woodlands. FGS also offers funding for access projects in woodland, as part of the Woodland Improvement Grant – Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT).
Applying to SRDP for designated sites
You may wish to apply to SRDP for funding to manage your designated site – Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) or Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
We strongly recommend that you contact us to discuss your proposal before you submit your application.
How to get help or advice on SRDP
NatureScot has four main SRDP enquiries teams:
North (Highland, Orkney, Shetland)
Telephone (Golspie): 01463 701 608
Email: mailto:[email protected]
East (Tayside, Grampian, Forth)
Telephone (Battleby): 01738 444177
Email: mailto:[email protected]
South (Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Dumfries & Galloway, Borders)
Telephone (Dumfries): 01738 458678
Email: mailto:[email protected]
West (Argyll, Outer Hebrides)
Telephone (Oban): 0300 244 9360
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Alternatively, view details for your local NatureScot area office.
You can also raise queries with your local Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division (SGRPID) enquiries team.
For queries about forestry and SRDP, contact your local Scottish Forestry conservancy office.
Previous SRDP schemes
AECS and FGS replace the two 2007–2013 SRDP schemes below:
- Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities scheme (RDC-RP)
- Rural Development Contracts – Land Managers Options scheme (LMO)
Any existing contracts under these schemes will continue until their expiry date.
Find out more
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