Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS)

The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme 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.

The funding available under the scheme 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 NatureScot and you can find more information here.