AECS & Pains on the Croft – Event Summary

This was a joint meeting between FAS & the Soil Association (Scotland) and was held on a working croft near Ullapool.  The event was dedicated to helping crofters identify habitats and management that would is beneficial to the environment.

Habitats that are commonly found on Highland crofts includ species rich grassland, wetland, unimproved acid grassland/grass heath, scrub and water margins. The group discussed the identifying features of each habitat type, the wildlife they support, and how they can be managed to enhance or improve their condition.

An in-depth discussion covered different options for fencing and managing grasslands, as well as capital options that would be beneficial for long term improvements to the croft and its infrastructure.  Advice on reducing diffuse pollution was provided and included how to reduce erosion and run off into ditches, watercourses and moorlands to benefit priority water catchments and livestock biosecurity.  You can read more on how to reduce diffuse pollution on the Farming And Water Scotland website.

During the afternoon session, the group were taken through the basic principles sustainable grazing management, how to access information about local wildlife priorities, and how working as a community can provide long term benefits and help share workload, machinery and skills.

Funding may be available to assist with priority habitat management and diffuse pollution mitigation measures under the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) from The Scottish Government.  Full details on options for which your holding may be targeted for are available on the Rural Payments & Services webpage.  The next round of AECS will open in January 2018.

Downloads related to the topics discussed at this meeting are available below.