Rural development contracts and Natural Care Schemes

The Scottish Government launched the Rural Development Contracts-Rural Priorities scheme in 2008 as part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme.  It replaces previous agri-environment schemes, such as the Rural Stewardship Scheme and Environmentally Sensitive Areas, and is operated jointly by Scottish Government, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.  It offers funding for a wide range of rural activities, including measures related to biodiversity and landscape, combating climate change and supporting rural communities.  

Our previous system of support for managers of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Natura sites, through Natural Care schemes and individual management agreements, is being largely integrated into Rural Priorities. This allows most land managers to have a single contract across all their land, instead of separate contracts with the Scottish Government, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. Integration started in 2009 and will continue over the next few years.

In most cases, Rural Development Contracts offer similar support to that previously available through Natural Care schemes. We are still able to offer direct funding in special circumstances where an SSSI or Natura site requires management measures which are not available through Rural Priorities.

For further information contact: Jenny.Johnson@snh.gov.uk 01786 435393