The natural care programme

SNH's Natural Care Strategy was launched in 2001 to encourage positive management of SSSIs and Natura sites. A wide variety of Natural Care schemes have been operating throughout Scotland since then, ranging from corncrake schemes in the Hebrides to lowland bog and grassland schemes in Central Scotland. The schemes have all involved SNH staff working closely with land managers to address the conservation needs of these special sites while taking account of the day to day practicalities of land management. Each scheme has offered a range of management measures with standard payments attached. SNH has also continued to offer individual management agreements for conservation management on sites with no Natural Care scheme.

Integration of Natural Care into RDC-Rural Priorities

SNH Natural Care schemes and individual agreements are largely being phased out, as Natural Care becomes integrated into the new Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities scheme  . Integration started in 2009 and will continue over the next few years. As a result, virtually all Natural Care schemes are now closed for application. One exception is the Strath Carnaig hen harrier scheme in North Highland Area, which is open for application until October 2010.

Scottish Natural Heritage will continue to honour existing management agreements but will not normally enter into new agreements to replace these. If your SNH agreement is due to expire you will normally be expected to make an application to Rural Priorities. We would recommend that you contact your local SNH officer well before the expiry date, to discuss how Rural Develoment Contracts can address the management needs of your site.

In most cases, Rural Priorities can offer similar support to that previously available through Natural Care schemes. However, SNH can still offer direct funding in cases where an SSSI or Natura site requires specialised management which is not available through Rural Priorities. (Please note that this process of integration into Rural Priorities does not apply to goose management schemes.)