Environmental funding welcomed but farmers call for clarity
BACKING: Farmers will be supported to improve public access for activities such as walking.
A funding channel that supports environmental land management is to reopen after months of intense lobbying by Scottish farming, crofting and environmental organisations.
The Scottish Government announced a new round of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) will open in late January – but only for targeted range of options, and without any detail on what funding is to be made available.
The AECS will focus on designated sites, organics, management supporting farmland waders, corn buntings and corncrakes, slurry stores and improving public access for activities such as walking and cycling.