Search Targeting Tool for AECS options

Many Agri-Environment-Climate Scheme management options are spatially targeted in order to make them available in the locations where they will deliver the greatest benefit. This means that you will need to check which management options are available on your holding. You can only apply for an option if it is listed under your holding (though there is an exception for designated sites as explained below). You must also meet the eligibility requirements for the option.

You must check all location codes separately for all holdings that form part of your farm business and which you wish to include in your AECS application. Some options may only be available on some holdings.

If you find your location code is not being accepted in the Holding Code box below please contact your local RPID office to discuss this matter further.

A full list of management options is also available.

There are rules and management requirements for each option and they must be followed over the course of your contract.

Arable Options

Please note, for all arable options, the spatial targeting maps include the entire upland area. This is to allow for arable activity on the in-bye in these areas, it does not mean all the upland area is eligible for these options. Only land which meets the individual option eligibility requirements can be entered for the option. For example, you cannot apply for Wild Bird Seed for Farmland Birds on rough grazing.

Designated Sites

If you wish to carry out management to benefit a designated site (Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area or Special Area of Conservation) you can apply for any management options which will benefit the special features of the site. However, you must first obtain an endorsement from NatureScot as explained here. If NatureScot provides an endorsement you must then submit this with your AECS application. You can use SiteLink to check designated site locations. You are also strongly advised to seek advice from NatureScot before working up any application for a designated site.

Capital Items

The full list of capital items is shown on this webpage.

For all applications, only essential capital items will be accepted.

For agri-environment applications this would include:

  • Capital items that are directly required to deliver the management option, such as the capital item Creation of Wild Bird Seed for Farmland Birds which is essential for the Wild Bird Seed for Farmland Birds option.
  • Essential complimentary capital items, such as Creation of Wader Scrapes or Cutting of Rush Pasture.
  • Only capital items that are essential to deliver the outcome of your application
  • Some capital items are available throughout the country. However, some are targeted to particular locations. You can only apply for the targeted capital items if they are listed under your MLC on this webpage. (Note that non-targeted capital items are not listed.) The capital items webpage shows which items are targeted.

    Applications for slurry storage

    Slurry Storage will now be available nationally, with the exception of areas designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. Businesses that currently house livestock on slurry based systems with less than 6 months storage capacity will be eligible to apply.

    Note: Holding codes with land contiguous to the boundary of designated NVZ areas or have land which is part in / part out of a designated NVZ will not have Slurry Storage listed in the Targeting Tool as an option that may be eligible to apply for. In these circumstances, the eligibility for Slurry Storage should be checked with the relevant area office before commencing an application.

    Improving Public Access (IPA):

    Improving Public Access will not be opening for applications in 2023.