Scottish Rural Development (AECS)
AECS mixtures
Wild Bird Seed For Farmland Birds
Each spring, you must create and manage a crop with a seed mixture which must include at least three small seed-bearing crops to include both a cereal and an oil-rich crop (e.g. oats, triticale, barley, quinoa, linseed, millet, mustard, fodder radish).
Creation of Beetle Banks
It will benefit valuable insects, such as beetles, spiders and bumblebees, by providing tussocky grassy strips for them to overwinter within large arable fields. This will in turn help control crop pests and aid pollution.
Creation of Water Margins
To be used for water margins immediately adjacent to still or running water, including ditches which may be dry for part of the year. It will benefit a variety of wildlife and help improve water quality by preventing soil erosion and intercepting water run-off.
Creation of Grass Strips
It will benefit a variety of wildlife and help improve water quality by preventing soil erosion and intercepting water run-off. It will help to improve soil structure and connect habitats.
Creation of Species Rich Grassland
You must sow the area with a wildflower meadow mix to establish a new sward. The mix must include at least 15 percent by weight of mixed Scottish native flowers.
Stubbles followed by Green Manure in an Arable Rotation
After harvest, retain the stubble overwinter and then establish a green manure crop (such as forage rye, chicory, mustard or legumes) from 1 March the following spring. The seed mix must include at least one annual flowering plant (e.g. vetch, clover or phacelia)
Forage Brassicas for Farmland Birds
Each year, establish a forage brassica crop
