On the 29th February an Expressions of Interest (EOI) window opened for the Sustainable Management Scheme (SMS); a brand new scheme funded through the Welsh Governments Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The aim of the scheme is to support collaborative landscape-scale projects delivering action to improve our natural resources in a way which delivers benefits to farm and rural businesses and rural communities.
The Welsh Government recognises that by supporting joined-up, collaborative action at the right scale, it can maximise opportunities to improve the services our natural resources provide. It will also help address the potential impacts of climate change on our rural businesses, infrastructure and communities, and meet international responsibilities and obligations, while enabling agricultural and rural businesses to take full advantage of the economic opportunities available.
The scheme also offers the exciting potential to act as a catalyst for the development and delivery of collaborative projects trialling new products and identifying new markets – using Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) including:
- a catchment based approach to reduce flooding;
- biomass energy mechanisms using the surplus from habitat management;
- climate change mitigation through peatland restoration;
- nutrient offsetting schemes for water quality improvements;
- reduction or re-use of waste materials in ways that support sustainable land management.
It is envisaged that the SMS could compliment and support the new UK Peatland Code in securing private investment for peatland restoration.
The scheme is open to applications from SME and large businesses, education or research establishments, farmers, foresters, community or voluntary groups (inclusive of all non-government organisations) that operate principally in a rural area and are engaged in agriculture, forestry or other land management. This includes associations of owners and community woodlands, trusts and local authorities.
The eligible activities that can be funded through the scheme are:
- Development and co-ordination of collaborative groups and management of projects
- Collaborative actions including capital items, machinery and contractor labour
- Communication and dissemination
- Research, technical advice and feasibility studies
- Monitoring and Evaluation
The EOI window will be open for three months and has a budget allocation of £5m.
For further information on the scheme and full details of how to apply please go to:
Enquiries can be directed to the SMS mailbox:
