Rural projects that protect the environment and mitigate the impact of climate change will share £34m of Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) funding.

A total of 472 businesses will benefit from the latest award which promotes environmentally friendly land management practices and looks to protect and enhance Scotland’s natural heritage.

This brings the total committed to rural businesses under AECS since 2015 to more than £211m, benefiting almost 3,000 applicants.

However, ministers have made a decision that there won’t be a normal AECS application round in 2020. Instead, there will be one-year extensions available for AECS contracts that expire in 2020 to ensure that there is continued support for vital land management required for biodiversity and climate change.

Many farmers are doing wonderful work to improve, create and link important habitats and the vulnerable wildlife they support

Rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Facing a global climate emergency, the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme has proven to be a successful way of supporting farmers, crofters and land managers to promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices.”

Nature-rich

Francesca Osowska, Scottish Natural Heritage’s chief executive, said: “A nature-rich Scotland is key to reducing the effects of climate change, so it’s great news that farmers and crofters will have additional funding to continue their important work supporting Scotland’s biodiversity.

“Many farmers are doing wonderful work to improve, create and link important habitats and the vulnerable wildlife they support – like brown hares, corncrake and curlew.

“This extra funding will also ensure that work to reduce the risk of flooding and improve water quality will continue.”