Land management and agri-environment schemes for hunting and shooting businesses
Managing your land well will help you:
- save money
- avoid causing pollution
- protect local habitats
- reduce the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events
- get funding through government grant schemes.
There are schemes which reward landowners who manage their land well.
Agri-environment schemes
Agri-environment schemes pay farmers and other land managers who demonstrate good environmental management on their land. For example you may receive funding for:
- supporting natural habitats and biodiversity
- enhancing the landscape
- improving the water, air or soil quality.
There are different schemes in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
DAERA: Agri-environment schemes
Scottish Government: Agri-environment climate scheme
Single payment scheme in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, if you meet the requirements of cross compliance, you may qualify to claim payments under the single farm payment scheme (SFPS).
To receive SFPS payments, and payments under some other rural schemes, you must maintain certain standards, known as statutory management requirements (SMRs), and keep your land in good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC). You will have to demonstrate that you meet standards on public, animal and plant health, the environment and animal welfare on your farm, and that you conserve habitats and manage soil and water.
See our guidance on cross compliance and agri-environment schemes.
Basic Payment Scheme in Scotland
The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) provides support payments for farmers and crofters in Scotland, to supplement farm income and help maintain agricultural businesses.
To receive payments, applicants must be actively farming, hold eligible land and payment entitlements, and submit an annual application.
The scheme is linked to environmental responsibilities, requiring farmers to meet Greening and Cross Compliance standards covering sustainable land management, environmental protection, and animal and plant health. Additional support may also be available through other schemes.
Scottish Government Rural Payments and Services: Basic Payment Scheme
Muirburn in Scotland
From 15 September 2026, a licence will be required to carry out muirburn on any land in Scotland.
A new licencing system has been introduced in Scotland, under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.
Businesses or individuals in Scotland can now apply for muirburn licences from NatureScot.
NatureScot: Muirburn licencing
A muirburn licence may be granted for 12 purposes.
For non-peatland, the purposes are:
- managing the habitats of moorland game or wildlife
- improving the grazing potential of moorland for livestock
- conserving, restoring, enhancing or managing the natural environment
- preventing, or reducing the risk of, wildfires causing damage to habitats
- preventing, or reducing the risk of, wildfires causing harm to people or damage to property
- research
- training
For peatland, the purposes are:
- restoring the natural environment
- preventing, or reducing the risk of, wildfires causing damage to habitats
- preventing, or reducing the risk of, wildfires causing harm to people or damage to property
- research
- training
Read the muirburn code for details on how to carry out muirburn safely and appropriately.
NatureScot: Muirburn licencing
Further information
British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC): Rural land management
Other relevant NetRegs guidance
Land and soil management for agricultural businesses