Dividing Agri-Environment Scheme Money

As with any pot of money there are numerous ways of distributing it. While every common is different there are a number of general approaches that have been successful. Which is appropriate in a specific case will depend on the circumstances and in particular, if it has just come out of a scheme, what was previously agreed. Here are a number of suggested options:

  • Pay per ewe removed from the common with extra payments for off-wintering if required.

  • Allocate a notional area to each commoner depending on their rights (or pre-agreement stocking levels) and allocate the number of sheep and money pro-rata according to that area. Commoners can then trade with their neighbours to put out more or less sheep and their payments are adjusted accordingly.

  • Pay per grazing animal put on the common

  • Allocate the funds pro-rata per stint and then allow commoners to trade stints with the proviso that payments are only be paid to active graziers. If required, additional offwintering payments can be made.

  • Pay a nominal amount per registered common right and then the balance is paid according to the above suggestions.

  • A two tier approach, distributing a basic sum of mony pro rata on registered rights (to all those who have an active interest in the management of the land) topped-up with payment pro rata to the established number of grazing livestock (that meet the requirements of the agreement).


The requirements for ELS, Uplands ELS and HLS are different and, therefore, you will need to divide the respective payments accordingly. Allowances would need to be made for those who have agreed to reduce stock numbers (often under HLS) and are undertaking specific tasks, e.g. maintaining a minimum level of grazing and winter livestock removal. Be aware that a HLS agreement may be underpinned by an ELS or Uplands ELS agreement

Rozzie Weir