THE survey work for the second year of the CPS is just getting under way and it is worth looking back and remarking on just how popular the scheme was last year, writes Bruce Philp.

Indeed it could be said that it was a victim of its own success with only around 55% of the 917 applications being accepted because there was insufficient money in the budget to meet the demand.

While this means that many farmers were disappointed, it also shows just how strong an interest there is in conservation in the agricultural community when incentives are on offer.

From the initiation of the scheme SAC has vigorously promoted it, believing that it represents a great opportunity for farming and the countryside.

For the first time it allows farmers to receive support for environmental good without it being tied to reduction of output.

In other words the protection and enhancement of the countryside is being put on par with production.

Of course, at the moment the amount of money likely to be available is still small compared to the total agricultural support budget but it represents a significant step forward.

Farmers are required to agree to protect existing features and habitats of interest while at the same time considering ways in which they could modify their current management or create new habitats and features.

Various management and capital payments compensate the farmer for loss of production or other necessary expenditure and the minimum term of entry is five years.

While this may seem a significant departure from ''normal'' farming, managing a wetland or scrub is, in its own way, as demanding as managing arable land or pasture.

In many ways farmers are the ideal people to do this type of work since they are already professional land managers and many conservation management techniques are simply modified agricultural practices.

The secret is to know what you are trying to achieve and to believe in it.

SAC compiled over 30% of all applications to the scheme last year, in the process generating over #3.5m for its clients.

This year extra staff have been employed to meet the expected demand.

Because there is unlikely to be a significant increase in the budget it seems there will again be a scramble to get accepted which makes it all the more important that farmers have their applications professionally prepared.

All requests for advice and assistance with an application, or for the re-submission of an unsuccessful plan from last year, should in the first instance go to the local SAC advisory office.

As a final point it is worth noting that SOAEFD is proposing to merge the CPS and ESA schemes from next year. A consultation document has been produced outlining ideas and seeking comment.

Not everyone is in favour of the proposal but most see it as a logical next step which will raise the profile of conservation and help to further enhance Scotland's landscape and wildlife.

q Bruce Philp is senior conservation specialist at SAC Environmental Division, Auchincruive.