Landscape Actions.

Landscape Actions (LAs) are large-scale measures available to participants in the Co-operation approach of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES). These targeted actions address environmental issues such as invasive species, encroaching scrub, threatened species, and water quality protection, delivering benefits to the local environment.

What are Landscape Actions (LAs)?

Landscape Actions (LAs) are targeted environmental actions available to participants in the Co-operation approach of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES). These actions aim to address issues like invasive species, encroaching scrub, threatened species, and water quality, helping to improve the local environment.

LAs are designed to tackle problems identified in the results-based payment scorecards—issues that may be lowering scores. By carrying out these actions, participants can improve their field or commonage scores over time, which can lead to higher payments.

ACRES Co-operation Project (CP) participants can apply for LAs through their local CP Team. The CP Team submits a Landscape Action – Annual Works Plan (LA-AWP) using the GLAM mapping system, managed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Each action must be screened and approved before work begins. Participants must wait for the LA-AWP Approval Letter before starting any work. This ensures all necessary checks and validations are completed in advance.

DAFM may carry out inspections, audits, research, or evaluations on these actions at any reasonable time—even after ACRES contracts have ended.

Some Examples of Landscape Actions (LAs).

  • Machine scrub removal to manage encroaching vegetation and protect species-rich habitats

  • Invasive species control, such as Rhododendron or Japanese Knotweed

  • Targeted grazing, e.g. using cattle with virtual collars to manage Molinia grass in upland areas

  • For farmers in areas with Breeding Waders (like Curlew), actions might include:

    • Predator-proof fencing and maintenance

    • Wader scrapes to create shallow feeding areas

    • Delayed mowing to protect nesting birds

    • Scrub removal to reduce predator cover

  • In Corncrake areas, Landscape Actions may include:

    • Corncrake delayed mowing or grazing

    • Corncrake Early Late Cover ELC (crop) to provide cover for Corncrakes in early spring and late in the season when adjacent meadows are short

    • Corncrake Early Late Cover (natural) applying manure/rotten bales, and establishing at least one of the following to provide tall vegetation: Nettles, Cow Parsley, Common Hogweed or Yellow Flag Iris

Key Landscape Action Documents.

Click on the images below to view.

Application Now Open — Deadline September 30th.

The application window for Landscape Actions opened on July 18th 2025 and will close on September 30th, 2025.

The ACRES CP Teams are currently active on the ground, working directly with farmers across the Donegal co-operation zone. This includes:

  • On-farm visits to assess suitability

  • One-to-one farmer clinics to discuss available actions

  • Accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from eligible farmers

Get in contact with your CP Team or your approved ACRES advisor today to discuss what’s possible for your farm.