It has been confirmed that the Countryside Stewardship (CS) Higher Tier scheme which provides grants to help farmers protect, restore, or enhance the environment, is set to continue as a standalone part of Environmental Land Management in England. The application window will open in the winter, with agreements starting in January 2025. Defra have been improving the offer, making it simpler and reducing the burden of seeking advice and endorsement.
This summer, Defra will publish CS Higher Tier information setting out who is eligible, how to apply and request specialist advice for Higher Tier actions alongside details of each Higher Tier action available to apply for.
If farmers are eligible to apply for CS Higher Tier actions, they will need specialist advice before they start their application, which they will normally get through Natural England or Forestry Commission. They may need additional advice from Historic England or the Environment Agency, depending on the actions they want to do.
Later this summer, farmers will be able to start working with Natural England or Forestry Commission to prepare an application. This includes any feasibility studies or plans they may need to complete.
Eligible farmers will be able to submit their online application for CS Higher Tier in the Rural Payments service this winter, with the first agreements starting from early 2025. Applications will then stay open throughout the year, so you can choose when to apply.
Defra is confident its new, more automated processing system will be able to turn applications around in days rather than months, with agreements starting the month after the application is approved.
For further help and advice please contact our Stewardship & Grants team on 01981 590514.
