Defra has provided an update on Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT).
- To better reflect the contributions made by those with HLS agreements and to support the continued protection and management of these sites, Defra are increasing HLS payment rates.
- They are also encouraging those considering applying for a CSHT agreement to familiarise themselves with the process to prepare.
Higher Level Stewardship payment rate increase
All HLS agreement holders will be eligible, but the change to payment rates will depend on the options contained in the actual agreement. Agreement holders will see an increase to the value of their agreements from the 2025 claim year. If you have an option with a payment rate that is increasing, the new rate will be paid as part of your usual claim payment from December 2025. A table showing the updated payment rates for each HLS option will be published as soon as possible.
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier
Defra are rolling out an improved CSHT scheme this year and have started inviting farmers and land managers to begin the pre-application process.
If you are not able to enter CSHT straightaway, you can still take steps to prepare, including applying for capital grants to help you prepare plans to support a CSHT application. For example, grants are available for an implementation plan, woodland management plan, agroforestry plan, species management plan or a feasibility study, as well as a Moorland Mapping tool.
Find out more by reading the Defra Farming Blog: An update on Higher Level Stewardship and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier
