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Countryside stewardship
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT)
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) provides funding for farmers and land managers to protect, restore and enhance the environment while helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The scheme supports more complex environmental projects, including the management of priority habitats, historic features, woodland and agroforestry, with agreements tailored to the individual landholding.
A new Expression of Interest (EOI) process is now open, widening access to Higher Tier for eligible farmers and land managers.
What can you submit an Expression of Interest for?
Expressions of Interest can currently be submitted for:
- Agroforestry
- Woodland improvement
- Scheduled monument management
- Species-rich grassland
Scheduled monument management and species-rich grassland are available through new single-focus agreements, designed to provide a simpler route into Higher Tier for specific environmental priorities.
Initially, up to 1,200 single-focus agreements will be available. Depending on the features and characteristics of your land, it may be possible to have more than one single-focus agreement, although a separate EOI is required for each.
Read our full guide to the new CSHT Expression of Interest process
What do you need before submitting an EOI?
Before starting an Expression of Interest, it is important to make sure your business details, email address and permissions are up to date on the Rural Payments service.
Depending on the type of agreement you are interested in, you may also need an approved agroforestry or woodland improvement plan.
Our Stewardship & Grants team can help you understand the requirements and prepare the information needed before submitting your EOI.
What happens after submitting an EOI?
You should be contacted with the outcome within 10 weeks of submitting your Expression of Interest, using the main email address registered on the Rural Payments service.
Submitting an EOI does not guarantee that you will be offered a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreement.
Preparing for a CSHT application
If you’re considering Higher Tier, it is worth preparing early.
Depending on your project, you may need:
- An approved woodland management or improvement plan
- An agreed agroforestry plan
- Species management plans
- A feasibility study or implementation plan
- Supporting advice from organisations such as Natural England or the Forestry Commission
Preparatory grants may also be available for eligible projects.
Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier & Capital Grants
Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier is closed to new applications, but existing agreements continue until their end date.
CXCS can continue to support clients with existing agreements, including:
- Mid Tier revenue claims
- Capital Grant claims
- Ongoing agreement management
- Queries relating to existing agreements
- Liaison with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) regarding claims, payments or other queries
For farmers and land managers looking for new funding opportunities, our Stewardship & Grants team can also advise on the current schemes and grants that may be suitable for your farm.
How CXCS can help
Our Stewardship & Grants team can help you:
- Understand whether CSHT is suitable for your land
- Prepare and submit Expressions of Interest
- Liaise with Natural England or Forestry Commission on pre-application advice
- Prepare and submit an application
- Support you through the application process
- Manage your agreement and claims
- Liaise with the RPA on your behalf throughout your agreement
Further help & advice
If you’re considering Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier or would like advice on the most appropriate stewardship options for your farm, our Stewardship & Grants team is here to help.
Please call 01981 590514 or email info@cxcs.co.uk to speak to our team.