News

Keep up to date with the latest Stags news

2020 Countryside Stewardship application window now open

2020 Countryside Stewardship application window now open The Countryside Stewardship application window is now open, meaning applications can now be submitted for Mid-Tier, Higher-Tier, the four Wildlife Offers (Arable, Lowland Grazing, Upland and Mixed Farming) and the Hedgerows and Boundaries Capital Grant.

Application packs for Higher-Tier must have been ordered before 31 March 2020 and an application made by 1 May 2020, while those for Mid-Tier must be ordered by 31 May (on paper) or 30 June (on-line) and an application made by 31 July. 

Both Higher and Mid-Tier offer funding for revenue options, such as low inputs, hedgerow management and overwintered stubble and capital terms, such as stock fencing, hedge laying and waterpipes. Successful applicants will be offered an agreement with a 1 January 2021 start date for a five-year term. Higher-Tier agreements can continue for 20 years depending on the options chosen. 

Meanwhile the Hedgerows and Boundaries Capital Grant will also be available for 2020, with the application window closing on 1 May. This is a useful grant for landowners who do not wish to enter into a stewardship agreement but would like to carry out capital works to improve their boundaries. Fencing is not paid for but works that are supported include hedge laying, coppicing and stone wall restoration. Each business can apply for a maximum grant of £10,000 and agreements should commence from July 2020 for a two-year term.

Example of work carried out under the Hedgerows and Boundaries Grant in 2019


If you would like more information about the grants available under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, contact Stags Professional Services today.