Farmers and land managers can now submit new applications for the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier.
Farmers and land managers can submit new applications for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier, rewarding them for their actions to protect and improve their natural environment.
- Applications open for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreements starting from 1 January 2024
- Payment rates up by an average of 10% for ongoing activity and 48% for one-off grants, with three years to complete and submit claims
- Annual declaration replaces current claim process to reduce the administrative burden for farmers and landowners
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier offers multi-year agreements and one-off grants for over 250 different actions farmers can take to enhance the environment alongside their farming business, from planting and maintaining new hedgerows or woodland through to restoring peatland and moorlands.
See the full press release here.
