Countryside Stewardship Applications

July marksthe start of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) application window.  Applications must be submitted between July and September although those interested in Higher Tier must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) Form by 15^th July (this has been extended from the previous 30th June deadline)

Higher Tier (HT)

Those wishing to enter the Higher Tier will need to complete an EOI Form.  This can be found at – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-expression-of-interest.  it asks for details of the applicant, the land, any SSSI’s, Scheduled monuments, habitat restoration works, priority areas for water quality and flood risk and any historical environment features.  Those who are successful with their EOI will be offered support from Natural England / Forestry Commission with their application.  Those who are not successful are still able to apply for HT (with limited support) or can apply for Middle Tier. Woodland only Higher Tier draft applications may be submitted up to 31st July, applications forms are due to be published shortly.

A environmental survey will be required for HT, although unlike the Farm Environment Plan under HLS these will be carried out free of charge by a Natural England advisor.

Middle Tier (MT)

Middle Tier applications can also be made between July and September. These are competitive (unless they are Organic which are non-competitive).  Chances of a successful application can be improved if it is;

• part of a facilitated group
• endorsed by a Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer – there are a number of capital items and option that can only be applied for if they have been endorsed by a CSFO
  
• meet the requirements for the Wild Pollinator and Farm Wildlife Package – a certain proportion of land needs to be under one of these packages’ management options – 3-5% for Middle Tier and 5-10% for Higher Tier.

A list of options is now available from https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants.  The Countryside Stewardship Grants tool lists the available options, their payment rates, double funding issues and basic management prescriptions.  The management of the options under CSS seem much more prescriptive than those under Environmental Stewardship. There is more of a focus on record keeping and evidence to be submitted with the annual claim form.  As an example, the rules under CSS for two common options widely used under the previous ES are detailed below;

BE3 – Hedgerow management.  These must be cut only once every three years, records of the timing and frequency of cutting must be kept for each parcel where this option is used. A photograph of each hedge entered is required in support of the annual claim.

AB1 – Nectar flower mix. This must be a mix of 4 nectar rich plants (at least 2 perennials). The area must be established between 15^th March to 30^th April or 15^th July to 30^th August.  Rotationally, 50% of the area must be cut each year between 15^th April and 31^st May.  The whole area must be cut each year and the cuttings removed of shredded between 15^th Sept and 30^th March.  A record of the grazing activity for the parcel must be kept along with a photograph of the established mix and seed invoices to be submitted with the annual claim.

Even those with existing stewardship agreements can apply if they are planning on entering HT from a HLS expiring in 2016.  Agreement holders with an Entry Level Scheme expiring before 31^st December 2015 can apply this year.  Those with a agreement expiring after this date will need to wait until 2016.

It seems likely that this year will be the easiest year to enter. There is likely to be fewer applicants (as everyone gets to grip with the rules) and therefore less competition.