CSS Priority Statements

Those wishing to apply to the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) can now see the local ‘Statements of Priorities’.  All applications for the CSS will be scored against the features and issues judged most important in that locality.  The priorities for each area (all 159 of them) are designed to help England achieve its ambitions under Biodiversity 2020 and the Water Framework Directive.  Data from Natural England, the Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency has been used to develop the targeting statements.

Each of the Statements aims to guide applicants towards making a successful application.  Applications should select at least one top priority, this will score the highest, choosing other additional priorities will also help raise scores.  The Statements set out the key habitats, wildlife and bird species in each area. The use of the Wild Pollinator and Farm Wildlife package is explained in further detail. This package of options helps supply food, nesting sites and shelter.  If used over a large enough area, 3-5% for Mid Tier or 5-10% for Higher Tier, it can improve an application’s score. 

The actual application process will be completed online using the Rural Payment System, with application submitted between July and September 2015. With the issues faced getting BPS online there are some concerns that the system may not be as slick as we hoped.

The online service will show the priorities for each land parcel and the appropriate option to address those priorities. Success in the process will depend on how well an agreement meets the scheme priorities and a top-up score for meeting other important criteria (yet to be announced!).  Details of all of the Statements of Priorities can be found at – https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/countryside-stewardship-statements-of-priorities