CSS Timetable

The main elements of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) should open for applications on the 14^th March this year.  Both the Mid-tier and Higher-tier will be programmes will be available from this date.  The closing date for 2016 applications (for a 1^st January 2017 agreement start date) will be the 30^th September.  As written last month, the windows for other parts of the scheme such as the Boundaries and Water Quality Grants have different opening and closing dates.  A full calendar has been made available online at – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-2016-application-timetable

Last year the window for the Mid and Higher tiers only opened in July.  The idea this year is to allow a longer period for applicants to apply; and which also does not correspond to one of the busiest periods in the farming year.  Full, consolidated guidance is already available to help with the process, see – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-manual-print-version.  Again, this is in contrast to last year where decisions and revisions to the scheme rules were still being made right up to the application deadline.