CSS Update April 7, 2015 12:00 am The RPA has published a further update on the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme. This explains how the scheme works, what current agreement holders can apply for, and the timings for applications in 2015. The full publication can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-update. The document does not provide full guidance; we are still waiting on the detailed scoring process. However there are some points to note; applications for organic conversion and maintenance options are not competitive; all eligible applicants will be granted agreements (subject to budget availability) applicants who are part of a facilitated group, receive endorsement from a Catchment Sensitive Farming officer, or who meet the requirements of the Wild Pollinator and Farm Wildlife Package are more likely to be successful a survey will be required for Higher Tier (HT) applications, this will be completed by a Natural England adviser and will be provided free of charge applicants interested in applying for HT starting Jan 2016 must express interest by 30th June 2015 HLS agreement holders which expire during 2016 may be able to apply for HT for a January 2016 start date. existing agreements holders (ES and EWGS) can apply for capital grants under woodland tree health, woodland management plan and water grant categories.
