Hedgerow and Boundaries Grant Opens

The Countryside Stewardship Hedgerows and Boundaries grant has opened for applications. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to fund works across 12 capital items (detailed below). Applications, which are competitively scored must be submitted by 30^th April 2016.

Agreements will run for a maximum of two years and items funded must be retained for 5 years from the start of the agreement.

Tenants are able to apply for this grant.  However, if the tenant does not have full control over the land for 5 years from the agreement start date the application must be countersigned by the landlord to say that the items will be retained for the full 5 years.  Licensees, those with common land and shared grazing agreements may also be eligible.

The scoring process is laid out in detail in the guidance booklet.  Supplementary points are given for those with previous agri-environment funding (in a bid to retain the benefits from previous investments).  Points will be added for hedge and wall options (BN5,BN6, BN7, TE1 and BN12) as well as for the size of holding (small holdings with more items will score the highest).  Points will also be added for those who are involved with a Facilitation group.  Points will be deducted where applications are low value (under £1,000).

Full guidance is available from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-hedgerows-and-boundaries-grant-manual-2016.  The application form is available from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-capital-grant-application-form