Less than a week to go until environment-focused Countryside Stewardship deadline

Countryside Stewardship provides financial incentives for land managers to look after their environment
Countryside Stewardship provides financial incentives for land managers to look after their environment

The closing date for submitting completed Countryside Stewardship applications together with all supporting evidence is Friday 30 September 2016.

With less than a week left to apply, farmers and landowners intending to make an application for Countryside Stewardship agreements in 2017 are reminded to submit completed applications as early as possible ahead of the deadline.

The number of Mid Tier CS applicants has increased by 13% this year, with nearly 6,500 packs requested before 31 August.

In one day alone, nearly 500 application packs were requested.

Guy Thompson, Natural England’s Chief Operating Officer, said the organisation has "listened" to farmers and stakeholders about the design of Countryside Stewardship.

The previous Stewardship scheme was a "massive success" with 70% of land area included in an agreement
The previous Stewardship scheme was a "massive success" with 70% of land area included in an agreement

"It is great to see them responding so positively to the changes," Mr Thompson said.

"Not only does it clearly demonstrate the genuine desire of the farming community to protect their local environment but, with the scheme providing successful applicants with a fixed income for five years, it also makes good business sense.

"This year’s Mid Tier and Higher Tier CS schemes were launched on 14 March 2016.

"Both schemes are competitive and targeted and will fund projects to restore habitats, improve water quality and woodland, reduce flood risk, protect landscapes and provide year-round food and shelter for pollinators, birds and other wildlife.

'Intensified' debate

CLA President Ross Murray said the vote for Brexit has "intensified" debate over the relationship between food production and environmental improvements.

"At the same time, the government has shown its commitment to next year’s Countryside Stewardship but the status of agri-environment schemes beyond 2017 remains uncertain.

"As a sector we must continue to demonstrate clearly that farming and environmental management go hand in hand and that we are enthusiastic about building on the successes of stewardship schemes.

"The Countryside Stewardship mid-tier application deadline is approaching and we are reminding CLA members to get any remaining applications in before 30 September," Mr Murray said.

Countryside Stewardship scheme provides financial incentives for land managers to look after their environment through activities such as conserving and restoring wildlife habitat, flood risk management and woodland creation and management.

The scheme is open to all eligible farmers, woodland owners, foresters and other land managers and is suitable for many types of land use (eg conventional and organic farmland, coastal areas, uplands and woodlands).