Farmers and land managers are being urged to apply for the Mid-Tier and Higher Tier of Countryside Stewardship, which has opened today (10 March).
This is a targeted scheme which funds 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.
Countryside Stewardship grants will be offered to those who propose to make the best environmental improvements within their local area.
The Mid Tier of Countryside Stewardship offers five-year agreements for environmental improvements in the wider countryside, such as reducing diffuse water pollution or improving the environment for birds, pollinators and farm wildlife.
Higher Tier specifically focuses on environmentally important sites, including commons and woodlands, where the more complex management requires support from Natural England or the Forestry Commission, including tailoring of options.
Farming Minister George Eustice said the Countryside Stewardship scheme plays a 'crucial role' in enhancing the UK environment.
He said: "Conserving and restoring habitats to help wildlife recover, creating woodlands to improve air quality and reduce flood risk, and improving our landscapes to increase productivity and resilience. I encourage farmers and land owners across the country to apply."
Left in the dark
But some farmers, who have applied for past applications, have been left in the dark over their status.
Farmers who applied for the mid-tier Countryside Stewardship Scheme are said to be still waiting for a response from Natural England if they have been successful, despite it being weeks after they expected agreements to have started on 1 January 2017.
The rural sector has called on Natural England to offer a detailed explanation as to what is holding up agreements and clear guidance on when farmers will be told if they have been successful or not.
However, Natural England has said improvements have been made to the application process this year, to make it easier to apply, including simplifying evidence requirements for claims and applications wherever possible.
Despite this, applications have increased by almost 45 per cent in 2016 compared to 2015.
Application packs can be requested from Natural England by calling 0300 060 3900. Those thinking of applying for the Higher Tier, including woodland support, will need to have submitted an initial application by 05 May 2017. Higher Tier application packs will need to be requested no later than 13 April. Mid Tier application packs will need to be requested no later than 31 July 2017 so Natural England can send out the maps and evidence requirements in time for farmers and land managers to develop their application and submit it by 30 September 2017.
