Most expressions of interest received so far are for species-rich grassland agreements under Defra’s Higher Tier process
Demand for Defra’s new simplified Higher Tier agreements has topped 650 expressions of interest, with species-rich grassland accounting for most applications so far.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs introduced the new Expression of Interest process in July as part of efforts to widen access to Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier.
Defra said up to 1,200 single-focus agreements would initially be made available, meaning the number of EOIs received has already passed half that total.
However, submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee that an agreement will ultimately be offered.
The new process allows farmers and land managers to express interest in agroforestry and woodland improvement.
Separate single-focus agreements have also been introduced for species-rich grassland and scheduled monument management, giving applicants the option to concentrate on a specific environmental outcome.
Defra said the response so far “reflects the appeal of a simpler approach” to delivering targeted environmental benefits.
Most of the EOIs received to date relate to species-rich grassland, although the department is continuing to encourage applications for scheduled monument management.
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier is aimed at more complex environmental and land management work, often involving habitats, historic features and sites requiring greater levels of advice and oversight.
Under the new arrangements, Natural England will discuss species-rich grassland applications with interested farmers and land managers.
Historic England will contact applicants seeking scheduled monument management agreements to discuss proposals and whether site visits are required.
Defra said the scheduled monument agreements can support the protection of important historic features while allowing appropriate land management to continue.
Farmers and land managers interested in both species-rich grassland and scheduled monument management must submit a separate EOI for each.
Applicants are also being advised to check their business details and permissions are up to date in the Rural Payments service before completing the online form.
Defra warned there is no automatic validation within the EOI form, meaning incorrect information or insufficient permissions to act for a business could delay an application or prevent it from progressing.
Applicants should be contacted within 10 weeks of submitting an EOI with information on the next stage.
Defra said an EOI represents the first step in the process and gives relevant advisers the opportunity to discuss the proposal with the applicant.
The department said it plans to continue expanding access to Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier and will announce further opportunities as they become available.