Farmers have two more months during which they can make an application for the 2016 Hedgerow and Boundaries Grant Scheme, but many producers will find that they will be ineligible under the new scheme rules.
Paul Dennison, farm business consultant in Strutt & Parker’s Northallerton office, said the scheme was welcome in that it was an opportunity for farmers and landowners to access funding to carry out valuable environmental work.
“However, the eligibility criteria for the hedgerow and boundaries scheme is more limited than people realise.
“Many farmers are finding they are ineligible for grant funding because they already have another agri-environment scheme agreement in place.
“It excludes anyone who has an Environmental Stewardship, multi-year Countryside Stewardship or English Woodland Grant Scheme agreement on 1 July 2016.
“This means there are thousands of people with existing Entry Level Scheme (ELS) or Higher Level Scheme (HLS) agreements who will find they are not eligible. This is disappointing for them and does feel like a step backwards.”
The Hedgerow and Boundaries Grant Scheme, which is open for applications until 30 April 2016, is a standalone capital grant under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme umbrella.
It offers farmers up to £5,000 to restore boundary features, such as hedges, stone walls and earth banks.
