Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier Capital Grants Announced

Updated on the 16th of January 2025

The higher tier of countryside stewardship (CS) is where the art of land management meets its most ambitious goals. Designed for complex and large-scale projects, this scheme helps farmers and landowners tackle significant environmental challenges—from restoring moorlands to managing precious woodlands. With updates in 2024 and 2025 making the process smoother and the funding more generous, now is an excellent time to consider the higher tier for your land.

What is higher tier countryside stewardship?

Higher tier countryside stewardship supports projects requiring detailed planning and collaboration to achieve advanced environmental outcomes. Think of it as the orchestra conductor of stewardship, bringing together different elements of the landscape to work in harmony. These projects often involve protected habitats, priority species, or heritage sites and require input from ecological and environmental experts.

Funding in the higher tier reflects the scale and complexity of these projects. For example, moorland restoration can attract payments of up to £300 per hectare annually, while woodland management plans may receive up to £200 per hectare, with additional funding for infrastructure like fencing and access routes.

What’s on offer: tailored solutions for every landowner

The expanded higher tier countryside stewardship scheme is a one-stop shop for landowners seeking to balance environmental stewardship with productive land use. The breadth of the offer ensures that whether you’re managing farmland, woodland, or sensitive habitats, there are funding options to match your vision.

• Tree planting and woodland management: Funding supports the creation of new woodlands or integration of agroforestry systems into farmland. For example, payments of up to £6,800 per hectare are available for woodland creation, with additional funding for essential items like fencing and tree shelters. Agroforestry practices—where trees are integrated into grazing or cropping systems—are also supported, delivering benefits like improved soil health and reduced flood risk.
• Flood management: If your land is prone to waterlogging or flooding, grants are available to fund measures such as leaky dams (£2,000 per structure) and sediment traps (up to £1,500 per site). These interventions not only mitigate flood risks but also enhance water quality and support aquatic biodiversity.
• Hedgerows and boundaries: Restoring hedgerows is a high-priority action, with payments of £22 per metre for planting and £4.40 per metre for stone wall restoration. These measures can boost biodiversity by providing shelter and food for wildlife, while also improving the visual appeal of your land.
• Species and habitat conservation: From creating ponds to enhancing grasslands, these actions are crucial for protecting native species and restoring ecosystems. Grants start at £600 per hectare, with higher rates for projects addressing particularly vulnerable species or habitats.
• Historic and archaeological features: Many landowners are stewards of historic landscapes or archaeological features. The scheme includes funding for preserving these assets, with grants of up to £20,000 for specialist conservation work and £500 per feature for invasive plant removal.

This wide-ranging offer reflects a key principle of the scheme: tailored solutions that address the specific needs of each landholding.

What’s new for 2025?

Recent updates have introduced key improvements to make the higher tier more accessible and impactful:

1. Streamlined application process:
   • Applications now integrate with other schemes, such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), simplifying submissions and aligning objectives.
2. Expanded funding categories:
   • New actions support agroforestry (£6,800 per hectare) and water quality improvements (£1,500 per sediment trap).
   • Premiums for landscape-scale projects encourage collaboration between neighbouring landowners.
3. Enhanced support for upland and tenant farmers:
   • Upland holdings can access bespoke funding packages tailored to their unique challenges.
   • Tenant farmers benefit from updated eligibility rules, ensuring they can participate without needing long-term leases.
4. Increased payment rates:
   • Many actions now offer higher payments, reflecting inflation and the value of environmental services delivered. For example, creating riparian buffers now attracts up to £1,200 per hectare annually.

How does the application process work?

Applying for the higher tier can feel like planning a barn raising—it takes preparation, collaboration, and clear communication. Here’s how to navigate it:

Step 1: Assess your land’s potential

Walk your land with fresh eyes. Where are the opportunities for restoration or improvement? Moorlands in need of rewetting? Woodlands requiring careful management? Consider areas that could provide significant environmental benefits with the right support.

Step 2: Engage experts

Higher tier projects often require detailed management plans. Reach out to environmental consultants, ecologists, or woodland advisors. These professionals can help you craft proposals that align with scheme objectives and maximise your funding potential.

Step 3: Collaborate with neighbours

Landscape-scale projects receive preferential funding. If your land is part of a wider habitat network, consider teaming up with neighbouring farms or estates to submit a joint application. Shared efforts often yield greater benefits—and bigger grants.

Step 4: Secure permissions

If you’re a tenant farmer, speak with your landlord early. Explain the long-term benefits of the scheme and address any concerns about multi-year commitments. For protected habitats or heritage sites, additional permissions may be needed.

Step 5: Submit your application

The online platform for higher tier applications is more intuitive than ever. Once your management plan is complete, upload the necessary documents and maps. Be sure to detail how each action contributes to scheme goals.

Step 6: Prepare for site visits

Once your application is submitted, an advisor may visit your land to assess its potential. This is a great opportunity to discuss your vision and demonstrate your commitment to the project.

Examples of funded projects

• Moorland restoration: Rewetting degraded peatland not only captures carbon but also supports rare species like curlew and lapwing. Annual payments can reach £300 per hectare, with additional funding for infrastructure like bunds and dams.
• Woodland management: Managing woodlands to improve biodiversity and resilience to pests and diseases attracts up to £200 per hectare. Grants also cover deer fencing and tree planting.
• Riparian buffers: Protecting watercourses with buffer strips reduces sediment runoff and improves water quality. Payments start at £1,200 per hectare annually, with extra support for creating wildlife corridors.

Why now?

With higher payment rates, streamlined applications, and expanded opportunities, the higher tier countryside stewardship scheme has never been more attractive. Whether you’re restoring upland peatland, managing ancient woodland, or creating habitats for pollinators, the scheme offers the financial and expert support you need to succeed.

And if all this feels like a lot to navigate, you don’t have to go it alone. AskGrant is here to make the process simple and stress-free. Our tools and advisors help you craft compelling applications and unlock the full potential of your land. Ready to take your stewardship to the next level? Sign up today and let AskGrant guide you every step of the way.

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