Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship: Opportunities and Application Process

Updated on the 16th of January 2025

Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship (CS) offers a flexible and accessible way for farmers and land managers to improve their land while benefiting the environment. Think of it as a toolkit designed for a broad range of needs, from enhancing biodiversity to tackling climate challenges, all while keeping your farm productive. With recent updates in 2024 and 2025, Mid-Tier CS has become even more appealing, offering higher payment rates and expanded opportunities.

What is Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship?

The Mid-Tier scheme is a core part of Countryside Stewardship, aimed at supporting land managers in delivering environmental benefits while maintaining productive land use. Whether you want to improve soil health, enhance habitats, or manage water quality, this scheme provides the financial support to make it happen.

The scheme works on a five-year agreement basis, giving you stability while implementing practical changes. Payments cover a wide range of actions, such as creating buffer strips, improving grassland management, and planting hedgerows. Recent updates have also introduced funding for additional measures like agroforestry, with payments of up to £6,800 per hectare, and new options for smaller farms and tenant farmers.

What’s new for 2025?

1. Streamlined application process:
   • Mid-Tier and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications are now combined into a single, simplified platform, reducing paperwork and making it easier to access funding.
2. Increased payment rates:
   • Payment rates for many options have risen, including up to £1,200 per hectare annually for riparian buffers and £22 per metre for hedgerow planting.
3. Expanded eligibility:
   • Smaller farms and tenant farmers now have greater access to Mid-Tier funding, with updated guidelines ensuring flexibility for short-term leases.
4. New actions introduced:
   • Agroforestry, water storage, and pollinator habitats are among the new options, addressing critical environmental priorities.
5. Flexibility for different land types:
   • Farmers with upland or marginal land can access tailored funding packages, making it easier to deliver environmental improvements in challenging areas.

What can Mid-Tier funding help you achieve?

Imagine turning an underused corner of your land into a haven for wildlife or transforming eroding field edges into buffer strips that protect soil and water. Mid-Tier CS funding can help you achieve these goals and more. Here are some highlights:

• Hedgerows and boundaries: Payments of £22 per metre for planting new hedgerows and £4.40 per metre for restoring dry-stone walls.
• Grassland management: Support for improving lowland and upland grasslands, with payments ranging from £130 to £280 per hectare depending on the action.
• Water quality improvements: Grants for buffer strips (£1,200 per hectare), sediment traps, and swales help protect watercourses and reduce pollution.
• Wildlife habitats: Funding to create wildflower margins and establish pollinator habitats, with payments starting at £600 per hectare.
• Agroforestry and tree planting: Integrate trees into farming systems with payments of up to £6,800 per hectare, plus additional support for fencing and maintenance.

Steps to apply for Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship

Applying for Mid-Tier CS can feel like planning your next harvest: it takes preparation, but the rewards are worth it. Here’s how to get started:

1. Assess your land:
   • Walk your farm and identify areas for potential improvements. Could a hedgerow boost biodiversity? Is there a slope prone to runoff that needs a buffer strip?
2. Check your eligibility:
   • Register with the Rural Payments service and ensure your farm details are up to date. This is the first step in confirming eligibility for the scheme.
3. Talk to your landlord:
   • If you’re a tenant, discuss your plans early. Highlight the mutual benefits of the scheme, like increased land value and long-term sustainability.
4. Plan your application:
   • Use tools like AskGrant’s GrantBudgeter to calculate costs and identify the best funding options for your needs. DEFRA advisors are also available to help.
5. Submit your application:
   • The combined platform for Mid-Tier and SFI applications makes this process straightforward. Be sure to include all necessary maps, photos, and plans.
6. Prepare for follow-ups:
   • Keep records and be ready for site visits to confirm the suitability of your proposed actions.

Why choose Mid-Tier CS?

Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship is a practical and flexible way to make meaningful changes to your land while ensuring your farm remains productive. The 2025 updates mean higher payments, simpler applications, and more opportunities to address the unique challenges of your land.

If you’re ready to take the next step, AskGrant is here to help. From assessing your options to submitting a polished application, we simplify the process so you can focus on what matters: making the most of your land. Sign up today and let AskGrant guide you to success.

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