Preview guidance has recently been published on the updated Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) scheme that is anticipated to open for applications in summer 2025.
CSHT will operate on an invitation only basis and farmers and land managers will not be able to apply until they have received an invitation to get pre-application advice. Those with existing Higher Tier agreements that will expire at the end of 2025, as well as those with approved woodland management or agri-environment plans, will be prioritised. The program will then gradually expand to invite more applicants over time.
The updated CSHT scheme includes several improvements aimed at making the process more flexible and less prescriptive, these are as follows:
• 132 land management actions available, including 25 new actions;
• 145 capital items available, including 25 new items;
• payments made quarterly rather than annually;
• a more user-friendly application process, with applications being made on an online application system; and
• a rolling application window allowing farmers and landowners to apply throughout the year.
Further information will be published soon for those looking to end their existing Higher Tier agreement early to apply for either the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) or the new CSHT scheme.
If you would like to discuss CSHT of SFI, please contact our office.
