From today, we're introducing a new Expression of Interest (EOI) process as part of our approach to widen participation in Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT).
You can submit an EOI for:
Agroforestry Woodland improvementYou can also submit an EOI for new single-focus agreements, which are designed to support specific environmental priorities in the following areas:
Scheduled monument management Species-rich grasslandThrough single-focus agreements, you can access funding through a simpler route. These agreements are designed to reduce complexity and make it easier and quicker to join the scheme.
To allow applications to be processed efficiently, up to 1,200 single-focus agreements will initially be available.
Depending on the features and characteristics of your land, you may wish to have more than one single-focus agreement. This is possible, just note that you must complete a separate EOI form for each agreement.
Getting startedTo express your interest, you must complete an online form. Before you do, read the guidance for CSHT on GOV.UK.
Take a moment to check that your business email address and permissions are up to date.
If you're completing the EOI on someone else's behalf, please make sure you have the correct permissions to act for their business so they can be verified. This will help ensure your EOI is processed as smoothly as possible.
Complete the online EOI form for CSHT.
You will need your:
single business identifier (SBI) customer reference number (CRN) business name site name county most of the land you want to include is in approved agroforestry and woodland improvement plansYou’ll be asked a range of questions and, after submitting, you’ll be given the option to have a copy of it emailed to you.
Submitting an EOI form doesn't guarantee that you'll be offered a CSHT agreement.
You will be contacted within 10 weeks of submitting your EOI with the outcome.
Contact will be made using the main email address registered on the Rural Payments service.
Subscribe to the Farming BlogOver the course of the year, we will continue to expand access to CSHT.
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seen at 10:37, 21 July in Farming.