The Government has announced a sixth round of the Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund, affording groups of farmers and landowners in England time to consider making an application ahead of December 2021 when the application window opens.
The £2.5 million fund encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing amongst the farming community. Facilitators are individuals and organisations who can bring farmers, foresters, and other land managers together to improve the local natural environment at a landscape scale. Successful facilitation groups will also offer training, support and advice to potential applicants for agri-environment schemes.
To apply, groups must submit plans showing how they will work together and share knowledge to protect and enhance their local environment, in line with their local Countryside Stewardship priorities.
This year’s fund includes support for new environmental priorities such as the improvement of air quality through slurry removal, reduction of ammonia emissions, tree planting and shelters, and managing beaver activity that will offer support and advice for landowners when beavers move onto their land.
Farming Minister Victoria Prentis said:
'By getting involved in Countryside Stewardship, farmers and landowners alike can play a crucial role in supporting our efforts to improve the environment and create cleaner, greener landscapes.'
How To Apply
Applications for the sixth round of the Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund will be invited from December, with a closing date of 19 January 2022.
Full details on how to apply will be published on the main Facilitation Fund page later in the year.
Further advice and assistance with submitting an application may be sought directly from the provider.
To receive payments, claimants must comply with all relevant rules and provide evidence that expenditure has been incurred. Claims can be made on a quarterly basis in arrears or on a less frequent basis by agreement with Natural England.
Useful documents & links
Useful Links
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
- Enquiries
Rural Payments Agency
PO Box 1058
Lancaster House
Hampshire Court
Newcastle Business Park
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE99 4YQ
Tel: 03000 200 301
Email: [email protected]