If you’re a farmer or landowner considering an application, now is the time to review the guidance and prepare your evidence. The updated manual is now available, with £225 million of funding to support farmers and landowners in delivering environmental improvements such as hedgerow planting, water quality measures, air quality improvements, natural flood management and boundary tree and orchard projects.
Funding is available across six groups, with up to £25,000 available for the air quality, natural flood management and water quality groups, and up to £35,000 for the boundaries, trees and orchards group.
The six groups are:
- 1) Boundaries, trees and orchards
- 2) Improved water quality
- 3) Improved air quality
- 4) Natural flood management
- 5) Assessments
- 6) Improvements
Each applicant can submit one eligible application per SBI number. With strong demand expected again this year, it is important to prepare early. There are also some changes to this year’s offer, including agroforestry and woodland creation items no longer being available under this round, instead moving to the Higher Tier Capital Grant offer. A full list of eligible items can be found in section 5.2 of the applicant guidance manual.
In 2025, many applications were incomplete, causing delays and, in some cases, rejection. As demand is expected to be high again this year, having the correct evidence ready will help make the process more efficient. It is important to ensure that your details and maps are accurate and up to date on the RPA portal, as mapping evidence should align with the works included in your application.
Capital Grants are paid once the work has been completed, so applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds set aside in advance. If your application exceeds £50,000, the RPA will also check that adequate funding is in place.
If you would like any support with your application, please get in contact with your local team at Sworders.
Written by Isla Ginbey