On 15 September 2025, The Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) scheme officially opened. However, this year the application process has adopted a different approach with applications being invite only, issued through Natural England, or the Forestry Commission. Eligible applicants include:
- those with existing CSHT agreements expiring in 2025
- those with an approved woodland management plan
- applicants who already have an approved agri-environment plan
Therefore, you can only apply for this grant if you have received pre-application advice and completed the necessary preparatory work.
CSHT is a scheme that offers grant payments to support the most environmentally significant sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), commons, woodlands and scheduled monuments. It pays farmers and land managers to manage land in a way that:
- protects, restores or enhances the environment
- mitigates the effects of climate change
Over 1,500 farm businesses and land managers have already been invited to apply for the initial round of funding and receive pre-application advice. This year’s scheme follows rolling invitations every month.
This year CSHT agreements will consist of land management practices called ‘actions.’ For 2025, there are 99 base actions and 33 supplemental actions. These are supported by 142 capital items which eligible applicants can apply for to help achieve the intended environmental outcomes.
The CSHT agreements will include quarterly payments for actions, to help with cash flow throughout the year, and last for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years determined by the longest duration action.
For the full list of actions and capital items available, follow the link CSHT applicant’s guide – GOV.UK
If you would like advice on stewardship schemes, please contact the Sworders team.
Katie Heal