Brexit effect sees rise in stewardship applications
The Countryside Stewardship Scheme aims to encourage land managers to carry out management procedures on the land to benefit the environment.
In return, financial incentives are given to those who submit a successful application.
There are many options provided by the scheme which can be chosen to suit different land criteria and its farming practices. Options generally aim to benefit the management of the land by maintaining hedgerows and boundaries, creating habitats, sustainably managing flood risk areas, preventing water pollution as well as providing educational benefits to name just a few. Capital items can also be applied for, to be used in conjunction with the options selected.
The compliance criteria for each of the options allow the land owner to know exactly what is to be expected of them in order to serve the purpose each option sets out to achieve.
The Government has set scheme priorities for different areas across the country and it is therefore favourable to choose options which contribute to the area priority.
Countryside Stewardship Scheme packs were available to obtain by interested parties until July 31. After receiving the packs, the application process can begin with completed applications to be submitted by September 30 for consideration by Natural England.
This year at Nock Deighton Agricultural LLP, the number of applications for Countryside Stewardship have been strong in comparison to previous years. This increase may be caused by the UK Government’s future agricultural policy following departure from the EU.
However, it has been confirmed by the Government that current Countryside Stewardship applications will be guaranteed.
Generally, Countryside Stewardship schemes last for five years with some exceptions dependent upon the type of application. Land owners may be encouraged to go ahead with the scheme to improve their land management procedures by enhancing the environmental factors as well as being provided a guaranteed payment in order to carry out the necessary operations.
Due to the intensification of farming procedures in practice today, it is of vital importance that the environmental aspects of land management continue to be near the top of land managers’ and farmers’ agendas to ensure sustainable agriculture for future farming generations.
Should anyone have an application pack they require assistance in completing, we are pleased to help to ensure completion by the end of September deadline.
Mark Johnson, Nock Deighton Agricultural LLP
