Simpler stewardship options to help wildlife on farms

Vicky Price, chartered surveyor at the Hereford office of Berrys replies: four new, simpler and quicker to apply for offers have been introduced this year to encourage more farmers and land managers to join and all those making a valid application for any of the new packages will be guaranteed funding though the scheme.

Farmers new to Countryside Stewardship, or those coming out of previous stewardship agreements, can sign up for an agreement that will be guaranteed for its lifetime to protect wildlife, boost biodiversity and deliver environmental benefits. Applications close on July 31.

• The four new slimmed-down wildlife offers for Arable, Lowland Grazing, Mixed Farming and Upland Farming have between seven and 14 options to choose from. You must choose a minimum of three

• They support wildlife by creating sources of nectar and pollen for insect pollinators, winter food for seed-eating birds and improved habitats, especially for farmland birds and pollinators

• Full Mid-Tier applications have over 130 options to choose from, including nine new options for 2018

You need a Single Business Identifier (SBI) reference number to apply. You’ll have an SBI if you’ve registered as a customer with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

You’re limited to one application for each SBI you have for this round of Wildlife Offers.

The new CS Offers are a chance for those who’ve been put off the scheme in the past to look again at what’s on offer and what they might be able to achieve on their land.

As an example, the nectar flower mix option of the Arable Offer will pay £511 per hectare which can be a useful return, particularly for a lower yielding area of ground.

For advice, contact Vicky Price on 01432 809830 email vicky.price@berrys.uk.com