Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds has confirmed that for the first time, Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) will open to direct applications from farmers and land managers.
Speaking at Groundswell Festival 2026 today (July 2), Ms Reynolds announced farmers and land managers will be able to apply for woodland agreements, agroforestry agreements and new single-focus agreements to restore species-rich grassland, with an initial cohort of up to 1,200 single-focus agreements available.听听
听When CSHT launched last September, farmers and land managers could only apply if invited by Natural England or the Forestry Commission as part of a phased rollout.
From later this summer, this restriction will be lifted, allowing farmers and land managers to begin the application process themselves by submitting an expression of interest, opening the scheme to more applicants and giving them greater control over how they apply, helping them deliver more for nature, heritage and their businesses.听
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It follows the reopening of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) this week, designed to be simpler, fairer, and more accessible than ever before.
As expected on opening Window 1, demand was strong on the first day, with a high number of applications. The latest data shows that application volumes have begun to level off, and applications are being received at a steady pace.听
Ms Reynolds said: "Every thriving meadow restored, every historic landscape protected and every woodland managed more sustainably starts with farmers and land managers who care deeply.
听"The CSHT will be simpler and easier for more applicants to access, giving more farmers and land managers the opportunity to invest in their businesses while helping to create a richer, greener countryside for future generations."
Later this year, Defra will begin trialling applications on common land ahead of implementing a wider rollout.听
At least 拢50 million will be available for new CSHT agreements this year. Natural England will continue to prioritise farmers with agreements ending or those who have already completed the preparatory work needed to apply.听听
Ms Reynolds said it will be simpler and will be backed by 拢50m new funding.
Martin Lines, chief executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN), said: "Farmers are on the front line of climate change and need ambitious Government investment to help them transition to nature-friendly farming and build resilience.
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"Opening up Higher Tier agreements to more farmers is a positive step that will help deliver more for nature, climate and sustainable food production.
"Public money should support public goods, backing farmers to deliver the environmental outcomes and long-term resilience that our landscapes need and that underpin food security.
"Building on today's announcement, ministers must ensure investment is targeted where it will have the greatest impact for nature, climate and farm businesses."
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Common land farmers will be invited to apply for Countryside Stewardship after the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) revealed it has made progress with its computer systems.
It had been feared 4,000 farming businesses would miss out on Government support schemes this year owing to what the RPA described as a 鈥榣ack of functionality'.
Julia Aglionby, executive director of the Foundation for Common Land, said she was 鈥榙elighted' with the development.
"This follows an active campaign to ensure commons can apply for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT)," she said.
Farmers Guardian understands a small number of commons will be invited to apply for CSHT in September. Once the RPA's functionality has been tested with these applicants then the RPA anticipates others will be able to use the updated process.
Robin Milton, trustee of the Foundation for Common Land, said: "It is essential all commons planning to apply for Countryside Stewardship undertake the necessary surveys in advance as completion of these are a requirement to being invited to apply."
NFU vice-president Robyn Munt said: "We welcome Defra's decision to address a number of our concerns around access to Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier. Opening the scheme to direct applications will make it easier for farmers and growers delivering for nature and the environment to access the scheme, bringing much-needed transparency to a process we have been calling to improve for several years.
"Just last month, I met the former Farming Minister to highlight the benefits of single-focus agreements and the need to improve access for common land users. These changes should help cut bureaucracy and encourage wider uptake of valuable environmental management, such as species-rich grassland restoration, alongside food production. We look forward to seeing further details on how the new agreements will operate.
"The common land trial will be particularly welcome news for commoners and graziers. It is important that this work progresses quickly so it can be applied to a wider rollout. We will continue to press for a similar approach to be adopted within the Sustainable Farming Incentive."
