William Waterfield (Andover) (published 03/08/2026)

DEFRA recently announced funding for a revised Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) scheme, including up to 1,200 single-focus agreements with £50 million of funding available for this year. Applications will be via a new Expression of Interest (EOI) process which opened in late July. Agreements will cover woodland, agroforestry and the six single-focus agreements. These agreements will be open for application to those with Higher Level agreements expiring by the end of February 2027. CSHT will be of interest to anyone interested in creating species rich grassland as well as anyone interested in protecting ancient monuments.

Single-focus agreements

This new approach for higher level funding for priority actions, removes the need for a full CSHT agreement. Although one will still need to register your interest through the EOI process, initially, these agreements will cover the priority habitat, species-rich grassland and 5 options for scheduled monument management (list below). A further set of single-focus agreements is planned for later in the year to include wet grassland and traditional orchards.

You can apply for one or more single-focus agreements depending on your land and its features. Agreements are for 5 years. I list the options available in single-focus agreements below.

Readers of this newsletter will know that species-rich grassland is a subject close to my heart. Currently DEFRA is indicating that it will also invite farmers and land managers interested in restoring or creating species-rich grassland, that are not currently covered by agreements, to apply. However, you will still need to complete the EOI process.

Stacking SFI and HLS payments is possible in some cases, but HLS agreement are for 5 years and SFI for three years. Consider that the £55/ha for CHS5 is not compatible with SFI payment CLIG3 Management of grassland with very low nutrient inputs which pays £151/Ha.

Existing Higher Tier agreement holders

If you have a CSHT agreement that expires before 31 March 2027, your local Natural England adviser should contact you about extending your agreement.  Applications will also be accepted from a limited number of farmers and land managers whose agreements end after March 2027.

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact William Waterfield at w.waterfield@fcgagric.com or your local FCG office.