Capital grants are new for Countryside Stewardship 2021 and replace the former ‘Water capital grants’ and ‘Hedgerow and Boundary grants’. Whilst many of the options remain the same as in the previous schemes, a new area of grants has been included which aims to improve air quality.

What does the grant offer funding for?

The new grant offers 67 capital options which are split into three groups:

  • Boundaries, trees and orchards
  • Water Quality
  • Air Quality

Each option provides a wide array of choices to apply for, the most requested items in our experience tends to be:

Boundaries, trees and orchards: hedgerow laying (£9.40/m), hedgerow coppicing (£4/m), hedgerow gapping-up (£9.50/m) wooden field gates (£390/gate) & stone wall restoration (£25/m)

Water quality: concrete yard renewal (£27.14/m2), livestock and machinery hardcore tracks (£33/m), rainwater goods (£11.40/m) and roofing over sprayer washdown, manure storage or slurry stores (£62/m2).

Air quality: automatic slurry scraper (£2,760/passageway), low ammonia emission flooring (£72/m2)

Is everyone eligible for the Grant?

No, if you are currently within a Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship agreement you cannot apply, this is because you will have likely already benefitted from capital items within your application.

If you are within a Higher-level stewardship scheme or a Countryside Stewardship Wildlife Offer agreement you are eligible to apply alongside these agreements. You can also apply alongside new Wildlife Offer applications.

Subject to the above, everyone can apply for the boundaries, trees and orchards grant. In order to apply for the water or air quality grant, you will need to be located within a high priority water area.

Is there a maximum amount of funding available?

Yes, the grant is capped at £20,000 for each group with a maximum of £60,000.

How long is the agreement?

Each agreement will last 2 years and will commence once the application has been approved. You will be required to complete all the work within this period.

When do I need to apply by?

Applications for the grant are open until the 30th April 2021.

If you would like to apply for water or air quality items, approval must be requested by the 19th March to guarantee approval prior to the deadline.

I’m Interested in applying, how can you help?

If you’re located within Gloucestershire, Worcestershire or Herefordshire then please do get in touch with one of our Countryside Stewardship team and we can guide you through the application process including obtaining relevant approvals. To discuss capital grants further, please contact Ellen Cottrell or Josh Balsdon either by email (ellencottrell@carverknowles.co.uk / joshbalsdon@carveknowles.co.uk) or on 01684 853400