Information about the Countryside Stewardship Schemes was published this week – see Countryside Stewardship. The application period is now open with the following deadlines:
- Hedgerow and Boundary Scheme: Order an application pack by 31st Deadline 1st May for applications.
- Higher Level Stewardship: Order an application pack by 31 March 2020 with a deadline of 1st May for initial applications.
- Mid-Tier Stewardship: Order an application pack and contact your CSF officer about water grants by 31 May 2020. Deadline 31st
Defra says that those signed up to Countryside Stewardship who want join the new ELMS scheme (when it’s available) will be able to leave their agreements at agreed exit points, without penalty. Given that Basic Payment Scheme may start to be phased out from 2021, we recommend farmers consider entering into Stewardship if you don’t already have an agreement to provide some income to offset potential cuts to BPS.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority have held a series of workshops over the past two weeks and we are expecting free workshops in April/May funded by Defra and the potential for one to one advice at clinics. Dates will be circulated when received.