The application window for Countryside Stewardship opened on Tuesday 11th February 2020 for farmers and landowners. Defra minister has encouraged farmers to use Countryside Stewardship as a steppingstone to the new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS).
The RDPE Countryside Productivity Small Grant scheme provides grants for farmers ranging from £3,000 to £12,000 to purchase equipment to improve the productivity of their farm.
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has confirmed the exchange rate for Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) 2018 payments made in sterling.
The government has announced a £40 million boost to fund the next stage of the Country Productivity Scheme, allowing farmers in England to apply for funding to improve farm productivity.
In February, the government published the 2017 version of their 'Countryside Stewardship: Hedgerows and Boundaries Grant Manual'.
Applications for the government's Country Stewardship woodland creation grant are now being accepted – but be quick as they must be submitted by 31 March 2016.