Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier opens for applications
19th September 2025
The Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) scheme has launched through a controlled rollout and is available for eligible farmers, foresters and land managers who have received pre-application advice and completed any necessary preparatory works.
DEFRA confirmed that since January, more than 1,500 people have already been invited to receive pre-application advice from Natural England and the Forestry Commission.
The first invitations for pre-application advice went to farmers with CSHT agreements ending in 2025, those with an approved woodland management plan and those applying for an agri-environment agreement who already have a plan in place.
“If you’ve completed your pre-application advice, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will send you an email inviting you to start your CSHT application.
“Invitations are being sent out in phases as the scheme is rolled out. The RPA will contact you when it’s your turn to apply. You do not need to contact RPA to check,” a spokesperson for the department said.
CSHT supports a wide range of land types, including woodlands, farmed land, areas managed for nature, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, commons, and scheduled monuments.
CSHT agreements can last for five, 10, 15 or 20 years, depending on the actions included. Agreements can also include capital items, which must be completed within three years of the agreement start date.
Farmers who have been invited to apply will have the option to start their CSHT application in the Rural Payments service.
DEFRA explained: “Before applying, make sure you have an account in the Rural Payments service and the correct permission to apply. You can find guidance on how to check this in the CSHT guidance.
“In the service, select the CSHT actions and capital items that your land is eligible for. These should match what you agreed with your adviser during your pre-application advice or the recommendations in your invitation email.
“Once you’ve added all actions and items, your application will be reviewed by Natural England or the Forestry Commission. You may need to submit supporting maps and quotes at this point. You may be asked to provide additional supporting documents, such as business viability information, when you submit your application or receive an offer.”
After the review, Natural England or the Forestry Commission will either ask applicants to make changes, or they will approve the application.
When the review is complete and any changes have been made, farmers can submit their application. They will need to provide the RPA with any supporting evidence, DEFRA reminds.
After the RPA has carried out its checks, applicants receive an agreement offer in the Rural Payments service. You must accept this offer before your agreement can start, DEFRA concluded.
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