Natural England has just announced a deadline extension for submitting an ‘Expression of Interest’ for the new Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS).  The date has been extended from 30th June to 15th July.

David Morley, Environmental Advisor at H&H Land and Property, commented on the new scheme and Natural England’s extension, “It is quite telling that the deadline has effectively increased the time to register by 100%.  Before this time there was only a two week window, and we doubt that many farmers and landowners would have had the time to do the paperwork prior to the change of deadline.”

The ‘Expression of Interest’ involves presenting a range of information about the holding, including priority habitats and species, water quality issues and historic sites.

If an interest submission is not made in time, it means that the farmer or landowner cannot be put forward for a place on Natural England’s pipeline for a 2016 Higher Tier CSS agreement.  Those who are successful with their Expression of Interest will ensure they get one-to-one support from a local Natural England advisor through the Higher Tier application process, which would be invaluable.

David added, “It is of great importance for farmers to get this initial submission right; failure to do so will mean they are unlikely to be in the running for a Higher Tier CSS agreement for 2016. The team here at H&H Land and Property include qualified ecologists that can help farmers and landowners with this paper work, and ensure they understand what the benefits of the Scheme will be to them.”