AC1: Access capital items

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the access capital items item.

• From: Rural Payments Agency and Natural England
• Published: 2 April 2015
• Last updated: 14 February 2023 — See all updates

• Grant type: Capital item
• Land use: Educational access, Uplands and Woodland
• Tiers or standalone items: Higher Tier and Standalone capital items
• Funding (per unit per year): More than 50% actual costs

How much will be paid

Up to 100% of actual cost.

Where to use this item

Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (including WD2: Woodland Improvement) and Higher Tier Capital Grants for new structures.

Where this item cannot be used

• When the agreement holder is obliged to offer structures for public access to the holding
• To maintain existing structures

How this item will benefit the environment

If successful there will be greater public accessibility of the countryside or enhanced educational visits.

Requirements

• Agree a detailed specification for the item with Natural England or Forestry Commission
• Get at least 3 written quotations for the work, making sure they identify associated costs
• Have Natural England or Forestry Commission agree the quote
• Create, install and complete the access capital item according to the specification agreed with Natural England or Forestry Commission

Do not:

• carry out any construction work related to the item unless it has been approved by Natural England or Forestry Commission

Keeping records

Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them on request:

• Any consents or permissions connected with the work
• Evidence of demand and need for the access capital item, for example documentation from supporters, potential users and partner organisations
• Photographs of site before works start

Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant Higher Tier or Higher Tier Capital Grants guidance for more detail. You can find the latest guidance at Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage.

Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them with the claim:

• Receipted invoices, or bank statements where a receipted invoice is not available
• Photographs of the completed work
• Detailed specification document
• Copies of any planning or other permission

Applicants will have to send the following with their application:

• quotes for completion of the work

If consent or permission is required, you will need to have this before you carry out any work. You will need to submit this consent with your payment claim. If you have already provided this with your application then you do not need to resubmit this with your claim.

The detailed requirements for this item will be tailored to the Higher Tier site. Higher Tier applicants should discuss and agree these requirements with their adviser.

Further information

Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Higher Tier and Higher Tier Capital Grants including how to apply.

Published 2 April 2015
Last updated 14 February 2023 + show all updates

1. 13 February 2023

   This item now is available for Higher Tier Capital Grants.

2. 1 February 2023

   'Where to use this item' section updated to include WD2: Woodland Improvement.

3. 8 March 2017

   Updated for 2017 applications.

4. 29 March 2016

   Information updated for applications in 2016.

5. 2 April 2015

   First published.