FM1: Management of geodiversity features

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the management of geodiversity features item.

• From: Rural Payments Agency and Natural England
• Published: 2 April 2015
• Last updated: 3 February 2025 — See all updates

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

This item is part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025. You must read the Capital Grants 2025 guidance to understand the rules and how to apply.

How much you’ll be paid 

Up to 100% of actual costs.

How this item benefits the environment

Managing geodiversity features proactively ensures sensitive geological features are protected from damage.

Where you can use this item 

With the agreement of Natural England, you can use this item on sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) where management actions are included in your Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreement.

You cannot use this item on land that is not designated as a SSSI.

What you must do to use this item

You must:

• agree a specification for the works with Natural England
• provide at least 3 written quotations for completion of the work, identifying associated costs with your application
• agree the selected quotation with Natural England
• complete the works to the agreed specification and timescale

You should discuss and agree requirements that are specific to your site with your adviser.

Evidence you must keep 

You must keep and provide with your claim:

• receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is not available
• photographs of the completed work

You must also keep and provide on request:

• any consents or permissions connected with the work
• photographs of site before works commence

Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants for more information.

Advice to help you use this item

The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully but does not form part of the requirements for this item.

You can use this item to:

• protect sensitive geological features and remove geological material at risk
• conserve geological features by removing trees, scrub, scree, spoil and other items from the features
• control access to geological features

Published 2 April 2015
Last updated 3 February 2025 + show all updates

1. 3 February 2025

   General improvement for clarity.

2. 14 February 2023

   This item is now available under Higher Tier Capital Grants

3. 8 March 2017

   Updated for 2017 applications.

4. 29 March 2016

   Information updated for applications in 2016.

5. 2 April 2015

   First published.