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: 14 February 2023 — 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

How much will be paid

Up to 100% of actual costs.

Where to use this item

Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier only on:

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) where land management options are included in the agreement

Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier Capital Grants only on:

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) where land management options are included in an existing agreement

How this item will benefit the environment

If successful this item will ensure sensitive geological features are managed positively and protected from damage.

Requirements

Agreement holders are likely to need to:

• agree a specification for the works with Natural England
• get at least 3 written quotations for completion of the work, identifying associated costs, and agree the selected quotation with NE
• complete the works as set out in the approved specification and within the agreed timescale

Keeping records

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

• any consents or permissions connected with the work
• photographs of site before works commence
• please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the Higher Tier manual for more detail

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

Applicants will have to send the following with their application:

• the 3 quotes for completion of the work

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.

Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item

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

Use this item to:

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

Further information

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

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

1. 14 February 2023

   This item is now available under Higher Tier Capital Grants

2. 8 March 2017

   Updated for 2017 applications.

3. 29 March 2016

   Information updated for applications in 2016.

4. 2 April 2015

   First published.