Guidance

Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier: new capital items

Published 11 December 2024

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-get-ready-to-apply/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-new-capital-items

These items do not require endorsement and are suitable for Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT).

Support for access

AC3: Install and maintain signage

AC3: Install and maintain signage

How much you’ll be paid  

£55.65 per sign 

How this item benefits the environment 

Encouraging positive visitor behaviour helps manage, protect and enhance environmental features

Where you can use this item  

You can use this item on sites with public access to:

  • discourage damaging activity

  • encourage positive visitor behaviour

  • explain the environmental features of the site

You can use it alongside: 

  • SFI action WBD1: Manage Ponds 

  • CSHT management actions (with the agreement of your Natural England adviser) 

You can also use it with these capital items: 

You cannot use this item on any historic or archaeological features identified on your Historic Environment Farm Environment Record (HEFER) without written approval from Historic England on:  

  • scheduled monuments  
  • registered parks and gardens  
  • registered battlefields  

You must not use this item on Selected Heritage Inventory for Natural England (SHINE) sites without written approval from your local authority historic environment adviser. 

What you must do to use this item 

Near ponds and lakes, you must put up signs which discourage people from feeding wildfowl and are appropriate for the site, for example in areas with high visitor footfall or public access.  

In all areas, you must put up signs that encourage positive visitor behaviour such as: 

  • not feeding wildfowl 
  • keeping to paths 
  • keeping dogs under control

You cannot use this item on land in a SFI or CSHT permissive access action.

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep photographs of the completed works and provide them with your claim. 

You must also keep and provide on request: 

  • receipted invoices or a bank statement where receipted invoices are not available
  • photographs of the completed works
  • a map showing the proposed location of the signs

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.

Boundary repair

BN16: Repair stone walls

BN16: Repair stone walls

How much you’ll be paid  

£16.17 per metre (m) – the payment rate is for the length of the boundary being repaired, not for each side of the boundary

How this item benefits the environment 

Repairing the stone wall helps control livestock and conserve a traditional landscape.

Where you can use this item  

You can use this item on stone walls where no more than one third of the original height needs to be taken down and rebuilt to complete the repair.

You cannot use this item:

  • on stone walls that are being managed in an Environmental Stewardship Higher Level Stewardship agreement under options EB11 or UB11: Stone wall protection and maintenance

  • on walls which are being maintained under BND1: Maintain dry stone walls

  • on sections of wall where more than one third of the original height needs to be dismantled and rebuilt – use item BN12: Stone wall restoration instead

  • if you have received funding in the last 7 years to maintain the stone wall

What you must do to use this item 

You must: 

  • rebuild the walls to their original height in the local style – refer to the height and style of other stone walls nearby that are in good condition

  • dismantle the existing structure by hand until you have a solid base for rebuilding

  • rebuild the wall so there’s an even top line, a consistent batter (slope) and no bulges or depressions along the face of the wall

  • add a filling of solid rocks with each course where it’s part of the traditional construction

  • keep all existing wall-side trees and sapling – a wall-side tree is one that forms part of the boundary feature or is attached to it such that livestock do not pass between it and the wall where relevant

  • use wooden rails to stock proof any gaps left in the wall to allow for tree growth

  • rebuild stone features into the wall that existed before the wall needed to be repaired (such as sheep creeps, troughs and stiles)

  • re-use original stone if possible

  • make sure any imported stone is traditional to the area in type, size and style

  • only haul stone when ground conditions are firm enough to prevent damage to the fields next to the wall

  • remove any leftover materials used to complete the wall and restore the ground where you have carried out the work

You must not: 

  • disturb foundation stones unless it’s necessary to create a firm base

  • use topsoil, earth, sand or fine gravel as filling between courses

  • use concrete or mortar

  • take stone from other walls, banks or buildings on the holding

  • place stone on features of archaeological, historic or wildlife value as identified on either your Farm Environment Record, MAGIC or Historic Environment Farm Environment Record

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep photographs of the completed works and provide them with your claim.

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • any consents or permissions associated with the works

  • receipted invoices or bank statements where receipted invoices are not available

  • photographs of the wall to be repaired

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. 

Other items you can use with this item 

You can use this item with: 

Support for forestry assessment

FY7: Assessing woodland condition

FY7: Assessing woodland condition

How much you’ll be paid  

Threshold Payment
First 30 hectares (ha) £13.63 per ha (minimum payment £300)
Over 30ha £4.09 per ha

How this item benefits the environment 

Completing a condition assessment on your woodland will help you identify which features improve your local environment. This can include identifying features that:

  • benefit wildlife (including non-native species)

  • are in good ecological condition

  • will benefit most from improvement

Where you can use this item  

You can use this item to: 

  • create a baseline assessment of your woodland that you can use to inform a new woodland management plan 

  • assess woodland being managed under CSHT action CWD2: Woodland improvement to create a baseline habitat assessment in year 1 of your agreement, then repeat the habitat assessment in year 9 of your agreement  

You cannot use this item on: 

  • woodland areas which are less than 0.5ha in total 

  • wood pasture 

  • orchards 

  • parkland 

  • agroforestry 

You’ll also find out if there are any threats to your woodland, such as harm from invasive species or tree diseases. This enables you to act early and reduce any negative effect on your woodland. 

What you must do to use this item 

You must complete a condition assessment to collect information about the different woodland features. It should include:  

  • the size of the woodland

  • surrounding land use

  • tree, shrub and ground cover species present and whether they’re native or non-native

  • the age range of the trees present, from seedling to veteran

  • the amount of dead wood, open space and bare soil

  • the effects of tree disease and grazing animals

The assessment allows you to give each feature a score to tell if they’re in good, moderate or poor condition.   

At the end of the assessment, you should add up the score for each feature and add them together to give you the final score.  

If you’re using FY7 to assess woodland in CWD2: Woodland improvement, you must include all the woodland in your assessment.  

How to carry out the assessment 

To do your assessment, plan a walking route through the woodland and:

  • collect data within a 10 metre (m) radius from pre-planned survey points across the woodland  

  • make a visual assessment of the woodland condition between the survey points 

  • score each feature to get an overall condition score  

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep a copy of the completed assessment and condition score and provide them with your claim. 

You must also keep and provide on request: 

  • a Forestry Commission approved woodland management plan (if applicable) 

  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable 

Read the record keeping and site visit requirements set out in the Capital Grants guidance for more information.

Trees

TE15: Plant groups of trees in large guards

TE15: Plant groups of trees in large guards

How much you’ll be paid  

£572.78 per large guard (planting a minimum of 80 trees) – a large guard is a surround to the perimeter of a group of trees

How this item benefits the environment 

Protecting trees from damage caused by grazing animals and wild animals allows the development of scrub, wood pasture and tree patches across the landscape. This helps create better connectivity.

Where you can use this item  

You can only use this item alongside a management action to create or manage scrub and open habitat mosaics, or alongside at least one of these actions: 

You cannot use this item to plant trees in an agroforestry system or to plant an orchard. 

What you must do to use this item 

You must erect large guards that are 3.6m x 3.6m and are at least 1.2m high which have:  

  • 4 untreated timber corner posts and 4 untreated intermediate posts

  • 5 untreated wooden rails which are at least 5 centimetres (cm) in width and 10cm in height placed to allow the trees to establish

You must: 

  • use robust guards which can withstand damage from livestock

  • plant at least 80 trees within the guards

  • plant the trees within the guard using pit planting – digging a hole to accommodate the root ball

  • select a planting stock that complies with the Forest Reproductive Material Regulations 2002 (where applicable)

  • plant stock which is appropriate in size and stock type to the site and prevailing conditions

  • plant a maximum of 24 large tree guards per hectare (see ‘advice to help you use this item’ for our recommendations)

Plant native tree species which are appropriate for the soil and climatic conditions. You must plant a mix of trees, of which at least: 

  • 50 trees are blackthorn or hawthorn planted within the outer edge of the guard

  • 20 trees are a native shrub species such as hazel, bird cherry, aspen, crab apple

  • 10 trees are one or two native canopy forming species per guard such as oak, birch, rowan or similar

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

Evidence you must keep 

You must keep and provide with your claim: 

  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable 

  • photographs of the completed work 

You must also keep any consents or permissions connected with the work and provide them on request. 

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.

Educational access support

VED1: Educational access visits

VED1: Educational access visits

How much you’ll be paid  

£363 per visit 

How this item benefits the environment 

It allows groups of people to visit farms and woodlands and better understand: 

  • the countryside  

  • farming 

  • food production 

  • woodland management  

It promotes general health and wellbeing by encouraging people to explore the landscape and learn about its wildlife and history.   

Where you can use this item  

The agreement will last for 3 years, and you can host up to 25 funded farm or woodland visits each year. 

You can use this item to host educational visits to your farm or woodland. You must have a separate agri-environment or woodland agreement with management actions or options to be eligible for this item. You can also use neighbouring land (with the owner’s permission) to meet the needs of the group. 

If you have a CSHT agreement running alongside this capital item, you will need to re-apply for VED1 every 3 years.  

You cannot use this item if you have a Countryside Stewardship agreement with ED1: Educational access or an Environmental Stewardship Higher Level Stewardship agreement with HN8CW and HN9CW: Educational access payments.  

What you must do to use this item 

You must carry out a risk assessment before each visit and provide a copy of the assessment to visiting group leaders.

The visit should include a tour lasting at least 2 hours, The tour should be led by a member of staff or volunteer who suits the visitors’ needs.

During the tour explain the links between farming, conservation, food production, or woodland management using the land as a classroom.

Complete a site visit declaration form for each visit – the visiting group leader must sign this form at the end of their visit. 

You must not:  

  • charge for visits  

  • receive any other direct income relating to the educational visit  

  • claim for more than one group visiting at the same time  

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep copies of the site visit declaration form and provide them when you make a claim for payment. 

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. 

Other items you can use with this item 

You can use this item with: 

Wildfire management

WF1: Create a wildfire checklist

WF1: Create a wildfire checklist

How much you’ll be paid  

£327.12 per farm 

How this item benefits the environment 

You can mitigate the risk of wildfires causing environmental damage if you can identify the risks of wildfire on your land. 

Where you can use this item  

You can use this item to create a wildfire checklist and supporting map which covers your holding.  

What you must do to use this item 

Walk your whole holding to complete a wildfire checklist. This will identify the fire risks relevant to your land and help you identify where you require may need to act.

Wildfires are more likely if: 

  • a site is heavily used by the public – there’s a threat from discarded cigarette butts or barbeques

  • vegetation is cut during heatwaves, droughts or extended dry periods – farm machinery could generate sparks from striking flints which could ignite dry vegetation

  • managed burning of vegetation gets out of control

  • burning waste, crop residues or other plant waste gets out of control

Wildfires can: 

  • cause danger to human life or affects their health 
  • cause danger to livestock life or affects their health 
  • damage or destroy food crops or grazing land   
  • disrupt, damage or destroy properties and businesses (retail, leisure, commercial and industrial) 

You must complete this checklist and provide a map showing where the identified fire risks are located. 

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep the wildfire checklist and map and provide them with your claim.

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.

Wildfire disclaimer

Wildfires are unpredictable events. Defra and their advisory bodies (Natural England and the Forestry Commission) will support you to minimise the likelihood of wildfires occurring. They are not able to exclude the risk of them occurring and are not liable in the event of any wildfire. You’re responsible for:

  • the condition of your land
  • how susceptible your land is to the risk of wildfires
  • the action you need to take to prevent wildfires

Supporting ponds

WN12: Create or restore ponds up to 2 hectares

WN12: Create or restore ponds up to 2 hectares

How much you will be paid

£1879.46 per pond  

How this item benefits the environment 

This item supports the creation of a single, or ideally a complex of ponds. It restores the wildlife value of ponds that have become degraded, creating biodiversity hotspots. It supports the restoration of ponds lost from the landscape. This item can help you protect, recover and improve biodiversity on your land.

Where you can use this item  

You can use this item: 

  • to create ponds of up to 2 hectares (ha) (in combination with a pond buffer strip if the pond is next to cultivated land or intensive grassland)

  • to restore the wildlife value of ponds (including ghost ponds) and bodies of water of up to 2ha that have become degraded – you’ll need to complete a pre-application assessment of wildlife and historic interest

You will need to get any necessary consents or permits from the Environment Agency, local council or internal drainage board before starting any work.

You cannot use this item: 

  • to create ponds within 6 metres (m) of a historic or archaeological feature identified in your Historic Environment Farm Environment Record (HEFER)

  • within sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) or other areas of legally protected wildlife habitat, except with the written agreement of Natural England – you can obtain information on the location of legally protected wildlife habitats from your local biodiversity records centre
  • to restore a polluted pond where the source of pollution cannot be addressed

What you must do to use this item 

To create a pond, you must:  

  • peg the outline of the pond before excavations start, making sure that the pond has an irregular edge 
  • create a total pond area of at least 50 square metres (m2)  
  • create a variety of water depths, including very shallow margins and other shallow areas, and pools no more than 1.5m deep  
  • make sure that most of the margin is gently sloping to create a large drawdown zone (the areas around the edge of a pond that are exposed to air when the water level drops) and extensive shallows 
  • establish a natural or semi-natural buffer of at least 10m around the edge of the pond where it is located within cultivated land or intensive grassland systems – funding through the SFI or CSHT is available to support this 
  • use mechanical means to control injurious weeds that colonise the spoil 
  • place any fencing at least 1m away from the bank top 

You must not: 

  • link the pond to inflowing water from ditches and streams or drains
  • introduce any plants or animals to the pond, or feed wildfowl or fish in or around the pond
  • use the pond for irrigation
  • plant directly around the pond
  • use spoil to form a mound or bank around the pond or to fill and level neighbouring wet areas
  • dispose of spoil on historic or archaeological features as identified in your HEFER
  • use herbicides to control aquatic plants and bankside vegetation

To restore a pond, you must:  

  • assess if the pond has high wildlife or historic value and carry out the work within the dates determined by your pre-application assessment
  • remove woody cover from at least half of the pond margin, especially the southern side, so the pond receives the morning sun over a large area
  • remove fallen trees and trees growing in the water to create open water
  • keep features of historic or archaeological interest identified in your pre-application assessment
  • block or remove any source of pollution – for example artificial drainage flowing into the pond, so the pond does not receive polluted water
  • place cut vegetation far enough away from the top of the bank to prevent decaying material and run-off from falling in and polluting the pond
  • use mechanical means to control injurious weeds that colonise the spoil
  • place any fencing at least 1m away from the bank top

You must not: 

  • re-profile or cut deeper than the original profile 
  • use spoil to form a mound or bank around the pond or to fill and level adjacent wet areas 
  • dispose of spoil on historic or archaeological features as identified in your HEFER 
  • use herbicides to control aquatic plants and bankside vegetation 
  • artificially introduce any plants or animals to the pond, including fish or waterfowl
  • allow supplementary feeding of fish or waterfowl in or around the pond 
  • plant the pond banks following restoration, or plant trees or shrubs around the southern margin of the pond or anywhere around a pond within an open landscape 

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep and provide with your claim: 

  • photographs of the site during the different stages of construction  

  • contracts, invoices or other documents confirming the technical specification for the completed works 

  • photographs of the completed work 

You must also keep and provide on request: 

  • any consents or permissions connected with the work

  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable

  • photographs showing the pond (or the location of a new pond) before the works begin

  • the pre-application assessment of existing historic and biological interest for restored ponds

  • a copy of any advice on restoring historic ponds from Historic England or local authority historic environment adviser if applicable

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. 

Other items and actions you can use with this item 

You can use this item with AC3: Install and maintain signage.  

You can use this item with SFI actions: 

  • WBD1: Manage ponds 

  • BFS1: 12m to 24m watercourse buffer strip on cultivated land   

  • BFS2: Buffer in-field ponds on arable land 

  • BFS3: Buffer in-field ponds on improved grassland 

You can use this item with CSHT actions: 

  • CWT15: Manage ponds and bodies of water up to 2 hectares 

  • CSW25: Manage riparian and water edge habitats 

  • CWT1: Buffer in-field ponds and ditches on improved grassland  

  • CWT2: Buffer in-field ponds and ditches on arable land

These items require endorsement and are more likely to support a CSHT agreement.

Forestry creation, restoration and management

FY4: Create 2-zone rides in woodland

FY5: Create 3-zone rides in woodland

FY6: Restore coppicing in woodland

FY8: Supplement for a freestanding deer high seat

FY4: Create 2-zone rides in woodland

How much you’ll be paid  

Up to 100% of actual costs 

How this item benefits the environment 

Creating space within a woodland to manage a new 2-zone ride will increase the types of vegetation in the woodland.  Increasing the extent of permanent open space within the woodland habitat can improve biodiversity.

Where you can use this item  

You can use this item to create 2-zone rides where your woodland management plan identifies that capital work is required to create a more complex ride structure.

A ride in woodland is a linear open space which creates access. It allows light to reach the ground through an open canopy. A 2-zone ride:

  • has a central grass area which is cut annually

  • consists mostly of short grass and compact flowering plants

  • has a mixed herbaceous zone on one or both sides of the path or track

You can also create 2-zone rides adjacent to forest tracks and roads with the agreement of your Forestry Commission adviser.

You can use with the CWD2: Woodland improvement and CWS10: 2-zone rides supplement to manage the zone once created.

The herbaceous zone on either side of the ride is cut on alternate sides on a 3 to 5-year cycle. The zone is dominated by medium to tall grasses and flowering plants. It may include scrub.

You cannot use this item without the consent of the Forestry Commission and a felling licence (if needed). 

What you must do to use this item 

You must: 

  • create a 2-zone ride in line with a Forestry Commission approved woodland management plan

  • provide at least 3 written quotations for completion of the work, identifying associated costs

  • agree the selected quotation with the Forestry Commission

  • compete the works to the agreed specification and timescale

Evidence you must keep  

You must also keep and provide your claim: 

  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is not available

  • photographs of the completed work

  • a detailed specification document

  • copies of any planning or other permission

  • any other consents or permissions

You must also keep and provide on request:  

  • a copy of the advice from the Forestry Commission

  • photographs of site before works start

  • a copy of consent from Historic England to use the item on a scheduled monument

  • a copy of consent from Natural England to use the item on a site of special scientific interest (SSSI)

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. 

Other items you can use with this item 

You can use this item with PA3: Woodland management plan.

FY5: Create 3-zone rides in woodland

How much you’ll be paid  

Up to 100% of actual costs   

How this item benefits the environment 

Creating space within a woodland to manage a new 3-zone ride will increase the types of vegetation in the woodland. Increasing the extent of permanent open space within the woodland habitat can improve biodiversity.

Where you can use this item  

You can use this item to create 3-zone rides if you have identified that a more complex ride structure is required in your woodland management plan.

You can use it with CWD2: Woodland improvement and CWS11: 3-zone rides supplement to manage the zone once created:

A ride is a linear open space in a woodland. In most woodlands, rides are access paths or tracks. It allows light to reach the ground through an open canopy. In a 3-zone ride the shrubs and herbaceous layer are separated on each side of the ride.

You cannot use this item without the consent of the Forestry Commission.

What you must do to use this item 

You must create a 3-zone ride in line with a Forestry Commission approved woodland management plan and consider the:

  • orientation – preferably create the ride along a route than runs from east to west

  • topography – consider siting on a south-facing slope where possible

  • pressure from deer grazing the herbaceous sward and how it’ll be managed

  • opportunities to link existing and potential open habitat

You can also create 3-zone rides adjacent to forest tracks and roads with the agreement of your Forestry Commission adviser.

You must: 

  • provide at least 3 written quotations for completion of the work, identifying associated costs

  • agree the selected quotation with the Forestry Commission

  • compete the works to the agreed specification and timescale

You cannot use this item without the consent of the Forestry Commission and a felling licence (if needed). 

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

  • a detailed specification document

  • copies of any planning or other permission

  • any other consents or permissions

You must also keep and provide on request:   

  • a copy of the advice from the Forestry Commission

  • photographs of site before works start

  • a copy of consent from Historic England to use the item on a scheduled monument

  • a copy of consent from Natural England to use the item on a site of special scientific interest (SSSI)

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. 

Other items you can use with this item  

You can use this item with PA3: Woodland management plan.

FY6: Restore coppicing in woodland

How much you’ll be paid  

Up to 100% of actual costs 

How this item benefits the environment 

Using this item to cut areas of neglected coppice stools (one tree with several shoots) which have not been actively managed will restore coppice management. Overstood coppice is where the coppice shoots have been left uncut to grow into tall muti-stemmed trees. This enhances temporary open spaces which will increase biodiversity.

Where you can use this item  

You can use this item in woodlands where you have agreed with Forestry Commission that coppicing is appropriate. You’ll need a woodland management plan.

You can also use it alongside these actions and supplements: 

  • CWD2: Woodland improvement

  • CWS2: Manage and restore plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) supplement

  • CWS5: Improve woodland resilience supplement

  • CWS7: Manage historic features in woodlands supplement

  • CWS8: Manage native woodland including ancient semi-natural woodlands (ASNW) supplement)

What you must do to use this item 

You must: 

  • provide at least 3 written quotations for completion of the work, identifying associated costs

  • agree the selected quotation with the Forestry Commission

  • coppice trees between September and the end of March

  • cut trees at an agreed height above ground level

  • protect cut stools from livestock, deer and rabbits (if needed) to allow re-growth

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

  • detailed specification document

  • copies of any planning or other permission

  • any consents or permissions connected with the works

  • a felling licence from the Forestry Commission (if applicable)

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • a copy of the Forestry Commission advice

  • a Forestry Commission approved woodland management plan

  • photographs of site before works start

  • photographs of the completed work

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. 

Other items you can use with this item 

You can use this item with: 

  • FG1: Fencing   

  • FG2: Sheep netting     

  • FG4: Rabbit fencing supplement       

  • FG9: Deer fencing 

  • FG12: Wooden field gate         

  • FG16: Deer pedestrian gate   

  • FG17: Deer vehicle gate           

  • FY1: Deer high seat     

  • FY8: Supplement for a freestanding deer high seat

FY8: Supplement for a freestanding deer high seat

How much you’ll be paid  

£180 supplement for free standing seat  

Where you can use this item  

You can only use this item alongside FY1: Deer high seat when you’re installing a freestanding seat.  

What you must do to use this item 

You must be aware of the health and safety of non-authorised users of the seat. For example, by prominently displaying British Standard signs prohibiting public access. 

You must also be aware of the health and safety of authorised users by: 

  • checking the seat has safety bars

  • ensure it’s correctly assembled to prevent falling from the shooting position

  • is of an adequate size

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep photographs of the completed work and provide them with your claim. 

 You must also keep and provide on request: 

  • any consents or permissions connected with the work

  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable

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.  

Grassland creation, restoration and management

GR1: Create or restore grassland habitat

GR2: Standard seed mix for grassland habitat

GR3: Floristically enhanced seed mix for grassland habitat

GR1: Create or restore grassland habitat

How much you’ll be paid  

£186.02 per hectare (ha) 

How this item benefits the environment 

It helps to create and restore grassland habitat of high environmental value. This means many species such as bees, butterflies, birds or bats will benefit. Using this item will not disturb buried archaeological features. 

Where you can use this item  

You can use this item with the support of your Natural England adviser (or an adviser acting on their behalf) to create or restore grassland habitat on:

  • arable or fallow land 

  • temporary grassland  

  • permanent grassland you can restore to a habitat of high environmental value by reseeding, over sowing or planting 

The site must have good potential to create or restore the habitat – check your chosen base action for an explanation of ‘good potential’. For species-rich grassland, this usually means it has a soil phosphate index below 2.

What you must do to use this item 

You must: 

  • establish a suitable sward for the grassland habitat by the method agreed in writing with your adviser

  • follow your implementation plan or feasibility study (if applicable)

  • manage any areas of soil compaction (if needed) before grassland establishes

  • control weeds and establish the sward by regular cutting or other methods in the first year or 2 years after planting seeds or plants – you’ll agree this in writing with your adviser

  • restore the appropriate hydrology (site wetness) for the habitat if necessary

You must not damage historic or archaeological features.   

Evidence you must keep 

You must keep and provide a map with your application showing where you’ll:

  • restore grassland (from permanent grassland to grassland habitat)

  • create new habitat (from arable or temporary grassland to grassland habitat)

You can use GR1 to establish wildflowers, usually alongside GR3: Floristically enhanced seed mix for grassland habitat. When establishing wildflowers, you must provide soil analysis that includes:

  • soil available phosphorus using Olsen P test

  • the soil potassium status

You must give this to your adviser so they can assess the potential for the introduction of wildflowers.

You must have carried out the analysis either:

  • within the last year

  • within the last 5 years if there have been no fertiliser applications or increase in stocking levels since the last soil analysis

If you’re using GR1 to create or restore species-rich floodplain meadows, you must have carried this out within the last year. 

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • any consents or permissions connected with the work

  • a copy of the advice from your adviser

  • your feasibility study or implementation plan (if applicable)

  • records of the activities you carried out to establish the sward

  • photographs showing any areas before activity starts

  • photographs of the management you carried out

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. 

Other items and actions you may use with this item 

To plan and prepare your site, you can use: 

You may use either GR2: Standard seed mix for grassland habitat or GR3: Floristically enhanced seed mix for grassland habitat to purchase the seed, green hay or plug plants.

You can only use these SFI management actions: 

  • GRH2: Manage wet grassland for breeding waders (endorsed)

  • GRH3: Manage wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl (endorsed)

  • GRH4: Manage species-rich floodplain meadows (endorsed)

  • GRH6: Manage priority habitat species-rich grassland (endorsed)

You can only use these CSHT management actions: 

  • CGS18: Manage species-rich floodplain meadows

  • CGS19: Manage wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl

  • CGS20: Manage wet grassland for breeding waders

  • CGS21: Manage grassland for target habitats, species or features

  • CGS22: Manage priority habitat species-rich grassland

GR2: Standard seed mix for grassland habitat

How much you’ll be paid  

£203 per hectare (ha) 

How this item benefits the environment 

It helps to create and restore grassland habitat of high environmental value. This means many species such as bees, butterflies, birds or bats will benefit. Using this item will not disturb archaeological features. 

Where you can use this item  

You can use this item with the approval of your Natural England adviser (or an adviser acting on their behalf) to create or restore:

  • wet grassland for breeding waders

  • wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl

  • grassland for target habitat, species and features

You can only use it with GR1: Create or restore grassland habitat.

What you must do to use this item 

You must: 

  • obtain a grassland seed mix that provides the right habitat for the grassland you’re creating or restoring – you’ll agree the mix in writing with your adviser

  • use wildflower seed of native British origin if these are included in the seed mix

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep and provide on request: 

  • any consents or permissions connected with the work 

  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable 

  • a record of the seed mix used 

  • a copy of the advice from your adviser 

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. 

Other items and actions you can use with this item 

You can use this item with these SFI management actions: 

  • GRH2: Manage wet grassland for breeding waders (endorsed) 

  • GRH3: Manage wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl (endorsed) 

You can use this item with these CSHT management actions: 

  • CGS19: Manage wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl

  • CGS20: Manage wet grassland for breeding waders

  • CGS21: Manage grassland for target habitats, species or features

GR3: Floristically enhanced seed mix for grassland habitat

How much you’ll be paid  

£890.02 per hectare (ha) 

How this item benefits the environment 

It helps to create and restore species-rich grassland habitats with a wide range of important plant species. Many other species such as bees, butterflies, birds or bats will also benefit. Using this item will not disturb buried archaeological features.

Where you can use this item  

You can use this item to create or restore a species-rich grassland priority habitat. You must have the approval of your Natural England adviser (or an adviser acting on their behalf).

You can only use it with GR1: Create or restore grassland habitat.

What you must do to use this item 

With the written agreement of your adviser, you must:

  • obtain a wildflower-rich seed mix, green hay from a local donor site, or plug plants (or a combination of these)

  • use wildflower seed of native British origin

  • follow your implementation plan or feasibility study (if applicable)

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep and provide on request. 

  • any relevant consents or permissions

  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable

  • a record of the seed mix, green hay or plug plants used

  • a copy of the advice from your adviser

  • your feasibility study or implementation plan (if applicable)

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. 

Other items and actions you can use with this item 

You can use this item with these SFI management actions: 

  • GRH2: Manage wet grassland for breeding waders (endorsed) 

  • GRH3: Manage wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl (endorsed) 

  • GRH4: Manage species-rich floodplain meadows (endorsed)  

  • GRH6: Manage priority habitat species-rich grassland (endorsed) 

You can use this item with these CSHT management actions: 

  • CGS18: Manage species-rich floodplain meadows

  • CGS19: Manage wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl

  • CGS20: Manage wet grassland for breeding waders

  • CGS22: Manage priority habitat species-rich grassland

Species management

SM1: Training to control and manage deer

SM2: Training to control and manage American mink

SM3: Training to control and manage non-native plants

SM4: Traps for American mink

SM5: Traps for edible dormouse

SM6: Use monitoring equipment to manage invasive species

SM1: Training to control and manage deer

How much you’ll be paid  

Up to 100% of actual costs for each training course 

How this item benefits the environment 

Training will help you understand the natural behaviour of deer and reduce the risks they pose to other species (for example, eating newly planted hedges and trees).

Where you can use this item  

You can only use this item alongside CWS1: Deer control and management with the approval of the Forestry Commission.

What you must do to use this item 

You must: 

  • have a species management plan approved by the Forestry Commission

  • find relevant training courses on how to control and manage all types of native and non-native deer

  • provide at least 2 written quotations for the course costs with your application (where possible)

  • agree which training course you will attend with the Forestry Commission

  • attend and complete a training course

If you can only find one suitable course, you can attend that course with the agreement of your Forestry Commission adviser.

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep and provide with your application: 

  • an approved species management plan 

  • at least 2 quotations for the training course 

You must provide evidence that you have completed the training course (for example, a certificate or email from the training provider) when you make your claim for payment.

You must also keep invoices or receipts of training courses you have attended and provide them on request.

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. 

Other items you can use with this item  

You can use this item with: 

SM2: Training to control and manage American mink

How much you’ll be paid 

Up to 100% of actual costs for each training course   

How this item benefits the environment 

Training will help you understand the natural behaviour of American mink and reduce the risks they pose to other species.

Where you can use this item  

You can only use this item alongside CSP21: American mink control and management with the approval of Natural England.

What you must do to use this item 

You must find relevant training courses on how to control and manage American mink. The training course you attend must include:

  • training on the ecology and behaviour of mink

  • setting and monitoring traps

  • keeping records and risk assessments

  • humanely dispatching captured mink 

Your Natural England advisor can discuss and agree suitable training courses with you. 

You must: 

  • have a species management plan approved by Natural England

  • provide at least 2 written quotations for the course costs with your application (where possible)

  • agree which training course you will attend with Natural England

  • attend and complete a training course

If you can only find one suitable course, you can attend that course with the agreement of your Natural England adviser.

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep and provide with your application:

  • an approved species management plan

  • at least 2 quotations for the training course

You must provide evidence that you have completed the training course (for example, a certificate or email from the training provider) when you make your claim for payment.

You must also keep invoices or receipts of training courses you have attended and provide them on request.

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.  

Other items you can use with this item 

You can use this item with: 

  • PA7 Species management plan

  • SM4 Traps for American mink

  • SM6 Use monitoring equipment to manage invasive species

SM3: Training to control and manage non-native plants

How much you’ll be paid  

Up to 100% of actual costs for each training course  

How this item benefits the environment 

Training to control and manage non-native plant species will help you understand how to manage the harm these plants cause to the natural environment.

Where you can use this item  

With the approval of Natural England (or the Forestry Commission for woodland), you can only use this item alongside one of the following:

  • CSP13: Invasive plant species control and management (lower rate)

  • CSP14: Invasive plant species control and management (intermediate rate)

  • CSP15: Invasive plant species control and management (upper rate)

What you must do to use this item 

You must:  

  • have a species management plan approved by Natural England or the Forestry Commission

  • find relevant training courses on how to control and manage invasive plant species

  • provide at least 2 written quotations for the course costs with your application (where possible)

  • agree which training course you will attend with Natural England or the Forestry Commission

  • attend and complete a training course

If you can only find one suitable course, you can attend that course with the agreement of your Natural England or Forestry Commission adviser. 

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep and provide with your application:

  • an approved species management plan

  • at least 2 quotations for the training course

You must provide evidence you have completed the training course (for example, a certificate or email from the training provider) when you make your claim for payment.  

You must also keep invoices or receipts of training courses you have attended and provide them on request.

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.

Other items you can use with this item

You can use this item with:

SM4: Traps for American mink

How much you’ll be paid  

Up to 100% of actual costs   

How this item benefits the environment 

Using American mink traps helps to control and manage an invasive species. This helps increase the population of water voles and breeding waders.

Where you can use this item 

You can only use this item for an American mink trap:

  • alongside CSP21: American mink control and management and PA7: Species management plan

  • with the approval of Natural England

What you must do to use this item 

You must: 

  • provide at least 3 written quotations for the cost of equipment with your application (this item does not cover the cost of labour)

  • agree which quotation you will use with Natural England

  • install the traps, mink rafts and remote units on each site following the specification set out in your species management plan

  • maintain the traps, mink rafts and remote units for the duration of your agreement

  • only use legally approved traps

Evidence you must keep  

You must provide at least 3 quotations for the cost of equipment with your application. 

You must provide photographs of the completed works when they are in place and installed when you make your claim for payment.

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • receipted invoices for the materials

  • photographic evidence of the traps or rafts

  • copies of any consents or permissions connected with the work

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. 

Other items you can use with this item 

You can use this item with:

  • PA7: Species management plan

  • SM1: Training to control and manage deer

  • SM2: Training to control and manage American mink

  • SM6: Use monitoring equipment to manage invasive species

SM5: Traps for edible dormouse

How much you’ll be paid  

Up to 100% of actual costs 

How this item benefits the environment 

Trapping edible dormouse helps to: 

  • limit damage to establishing, growing and mature trees 

  • control and manage an invasive species 

Where you can use this item  

You can only use this item: 

  • alongside CSP20: Edible dormouse control and management and PA7: Species management plan 

  • with the agreement of the Forestry Commission 

Only use spring traps approved for use against edible dormice.  

What you must do to use this item 

You must: 

  • provide at least 3 written quotations for the costs of equipment and baits with your application (this item does not cover the cost of labour)

  • agree which quotation you will use with the Forestry Commission

  • install the traps or bait stations on each site following the specification set out in your species management plan

  • maintain the traps and bait stations for the duration of your agreement

  • use only legally approved traps

  • obtain a CLO2 Licence to trap Edible dormouse – you must not start any works until you have registered for this licence 

Evidence you must keep  

You must provide photographs of the completed works when they are in place and installed when you make your claim for payment.

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • receipted invoices for the materials 

  • photographic evidence of the traps, bait stations 

  • copies of any licences, consents or permissions connected with the work  

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.

Other items you can use with this item

You can use this item with:

  • PA3: Woodland management plan

  • SM6: Use monitoring equipment to manage invasive species

SM6: Use monitoring equipment to manage invasive species

How much you’ll be paid 

Up to 100% of actual costs

How this item benefits the environment

Using monitoring equipment (such as camera traps) helps to show how well species or habitats are recovering. It improves the management of invasive species.

Where you can use this item 

You can use this item alongside PA7: Species management plan.

With the approval of the Forestry Commission, you can use this item alongside:

  • CWS1: Deer control and management

  • CWS3: Grey squirrel control and management

  • CSP20: Edible dormouse control and management

With the approval of Natural England, you can use this item alongside:

  • CSP13: Invasive plant species control and management (lower rate)

  • CSP14: Invasive plant species control and management (medium rate)

  • CSP15: Invasive plant species control and management (higher rate)

  • CSP21: American mink control and management

What you must do to use this item

You must:

  • provide at least 3 written quotations for purchasing and installing the equipment with your application

  • agree which quotation you will use with Natural England or the Forestry Commission

  • install the monitoring equipment on each site following the specification set out in your species management plan

  • maintain the monitoring equipment for the duration of your agreement

  • provide maps of the location where you plan to place the equipment

Evidence you must keep 

You must provide photographs of where the monitoring equipment is installed when you make your claim for payment.

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • copies of any consents or permissions connected with the work

  • receipted invoices or receipts for the monitoring equipment

  • at least three quotations for completion of the work

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.

Other items you can use with this item

You can use this item with:

Tree species

TE16: Use tree surgery to ‘hinge’ a tree into a watercourse

TE17: Tree surgery for veteran trees

TE18: Supplement: pruning to restore fruit trees

TE16: Use tree surgery to ‘hinge’ a tree into a watercourse 

How much you’ll be paid  

£95.26 per tree  

How this item benefits the environment 

Hinging means to cut partway through a tree or single stem of a tree so it can be bent into or across a watercourse and continue to grow.

The hinged tree or stem:

  • creates a living woody habitat for invertebrates and fish providing shade and shelter from faster water flows and predators

  • deflects the water flow away from the riverbank to restore habitat diversity

  • creates pools and areas of faster and slower flowing water where sediment is deposited to provide more wildlife habitat

  • creates a leaky barrier to push water onto the floodplain in high flows and helps to protect areas downstream from flooding

This item can help you protect, recover and improve biodiversity on your land.

Where you can use this item  

You can only use this item:

  • to hinge a whole tree or single stem of a tree with a diameter more than 30cm into or across a watercourse

  • if you have a ‘tree hinging plan ’ approved by Natural England or the Forestry Commission

What you must do to use this item 

You must: 

  • follow an appropriate tree hinging plan that has been agreed by Natural England or Forestry Commission – you can apply for funding for a PA1: Implementation plan or as part of a PA2: Feasibility study for river restoration

  • cut the tree or single stem approximately halfway through and near its base (coppice height)

  • anchor the end of the tree or stem as identified in your tree hinging plan – if you need to fix the hinged tree in place only use biodegradable materials such as sisal, wooden stakes or live wood (large-hinged boughs can anchor themselves under their own weight)

  • make sure the hinged tree or stem is ‘leaky’ enough to allow fish and sediment to pass through

  • protect the hinged tree or stem from grazing to allow regrowth

  • maintain the hinged tree or stem as set out in your plan

You must not: 

  • trim back the smaller branches, brash or new sprouting growth on the hinged tree

  • cut completely through the stem or fell the tree

You must also not use this item: 

  • for work required for health and safety purposes

  • on trees showing signs of disease such as Phytophthora ramorum

  • for bank protection

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep photographs of the completed work and provide with your claim.

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • any consents, permissions, plans or studies connected with the work – tree hinging may require a flood risk activity permit or ordinary water course consent from your Flood Risk Authority

  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable

  • records of when the tree hinging surgery was done and by whom

  • photographs of the trees before carrying out the works

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. 

Other items you can use with this item 

You can use this item with: 

You can use this item with SFI action:

  • BFS6: 6m to 12m habitat strip next to watercourses 

You can use this item with CSHT actions:

  • CWD1: Woodland creation maintenance 

  • CWD2: Woodland improvement 

  • CSW12: Make room for the river to move 

  • CSW15: Flood mitigation on arable reversion to grassland  

  • CSW16: Flood mitigation on permanent grassland 

  • CSW22: Connect river and floodplain habitats  

  • CSW25: Manage riparian and water edge habitats  

You can use on land in these Countryside Stewardship options: 

TE17: Tree surgery for veteran trees  

How much you’ll be paid  

£488 for each veteran tree that requires tree surgery in the claim year 

How this item benefits the environment 

Specialist tree surgery extends the lifespan of veteran trees.

Stabilising veteran trees which are at risk of collapse maintains:

  • living trees with standing deadwood

  • trees which form distinctive features in the landscape

  • trees which provide valuable habitat

Many veteran trees have only grown so old through active management, mostly long abandoned. Reinstating management poses a risk, but the weight of its crown can cause catastrophic failure if not managed. 

Where you can use this item  

Where Natural England or the Forestry Commission have agreed to specialist tree surgery, you can use this item on: 

  • veteran open grown trees

  • veteran pollard trees

  • veteran trees in woodlands

You will need to check if Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or Conservation Orders apply to the trees on site.

Veteran trees often host European Protected Species such as bats – you may need a wildlife licence.

You can claim for up to 2 interventions per tree in a 5-year period.  

You cannot use this item on fruit trees in orchards (see TE18: Pruning to restore veteran fruit trees).

You cannot use this item on trees already funded under: 

What you must do to use this item 

Before you apply, you must create a tree management plan which includes a written assessment from a veteran tree specialist.

The assessment must: 

  • lay out the intended outcome of the work 

  • explain how the long-term health and viability of the trees to be cut will be maintained 

  • explain the requirements for subsequent management

You can pay for this using PA2: Feasibility study or PA1: Implementation plan.

You must:

  • agree your tree management plan with your Natural England or Forestry Commission adviser

  • use a professionally qualified arboriculturist to carry out the tree surgery

  • carry out the tree surgery works set out in the plan to the agreed timescale

  • remove secondary growth from around veteran trees as agreed in your management plan

  • place cut material in a location agreed in your plan 

You must not:  

  • stack removed or fallen material against the tree

  • cut up limbs or branches removed from the tree any more than is necessary to allow safe handling of them.

  • remove cut material including dead wood and dying branches from the area around the tree

  • burn cut material

  • prune a tree any more than necessary to prevent catastrophic failure

  • remove epicormic shoots (small side shoots) as they can take over if the main part of the stem is lost

  • carry out any activities which damage and compact tree roots of the veteran tree and those in the vicinity

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep the following records and supply them on request: 

  • your tree management plan   

  • receipted invoices, consents or permissions connected with the work 

  • photographs of each tree  

  • photographs of the completed work  

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. 

Other items you can use with this item 

You can use this item with actions or options for the management, restoration and creation of habitats or features or with CSHT action CWD2: Woodland improvement.

TE18: Pruning to restore veteran fruit trees

How much you’ll be paid  

£146 per tree – you can only claim for each tree once during the 3-year length of the agreement  

How this item benefits the environment 

Restoring mature and veteran fruit trees with undisturbed standing and fallen deadwood provides a valuable habitat for local wildlife (invertebrates, birds and bats).

Where you can use this item  

You can only use this item on neglected fruit trees alongside one of these actions or options: 

You can use this item with the approval of your Natural England adviser (or an adviser acting on their behalf).

What you must do to use this item 

You must:  

  • prune neglected fruit trees, to prolong their life and ensure habitat features are preserved

  • prune apple and pear trees between October and April

  • prune stone fruit trees between May and September

  • place fallen deadwood in both sunny and shady positions

You must not:  

  • prune more than one-third of the woody growth in the crown of each tree

  • remove or burn standing, attached and fallen deadwood or pruned wood from the orchard (unless diseased)

You should claim for works only when you have carried out works on each tree. 

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep and provide with your claim: 

  • receipted invoices, consents or permissions connected with the works

  • photographs of the trees have applied for showing the work you have done for this item

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. 

Improving wetlands

WN11: Install temporary water storage features

WN13: Supplement: manage wetland cutting

WN11: Install temporary water storage features

How much you’ll be paid  

£7.36 per square metre (m2) 

How this item benefits the environment 

A temporary water storage feature holds and stores water for a limited period. This helps:

  • slow the flow of water through the landscape, allowing sediment and nutrients to settle out

  • more water infiltrate through soil and into the groundwater on permeable geology and soils

  • reduce the speed that surface water reaches watercourses, improving flood resilience and reducing the risk of flooding for communities

  • create additional storage capacity and temporary habitat for fish and other wildlife on floodplains

Where you can use this item  

You can use this item to install temporary water storage features on:

  • grassland

  • arable land

  • woodland – where it’ll benefit flood resilience or water resources

You must do this item alongside one of these management actions or supplements: 

  • CSW23: Manage features on arable land for flood and drought resilience and water quality 

  • CSW24: Manage grassland for flood and drought resilience and water quality 

  • CSW26: Enhanced floodplain storage supplement  

You’ll need to get any necessary consents or permits from the relevant flood risk management authority, the Environment Agency or the local highways authority before starting any work.  

You cannot use this item: 

What you must do to use this item 

You must: 

  • agree a detailed specification in a plan with Natural England  

  • follow the agreed specification to capture surface water, or water from rivers and streams within the floodplain 

You can fund a plan through PA2: Feasibility Study or PA1: Implementation plan.

Create the temporary storage features either:  

  • where the land is naturally lower than its surroundings 

  • where several flow paths usually combine 

Allow any water stored by the feature to subside naturally. This can be through infiltration into the ground or by allowing it to seep back towards the watercourse or nearby water management feature.

Evidence you must keep  

You must keep photographs of the completed work and provide them with your claim. You must also keep and provide on request:

  • the specification agreed with Natural England

  • photographs of the site before works start

  • any relevant permits or consents connected with the work

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. 

Other items you can use with this item 

You can use this item with FG1: Fencing with the agreement of your Natural England adviser.

WN13: Supplement: manage wetland cutting

How much you’ll be paid 

£1,346 per hectare (ha) for each hectare that you cut in the claim year

How this item benefits the environment

It supports the appropriate cutting management of wetland habitats.

Where you can use this item 

You can only use this item with one of these CSHT actions:

  • CWT10: Manage lowland raised bog

  • CWT13: Manage and restore reedbed, fen and wetland mosaics

  • CWT14: Create reedbed, fen or wetland mosaics

What you must do to use this item

You must agree how you will manage wetland cutting with your Natural England adviser. This could include:

  • producing a map of the areas you plan to cut

  • cutting methods

  • when you plan to cut

  • how you will dispose of cuttings

You must carry out the cutting as agreed with your Natural England adviser.

Evidence you must keep 

You must keep and provide with your claim:

  • photographs of the work carried out each cutting season

  • a simple map of the areas cut or other form of evidence to prove the area cut such as a contractor’s records

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. 

Supplements you can use with this item

You can use this supplement with other supplements, for example:

  • CSP2: Rewetting supplement

  • CSP13: Invasive plant species control and management (lower rate)

  • CSP14: Invasive plant species control and management (intermediate rate)

  • CSP15: Invasive plant species control and management (upper rate)

  • CSP9: Support for threatened species

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