Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage
How farmers, foresters and land managers can apply for a Countryside Stewardship (CS) Higher Tier grant, or manage an existing CS grant agreement.
Countryside Stewardship (CS) remains part of the Environmental Land Management offer but has undergone some changes in 2024.
CS Mid Tier is now closed. You can apply for equivalent Mid Tier grants available as actions under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) expanded offer for 2024.
CS Higher Tier will open in summer 2025. Read about how the scheme will work and what you can do to prepare to apply.
You will also be able to apply for capital items to help you do the actions.
Information is still available for existing CS agreement holders.
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier
You must get advice from Natural England or the Forestry Commission before you can apply for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT). Read the CSHT scheme preview to find out how you can prepare to apply.
Manage an existing Countryside Stewardship agreement
Existing CS agreement holders should follow the relevant scheme guidance to manage their agreement effectively and meet all its requirements.
Prevent financial fraud against your farm business
You need to be aware of financial fraud and take measures to prevent it if you’re receiving large sums of grant money.
How we handle your data
Defra is the data controller for personal data you give to the RPA. Read the RPA personal information charter to find out how we handle your data.
Contact RPA
You can contact RPA by email, phone or post.
Rural Payments Agency (CS)
PO Box 324
Worksop
S95 1DF
Email: ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 200 301
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, except bank holidays
Find out about call charges
Please quote your single business identifier (SBI) and agreement number in all enquiries.
How to complain
Follow the RPA complaints procedure if you’re unhappy about a decision made by the RPA.