Before you start your application
Read this section to find out what you need to do before you apply.
It is important that you do the following in the order we’ve listed them:
To receive CS payments, you must be registered on the Rural Payments service. To find out how to do this read Rural Payments service: registering and updating your details on GOV.UK.
For security do not share your password with anyone.
Check that your personal details, business details, and digital maps are up to date, and update them if needed.
You must register all of the land on your application in the Rural Payments service.
To find out how to do this read Rural Payments service: registering and updating your details on GOV.UK. You may also find the Rural Land and Entitlements (RLE1) guidance useful, which is also on GOV.UK.
If you do not have access to the internet, you can call us on 03000 200 301.
To submit an application, you must have the Countryside Stewardship (Applications) ‘Submit’ Permission level. You can find more information on the Permission levels screen in the Rural Payments service. This lists what is permitted at each level.
If you prefer, you can authorise an agent to fill in and submit your application for you. For an agent to act for you, you must give them the appropriate permission levels in the Rural Payments service on GOV.UK. This applies even if you have previously authorised the agent using the paper agent authorisation form.
Read Give someone else permission to act on your behalf on GOV.UK for more information on the different levels of permission.
All the guidance and information you need for Countryside Stewardship is on GOV.UK.
Search for the Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants manual.
For information about the capital items available, search for Countryside Stewardship grants.
Choose your capital items from the Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants Manual.
You can read more information about each capital item on GOV.UK. Search for Countryside Stewardship grants.
You must measure capital item lengths and quantities accurately as errors may lead to the reduction of payments and penalties may be applied.
You can apply for Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants online using the Rural Payments service. If you cannot apply online, you can download the application form from GOV.UK.
You can download the Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants Application Form from GOV.UK, search for Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants Application Form. If you cannot access GOV.UK, email us at ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk or you can call us on 03000 200 301, to request a copy.