A new round of Government funding to protect the countryside in England has been announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)
The £2.5 million Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund is now open to applications. The scheme encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing among the farming community in England.
To apply, farmers, foresters and other land managers must submit plans showing how they will work together and share knowledge to protect and enhance their local environment. Each group can apply for up to £50,000 to deliver improvements. This could include actions to:
- increase biodiversity
- improve water and air quality
- expand woodland areas
- improve natural flood management
The fund will close to applications on 15 January 2024.
You can read more information on the fund.
Read the guide to applying.