Countryside Stewardship
How farmers, foresters and land managers can apply for a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) agreement, or manage an existing Countryside Stewardship (CS) agreement.
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) opened in September 2025. Read the CSHT scheme guidance to find out what funding is available, how to prepare your application and how 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 be invited to receive pre-application advice before you can start your Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application. Read the CSHT applicant鈥檚 guide for more information.
Manage an existing Countryside Stewardship agreement
贰虫颈蝉迟颈苍驳听CS聽agreement holders should follow the聽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聽take measures to prevent it if you鈥檙e receiving large sums of grant money.
How we handle your data
Defra is the data controller for personal data you give to the聽RPA. Read the聽RPA聽personal information charter聽to find out how we handle your data.
Contact RPA
You can contact聽RPA聽by email or post.
贰尘补颈濒:听ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk
Post:
Rural Payments Agency (CS)
PO Box 324
Worksop
S95 1DF
Please quote your single business identifier (SBI) and agreement number in all enquiries.
How to complain
Follow the RPA complaints procedure聽if you鈥檙e unhappy about a decision made by the聽RPA.
Updates to this page
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Added link to guidance on Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) actions affected by Lump Sum Exit Scheme payments.
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Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier guidance is now available before the scheme opens for invited applicants. You can find out what funding is available, how to prepare your application and how to apply.
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First published.