Navigating Countryside Stewardship: How Expert Guidance is Transforming Land Management

By Dougal McNeill, Principal Officer, Agri-Environment Delivery, Natural England

For farmers and land managers, the modern agricultural landscape is defined by volatility. Between fluctuating market conditions and the intensifying challenges of climate change—most recently highlighted by this summer’s severe drought—the appetite for risk has understandably diminished. In this climate, when a scheme like Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) is introduced, the primary concern for many is whether the administrative burden is worth the investment.

As we look to support the sector, the mission of Natural England is clear: we are here to ensure that participation in these schemes is a viable, rewarding, and straightforward decision for your business.

A Collaborative Framework

The success of CSHT relies on a coordinated "team effort" between three core government bodies, each playing a distinct role in the process:

• Defra sets the overarching policy direction, ensuring that CSHT aligns with broader initiatives like the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Landscape Recovery. Their objective is to drive high-impact environmental outcomes by targeting land and habitats where intervention can yield the greatest benefits.
• The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) functions as the administrative backbone. They are responsible for managing applications, processing agreements, and ensuring timely payments, while simultaneously refining the application process to be more intuitive.
• Natural England serves as the specialist advisory arm. Our experts work directly on the ground with farmers to assess the unique potential of their land, shaping bespoke agreements that fit the individual business. This personal guidance is bolstered by collaboration with the Forestry Commission, the Environment Agency, and Historic England, ensuring that woodland, water, and heritage assets are managed comprehensively.

More Than Just a Policy Document

It is vital to understand that CSHT is not a "one-size-fits-all" solution. It is designed for those seeking to implement ambitious environmental projects, such as peatland restoration, ancient grassland management, or river water quality improvements.

"We are not here to sign you up to something that does not fit your farm," says McNeill. "We are here to help you work out whether CSHT is right for you—and if it is, to support you through every step."

Since the application window opened in September 2025, our advisers have engaged with over 850 potential applicants, with over 430 agreements already active and delivering for nature. The feedback from participants highlights a clear demand for specific, site-based guidance over generalized information. One participant noted that the tailored timeline provided by an adviser was instrumental in navigating the complexities of the application stages.

Facing Challenges with Innovation

We are transparent about the fact that demand for the scheme is outstripping resources, particularly as a wave of older, expiring agreements approaches. To meet this pressure without compromising the quality of our advice, we are innovating.

We are currently piloting "smarter" delivery methods, such as single-action agreements for species-rich grassland and partnerships that allow us to scale our reach while maintaining rigorous standards. The quality of our advice remains, and will remain, non-negotiable.

Looking Ahead

With over 800 farmers already lined up for pre-application support in the coming months, the momentum behind CSHT is building. Defra, the RPA, and Natural England remain fully aligned in our goal to make this process as efficient as possible.

Our priority remains the relationship with you, the land manager. We are committed to providing the clarity and support necessary to turn environmental goals into business assets, ensuring that your land remains productive and resilient for generations to come.

For further information and to explore how the scheme can work for your business, visit the Defra Farming Blog and GOV.UK.