SM4: Traps for American mink

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the traps for American mink item.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the CSHT applicant’s guide to understand the rules and how to apply.

How much you’ll be paid 

Up to 100% of actual costs  

How this item benefits the environment

Using American mink traps helps to control and manage an invasive species. This helps increase the population of water voles and breeding waders.

Where you can use this item 

You can only use this item for an American mink trap:

What you must do to use this item

You must:

  • provide at least 3 written quotations for the cost of equipment with your application (this item does not cover the cost of labour)
  • agree which quotation you will use with Natural England
  • install the traps, mink rafts and remote units on each site following the specification set out in your species management plan
  • maintain the traps, mink rafts and remote units for the duration of your agreement
  • only use legally approved traps

Evidence you must keep 

You must provide photographs of the completed works when they are in place and installed when you make your claim for payment.

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • receipted invoices for the materials
  • photographic evidence of the traps or rafts
  • copies of any consents or permissions connected with the work

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide.

Other items you can use with this item

You can use this item with these items:

Advice to help you use this item

The following advice may help you to use this item, but you do not have to follow it to get paid. It’s not part of this item’s requirements.   

You should consider:

  • the use, siting and protection of traps to prevent capturing species other than American mink
  • the health and safety of the people authorised to set or use the traps

Updates to this page

Published 10 September 2025