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) will open 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’s guide for more information.
Manage an existing Countryside Stewardship agreement
Existing CS agreement holders should follow the 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 take measures to prevent it if you’re receiving large sums of grant money.
How we handle your data
Defra is the data controller for personal data you give to the RPA. Read the RPA personal information charter to find out how we handle your data.
Contact RPA
You can contact RPA by email, phone or post.
Rural Payments Agency (CS)
PO Box 324
Worksop
S95 1DF
Email: ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 200 301
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, except bank holidays
Find out about call charges
Please quote your single business identifier (SBI) and agreement number in all enquiries.
How to complain
Follow the RPA complaints procedure if you’re unhappy about a decision made by the RPA.
Updates to this page
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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.