Countryside stewardship higher tier
From strategy to success, ADAS helps farms and estates secure and deliver countryside stewardship projects
Whether you are renewing an active higher tier agreement or applying for the first time, ADAS can help land managers and partners design and deliver projects that work for your business, clients and the environment.
Our support covers the entire extend of the countryside stewardship higher tier journey, including identifying opportunities, preparing evidence-based applications and coordinating delivery once funding is secured.
Our practical farming background, combined with our regulatory knowledge, means we can help you choose the right options for the right places, thereby maximising profitability while restoring habitats, protecting heritage and adding community value.
We help you to deliver PA1–PA7 and FM2 plans as required by Defra organisations
Support with new applications
ADAS can help you
- identify eligible options and habitats that fit your farm or estate
- prepare evidence-based plans (PA1–PA7, FM2), including any consents and permits, aligned with stakeholder expectations
- integrate hydrology and environmental heritage inputs
- navigate submission and negotiation for the best chance of success.
Support with renewing or expiring applications
Many agreements are now reaching the renewal stage. Early planning will ensure a smooth transition and continued funding. If your agreement is ending, ADAS can assist with
- reviewing what has worked and updating evidence for new priorities
- planning for re-application or transition to future schemes (e.g., landscape recovery).
- delivering any restoration or capital works within your new agreement.
The countryside stewardship higher tier application process
- Confirm you and your land is eligible, and you have management control
- Ensure your land parcels are registered and mapped correctly by the Rural Payments Service
- Ensure any management plans are in place or underway
- Upon receipt of an invitation, accept within 10 days to receive your application pack
- Check the forms and maps match your land
- Add or update any missing parcels
- Select your proposed multi-year management options and capital items
- Complete and submit within the deadline with supporting information
- Applications are scored against national priorities
- Highest scoring applications are invited to the next stage
- Work with Natural England/Forestry Commission advisors to refine options and capital items
- Provide any extra information or consents requested
- Receive a negotiated schedule for review
- If successful, you will receive a formal offer. Return it to secure your Higher Tier agreement
Turn your challenges into opportunities
Clear and expert advice to support you with agricultural opportunities.
Speak to the team