Environmental Stewardship and Grant Schemes

Environmental Stewardship

Back in 2005,  Environmental Stewardship replaced the Environmentally Sensitive Area, Organic Farming Scheme and Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreements. Environmental Stewardship comprises Entry and Organic Entry Level Stewardship, and Higher Level Stewardship.

Entry Level Stewardship

The Entry and Organic Entry Level Stewardship Schemes are open to all farmers and land managers across England with the agreement lasting 5 years. The schemes involve preparing a simple environmental record of the farm on maps provided in the application pack.

You have the ability to choose from a wide range of management options with the flexibility to decide how much you will have and where to place them.

How can Barbers help you?

Barbers have completed over 200 Entry Level Stewardship Scheme applications and have found that the simplicity of completing the application varies from farm to farm due to size and the farming system employed. Owing to this Barbers have gained considerable experience and consequently have the expertise to assist you in completing your applications.

Higher Level Stewardship

Higher Level Stewardship builds on specific environmental and historical features on your land. Natural England provides a contribution payment so land managers can employ the expertise of a consultant to undertake the work rather than try to complete the application themselves.

Applications depend not on gaining points per hectare as with the Entry Level Scheme, but on satisfying regional targets set out in the application pack. Therefore only applicants who can provide the most environmental benefit are accepted onto the scheme.

Benefits of the Higher Level Stewardship
Under Higher Level Stewardship, there are a wide range of management options and the ability to claim for capital works, which the Entry Level Scheme does not provide for. Another benefit of that scheme is it guaranteed for ten years. However it is possible to withdraw at the end of the fifth year without attracting any financial penalties.   

How can Barbers help you?

Barbers Rural Team would be more than happy to assist with the application process. This includes:

  • Farm walk to discuss the scheme and possible management requirements
  • Completion of the farm environmental maps
  • Completion of the application form
  • Advice on the most suitable management options for your farm
  • Application and agreement issue resolution
  • Application and agreement amendments 
Contact us on 01630 652314 or email agricultural@barbers-online.co.uk

Redundant Building Grant Scheme

Grants are provided for the conversion or refurbishment of redundant buildings to bring them back into productive business use or to enhance their current business use.

What types of projects can get funding under this scheme?
Virtually any building could be eligible but the key criterion is that the building will be used for business purposes once the works are completed. These grants are not available for conversion to or refurbishment of residential property, nor for buildings which will be used for agricultural or horticultural purposes.

Who can apply?
Individuals, partnerships, limited companies or co-operatives can all apply for a grant.
Applicants can be owner-occupiers, owners proposing to lease out the premises for eligible business uses, or tenants. Tenants must have a fixed term lease with at least five years unexpired and written consent for the proposed works from their landlord.

Contact us on 01630 652314 or email agricultural@barbers-online.co.uk


English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS)

The aims of the EWGS are to:

 Barbers Rural Consultancy Department can assist with the completion and submission of any of these EWGS grant applications. Through our client and professional contacts we can assist with resource sourcing and project contracting in the forestry sector.  Contact us on 01630 652314 or email agricultural@barbers-online.co.uk