Countryside Stewardship Application 2026: Simple Farmer’s Checklist

If the Countryside Stewardship process feels complicated, you’re not alone. Below is a straightforward, step-by-step checklist to help farmers understand exactly what to do for the 2026 Countryside Stewardship application — without wading through pages of guidance.

Use this as your quick reference guide.

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1. Check if Your Eligible

Before you start the process, confirm whether you’re actually eligible for the 2026 scheme.

Use this quick guide:

You ARE eligible if:

✔ You have an existing Countryside Stewardship agreement that ends in 2025 (you will be offered a 1-year extension).

✔ You manage land that is registered on the Rural Payments Service.

✔ Your land parcels meet the rules for the options you want (e.g. hedge planting, woodland creation, margins).

✔ You receive an invitation from Natural England/RPA for a Higher Tier application (invitations only — you cannot self-apply).

✔ You meet any specific requirements for capital items (e.g. native species rules, quotes, consents).

You are NOT eligible if:

✘ Your land is not registered or mapped correctly on the Rural Payments Service.

✘ You do not receive a Higher Tier invitation, but want to apply for Higher Tier (you must wait for an invite).

✘ You want capital items that are only available through Higher Tier, but you haven’t been invited.

✘ Your land does not meet the option requirements (for example, non-agricultural land where an option cannot be placed).

✘ You cannot meet the management rules (e.g. grazing restrictions, cutting dates, maintenance obligations).

If you’re unsure

Call the RPA — they will confirm your eligibility based on:

✔ your agreement end date

✔ your land parcel codes

✔ the options you want

✔ whether Higher Tier invitations apply to you

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2. Check Which Route Applies to You

Before doing anything, work out which category you fall into:

If you already have a CS agreement ending in 2025

✔ You’ll receive a one-year extension offer from the RPA.

✔ No “new application” required — just accept the extension.

✔ You must reply before the deadline (usually late November 2025).

If you want a NEW Higher Tier agreement for 2026

✔ You cannot apply without an invitation from Natural England/RPA.

✔ Wait for your pre-application advice appointment.

✔ When invited, follow your personalised application timeline.

If you want new capital works (hedges, fencing, woodland, etc.)

✔ Check if a Capital Grants 2026 round opens.

✔ Some items may only be available through Higher Tier.

If you’re unsure which path fits you, phone RPA early — they’ll confirm what you’re eligible for.

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3. Get Your Rural Payments Account Ready

Whether extending or applying anew, make sure your digital setup is correct.

✔ Log in to the Rural Payments Service.

✔ Check your business details are correct.

✔ Ensure your land parcels are mapped accurately.

✔ Add permission for any agents or advisors helping you.

Incorrect land codes are one of the most common reasons for delays. Fix them before you start.

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4. Gather What You Need (Before You Apply or Accept)

Having everything ready makes the process much easier.

For extensions

✔ Simply review your existing agreement

✔ Confirm you can continue all management prescriptions in 2026.

For Higher Tier or capital applications

Gather:

✔ Farm maps

✔ Proposed option locations (hedges, woodland, margins etc.)

✔ Photos of existing features (for capital items)

✔ Quotes (if required for specific items)

✔ Consents (SSSI, Scheduled Monument, landlord permission)

Sketch your plan on paper before entering anything online — it saves time and reduces errors.

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5. Follow the Correct Action for Your Application Type

A. For 2026 Agreement EXTENSIONS

1. Look out for RPA contact (email or letter).

2. Read through your offer.

3. Click ‘Accept Extension’ by the deadline.

4. Continue your existing options exactly as before.

B. For NEW Higher Tier Applications

1. Attend your pre-application advisory meeting.

2. Plan your land options with your adviser.

3. Wait for your official RPA invitation.

4. Log in and complete your application online.

5. Submit before the date given in your invite.

6. Respond to any follow-up questions from Natural England.

7. Accept your final Agreement Offer.

C. For NEW Capital Grants (if available in 2026)

1. Choose the capital items you need (e.g., hedge planting BN11).

2. Map out where each item will go.

3. Gather quotes/photos.

4. Submit your application as soon as the window opens.

5. Complete works and keep evidence for claims.

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6. Key 2026 Stewardship Dates

• Early Nov 2025 – RPA sends extension offers

• 27 Nov 2025 (approx.) – Deadline to accept extensions

• Throughout 2025 – Higher Tier invites sent in phases

• 1 January 2026 – All accepted agreements begin

• 15 May 2026 – Likely deadline for annual revenue claims

• 31 December 2026 – Extension agreements end

Extension agreements cannot be changed — no new options or capital items can be added.

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7. Simple Checklist for Adding Hedges & Trees (BN11 etc.)

If you’re planting hedges or trees under stewardship:

✔ Use native species only (required).

✔ Ensure no more than 70% hawthorn.

✔ Include at least 4 other native species.

✔ Plant during winter (Nov–March).

✔ Order the correct size of plants (40–60cm bare-root).

✔ Keep invoices and photos for claims.

You can simplify planting by using a ready-made Countryside Stewardship hedge pack

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8. After Acceptance: What Farmers Must Do in 2026

✔ Follow each option’s management rules (dates, stocking rates, no-cut periods).

✔ Keep evidence (photos, invoices, activity logs).

✔ Submit claims on time.

✔ Respond to any RPA inspections.

✔ Keep ongoing records for 7+ years (standard scheme requirement).

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Final Thoughts

Applying for Countryside Stewardship doesn’t need to be confusing. By following this simple step-by-step checklist, farmers can confidently:

• Know whether they’re extending or applying

• Get their paperwork right

• Meet every deadline

• Plan hedges, woodland, and habitat options correctly

• Secure funding for the 2026 scheme year
  

If you’re planning hedge planting or woodland creation as part of your application, Bowhayes Trees can help with native tree packs, CS-compliant hedge packs, and friendly advice tailored to your land.