The scheme is open for applications and will come into force in January next year. It will replace the current Higher Level Stewardship and Entry Level Stewardship schemes. Applications will need to be submitted by September 30 2015.
NFU Vice President Guy Smith said that although there are still a number of questions that needed answering, the NFU remains committed to working with Defra and Natural England to ensure it will work on the ground.
“We recognise the importance of the role of the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme enabling farmers to continue to maintain and enhance biodiversity, water, soils and to address challenges such as climate change,” said Mr Smith.
“It is important that the scheme is practical to administer for farmers. As highlighted by the recent livestock record keeping request, record keeping requirements in stewardship must be kept be simple and fit with practical farming.
"It is disappointing that we don’t have a decision on dual use - the practice of landlords and tenants claiming for different schemes on the same parcel of land. For applicants this year the decision is needed quickly.
“New Countryside Stewardship is competitive and not everyone applying will be successful. However, farmers shouldn’t forget the hard work carried out under Stewardship schemes and can maintain the environmental benefits already achieved by implementing Campaign for the Farmed Environment measures.
“Overall, at this late stage, there are still a number of questions about how the scheme will work but we are committed to working with Defra and Natural England on its development and - more importantly – how it will be implemented on the ground.”