In the last month the NFU has secured some small wins that help ‘oil the wheels’ of delivery. There has been an extension to the CS claim deadline to allow Natural England more time to issue agreement offers for agreements that started in January 2018. For those applicants there has been an extension for those who still need to submit a soil sample: Another NFU win.
In our response to the Health and Harmony consultation the NFU put forward a number of suggestions for improving Countryside Stewardship as CS will remain the main way to support environmental delivery until there is a new scheme in place. The NFU’s asks included:
- Reduced record keeping requirements
- Clearer guidance
- Timely payments
- Consideration to rolling forward expiring HLS agreements
The NFU is working with other organisations, including RSPB, Wildlife Trusts, GWCT, and CLA to seek improvements to current and future CS delivery.
Members can access a full update on current delivery here.