Higher level scheme
The Higher level scheme replaced the old Countryside Stewardship Scheme and Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme. It is a targeted and competitive scheme where acceptance is not guaranteed. Unlike the Entry Level Scheme, the payments are not capped and you can opt to do as much, or as little as you like. It does allow you to claim for capital payments for jobs such as hedge planting and stone wall restoration.
A typical 500 acre (200 ha) mixed farm could earn in the region of £15,000 per annum on top of the £600 per annum from Entry Level Scheme, giving a total potential Environmental payment of around £21,000, and also have £30,000 over the first three years for improvements to the farm. Field options are targeted to improvements in habitat for key species (e.g. grey partridge and barn owl) or resource protection. Money can also be obtained for renovation of traditional farm buildings.
JSP Management has had a number of applications successfully accepted, and can offer all levels of support ranging from basic completion of the FEP to a fully comprehensive service and ongoing management.
