Prepare your CS applications now
I am delighted to have been appointed as an Associate Partner at McCartneys LLP, together with Beth Hanson.
Beth and I are rural practice Chartered Surveyors conducting all aspects of general professional work throughout Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Mid Wales.
Beth and I are largely involved with Countryside Stewardship applications and claims, and I urge farmers and landowners to prepare in advance of this year’s application period, which should be open by March.
Many capital items such as concrete yard renewal, roofing over livestock handling areas, manure, slurry and silage stores, sprayer wash down areas and livestock and machinery tracks all require Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer prior approval.
CFSOs are required to carry out a site visit prior to approval being granted, they can also provide advice on how the scheme can improve the farm’s air and water quality.
The global pandemic will no doubt have an impact on the procedures this year, therefore early engagement with CFSOs will ensure sufficient time is given to prepare and submit the best application. Several 2020 applications had to be deferred due to the Coronavirus, which may lead to larger demand this year.
The funding available under the Water Capital Grant has been doubled for the 2021 application period. Applicants can now apply for up to £20,000 worth of capital grant funding, without entering into a full Mid-Tier agreement with parcel based options.
Jo Wall, McCartneys LLP
