It goes without saying the closure of the Sustainable Funding Incentive (SFI) scheme to new applicants came as a shock. For more information about the current state of play, please read our special e-bulletin sent on the 12th March. So, what now? Yes, the closure of SFI is a significant blow, but we must look forwards, and we must be proactive. We don’t foresee any change to the current situation until at least the start of 2026, although we await further announcements in the Summer. Therefore, we must look to future opportunities, including:
Higher Tier (HT):
The Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier application process has been started by Natural England (NE), with NE advisers reaching out to review land and line up Higher Tier renewals for December 2025. Outside of existing scheme renewals, it might be worth considering if your land is suitable for this scheme. We recommend reaching out to your local Natural England representative and organising a visit with one of our Norfolk FWAG advisers to start exploring suitability for a Higher Tier application.
Higher Level Stewardship (HLS):
For those in HLS, and with a scheme expiring this year, we recommend staying put in this scheme while SFI receives some tweaking. Whilst an older scheme, HLS rates are increasing to come more in line with SFI and other schemes. Now is the time to review your HLS agreement and consider if you’re getting the most out it.
Capital Grants:
If you already have a Capital Grant scheme in place, it’s time to start thinking about implementing and claiming on your capital works items. For those without a scheme in place, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to fund when the scheme reopens later in the year. We do not know exactly when it is to reopen, but it is wise to start planning now.
Pond Restoration and Creation:
Ponds can be a fantastic way to maximise the effectiveness of farmland, capturing surface water whilst creating habitats for a variety of species. Norfolk FWAG is a Habitat Delivery Body for the District Level Licensing scheme, and can fund up to 100% of restoration and creation costs, subject to eligibility
Local Cluster Groups:
Cluster Groups exist across Norfolk, and England, and can be used to leverage in private funding to benefit landowners within a geographic region. Find out if you have a local Cluster Group and start talking to other farmers about projects, support and funding you’d like to see on your farm.
Farming in Protected Landscapes FiPL):
The FiPL fund has been extended for another year, available to those farming in national landscapes (formerly AONBs), or for projects that benefits the areas. The parameters of FiPL funding are changing, but we recommend reaching out to us to understand if your project could receive funding.
If you’d like to speak to a member of the team to discuss the above opportunities, please contact us via the ‘Get In Touch‘ page.
Where to Start – Enhanced Membership
Enhanced members of Norfolk FWAG can receive a half-day visit from one of our expert advisers to help understand the funding options available. Reach out to the Norfolk FWAG team today to organise your half-day visit, or upgrade your membership level.
