Higher Level Stewardship
Increased Payment Rates
Now Available
Defra is investing £30 million towards increasing Higher Level Stewardship payment rates with immediate effect.
This funding aims to ensure that farmers currently holding HLS agreements can continue their vital work restoring habitats, supporting rare species, preserving historic features, and maintaining traditional landscape elements across the iconic countryside.
Defra are raising 157 options by 34.4% of the difference between the HLS rate set out in an agreement holder's document and the equivalent CSHT or SFI action, to bring them more in line with those schemes.
These changes will apply to HLS payments issued from 1 December 2025 until 30 June 2026.
Examples of new payment rates
HLS option Old payment rate New payment rate (1 Jan 2025)
Wild bird seed mixture £450 ha £588.63
Cattle grazing supplement £35 ha £43.26
Maintenance of wood £180 ha £192
pasture and parkland
For more information contact:
Kathryn Williams – 07971 583 638