Landed estates are often blessed with renowned historical landscapes which have been developed and cultivated over many generations. Countryside Stewardship presents the opportunity for current custodians to expand and improve these landscapes for future generations to enjoy whilst providing significant environmental benefits.
Bidwells have assisted client’s with implementing landscape change by providing specialist advice on the grant funding opportunities, applications and project management of scheme implementation.
A client’s estate based in south Northamptonshire has recently been successful in securing a competitive Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) with our assistance allowing them to invest in their landscapes whilst delivering environment benefits and improved income when compared to traditional agriculture.
The scheme centred on developing a new area of parkland which adjoins a Grade II* listed registered park and garden remodelled by Lancelot “Capability” Brown. The block of land extended to approximately 150 acres and was previously farmed in a traditional arable rotation under a contract farm agreement providing a modest income.
The key CSS scheme option is WD6 - Creation of lowland wood pasture which has the payment rate of £544 per hectare per year over the 10-year lifetime of the scheme. The option allows for a scheme of tree planting in a specially designed plan to compliment both the existing park and to provide new vistas. Tree species such as Oak, Copper Beach, Wellingtonia and Cedar of Lebanon have been planted. In addition to the option payment, the Estate has also benefited from capital payments providing financial support for the supply and planting of both trees, tree guards, and infrastructure such as farm tracks.
The scheme has provided a significant increase in income for the estate when compared to the past use, replacing income lost over changing subsidy regimes. The scheme will also deliver woodland pasture which is increasingly rare in lowland Britain with the planting of 1,000 new specimen trees along with the wider environmental benefits this will bring.
Bidwells have advised the client on the project throughout, by designing the initial scheme with advice and input of Natural England, preparation of the application, approval and then the subsequent project management of the scheme alongside trusted contractors.
Thinking long term has allowed the Estate to benefit from a marque scheme and project which we at Bidwells have effectively managed throughout, aiding in delivering generational landscape change.
