GovWire

How much will be paid

Up to 100% of actual costs.

Where to use this item

Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier only:

• on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) with ecologically degraded water bodies of 1 hectare or more
• if other land management options are included in the agreement

Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier Capital Grants only:

• on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) with ecologically degraded water bodies of 1 hectare or more
• if other land management options are included in an existing agreement

How this item benefits the environment

It will restore the wildlife value of large water bodies that have become degraded.

Requirements

• agree a specification for the works with Natural England
• complete the works as set out in the approved specification and within the agreed timescale

Keeping records

Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them on request:

• any consents or permissions connected with the work
• photographs of site before works start
• item specification, if required

Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant Higher Tier or Higher Tier Capital Grants guidance for more detail. You can find the latest guidance at Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage.

Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them with the claim:

• receipted invoices, or bank statements where a receipted invoice is not available
• photographs of the completed work

Before applying for this item applicants should contact the Environment Agency for advice and any permits. You do not need to provide this with your application, but you will need to submit any consents with your payment claim.

The detailed requirements for this item will be tailored to the Higher Tier site. Higher Tier applicants should discuss and agree these requirements with their adviser.

Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item

The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully but does not form part of the requirements for this item.

This item can be used to support the implementation of lake restoration plans. It may also cover one or more of the following:

• water management
• scrub management
• management of invasive non-native species
• fish removal
• bird control
• desilting

Biodiversity

This item has been identified as being beneficial for biodiversity. All Countryside Stewardship habitat creation, restoration and management options are of great significance for biodiversity recovery, as are the wide range of arable options in the scheme. Capital items and supplements can support this habitat work depending on the holdings situation and potential.

The connectivity of habitats is also very important and habitat options should be linked wherever possible. Better connectivity will allow wildlife to move/colonise freely to access water, food, shelter and breeding habitat, and will allow natural communities of both animals and plants to adapt in response to environmental and climate change.

Further information

Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Higher Tier and Higher Tier Capital Grants including how to apply.