Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Higher Tier Capital Grant Programme, delivered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), provides targeted capital funding to deliver additional environmental benefits on priority land in England. The scheme offers 3-year capital agreements, supports 54 specialist capital items, and is open year-round without requiring a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreement.
Overview
The Higher Tier Capital Grant Programme supports land managers to deliver high-value environmental outcomes on environmentally significant sites and woodlands across England.
The scheme provides access to specialist capital items without the need to hold a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreement, making it a flexible option for targeted environmental improvements.
Applications are accepted at any time and remain open until available funding is fully allocated.
Key Features of the Scheme
The programme offers 3-year agreements for eligible capital works.
It focuses on delivering measurable environmental benefits, particularly on sensitive or high-priority land.
Funding is available for 54 Higher Tier capital items, covering both actual-cost and fixed-cost options, each with clear eligibility and evidence requirements.
Capital Items Supported
Higher Tier Capital Grants support specialist capital items designed for:
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Environmentally significant habitats and landscapes
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Priority woodlands and woodland features
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Designated sites such as SSSIs and scheduled monuments
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Historic and archaeological features where protection is required
Capital items fall into two categories:
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Actual cost items, where payment is based on approved costs
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Fixed cost items, where a standard rate applies
Each item has specific rules on eligibility, evidence, and durability.
Adviser Support and Pre-Application Requirement
Applicants must discuss their proposal with an adviser before applying.
This step is mandatory and helps ensure the correct capital items are selected.
Who assesses applications:
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Natural England advisers support most applications and identify suitable items
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Forestry Commission assesses woodland-only applications
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Historic England advisers may be involved where historic or archaeological features are included
Applications submitted without prior adviser engagement are unlikely to progress.
How the Grant Works
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The applicant discusses their proposal with the relevant adviser.
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Suitable Higher Tier capital items are identified and confirmed.
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A complete application is submitted to the RPA by email or post.
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If successful, the RPA issues a formal agreement offer.
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Once accepted, the applicant enters into a 3-year capital agreement.
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Capital works are completed and claimed in line with agreement rules.
An agreement will only be offered if no land parcels included have incomplete capital works or outstanding final payments from previous agreements.
Who Is Eligible?
The scheme is open to applicants with management control of the land, including:
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Owner occupiers
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Tenants
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Landlords
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Licensors
Applicants must demonstrate management control for the full required duration, including the durability period for funded capital items.
Land Eligibility Rules
Eligible land must:
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Be entirely within England
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Meet the eligibility rules of the selected capital items
Land may be eligible if it is:
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Within an approved woodland management or creation plan
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Located on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
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A scheduled monument or includes protected historic features
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Under an existing stewardship agreement that allows compatible capital works
Land that is generally not eligible includes:
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Developed land or hard standing
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Land subject to incompatible legal or funding obligations
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Land owned or managed by certain public bodies, unless explicitly permitted
What the Grant Cannot Fund
Higher Tier Capital Grants cannot be used for:
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Capital works started before the agreement date
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Planning or transactional fees
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Advisory or agent fees
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Activities required under legal or statutory obligations
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Certain woodland creation activities
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Works already funded through other public schemes
The grant cannot fund activities that are legally required or already supported by another funding source.
Funding Compatibility and Compliance
Applicants must ensure that funded activities:
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Do not result in double funding
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Do not duplicate or conflict with existing agreements
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Do not meet obligations already required by law
The RPA carries out cross-scheme checks to confirm compliance before issuing agreements and payments.
Application Process and Submission
Applications must be submitted by email or post and must include:
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A completed application form
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Accurate land maps showing proposed works
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Supporting documents required for the selected capital items
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Evidence of land ownership or management control, where applicable
Successful applicants must accept the agreement offer within 20 working days.
Applications can only be withdrawn before an agreement offer is issued.
Why the Higher Tier Capital Grant Matters
Many environmentally sensitive sites require specialist interventions that fall outside standard stewardship schemes.
This programme provides a targeted funding route to protect habitats, enhance biodiversity, and safeguard historic and woodland features while maintaining flexibility for land managers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting an application without first consulting an adviser
Starting capital works before the agreement is accepted
Including land with unresolved previous capital works or payments
Proposing items that duplicate other public funding
Failing to demonstrate sufficient management control or durability commitments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreement to apply?
No. This scheme operates independently of Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreements.
2. When can I apply for the Higher Tier Capital Grant?
Applications are open all year until funding is allocated.
3. Is adviser engagement mandatory?
Yes. You must discuss your application with a Natural England, Forestry Commission, or Historic England adviser before applying.
4. How long does the agreement last?
Each agreement runs for three years.
5. Can tenants apply for the grant?
Yes, provided they have management control for the required duration or appropriate landlord consent.
6. Can I fund works already required by law?
No. The grant cannot be used to meet legal or statutory obligations.
7. What happens if my land has unfinished capital works from another scheme?
An agreement will not be offered until all previous capital works are completed and final payments are settled.
Conclusion
The Higher Tier Capital Grant Programme offers a flexible, specialist funding route to deliver high-impact environmental improvements across England. By supporting targeted capital works on priority land, the scheme enables land managers to protect biodiversity, enhance woodland and heritage assets, and deliver lasting environmental benefits without entering a full Higher Tier stewardship agreement.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
