Key extension offers for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier
The CLA’s Anna Novis outlines the extension opportunities for land managers who hold CSHT agreements on common land or with five-year revenue options due to end in 2025
Please note, this post has been revised to clarify that the one-year extensions to CSHT agreements expiring in December 2025 is for agreements on common land only.
Defra and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) have announced important extension opportunities for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) agreements who have five-year revenue options and supplements that are due to expire at the end of 2025, and for CSHT agreements on common land that are due to expire at the end of 2025. Eligible agreement holders will shortly receive correspondence from the RPA about this.
These extensions will provide welcome relief for some CLA members and enable them to continue delivering environmental benefits.
1) Extension of five-year options within ten-year agreements
If your CSHT agreement includes five-year revenue options and supplements that end on 31 December 2025, you will be offered an extension so these options run until 31 December 2030, aligning with your ten-year agreement. This applies to around 140 agreement holders.
Offer deadline:
31 December 2025.
Conditions:
- All eligible five-year options and supplements will be extended if confirmed suitable by Natural England
- Woodland management options cannot be extended due to regulatory requirements and changes in management actions
Payment rates:
Extensions will be paid at the revenue rates which apply to CS agreements from 1 January 2024.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) parcels:
If your agreement includes a SSSI, you do not need to secure further consent from Natural England.
Action:
Reply directly to the RPA email by 31 December 2025 (do not use the RPA service query form). If posting your decision, include your SBI and agreement reference and use First Class post.
2) One-year extension for CSHT agreements on common land ending in 2025
If your CSHT agreement ends on 31 December 2025 and is on common land, you will be offered a 12-month extension to continue your agreement until 31 December 2026. This is intended to maintain environmental delivery on commons while work on enabling these farmers to apply for a new CSHT agreements is in process.
Offer deadline:
12 December 2025.
Conditions:
- All current revenue options will continue under the same terms
- No amendments can be made during the extension
Conditions:
- All current revenue options will continue under the same terms
- No amendments can be made during the extension
SSSI parcels:
If your agreement includes SSSIs, you can accept the extension offer now but you must secure consent from Natural England before carrying out work.
Action:
Reply directly to the RPA email by 12 December 2025 (do not use the RPA service query form). If posting your decision, include your SBI and agreement reference and use First Class post.
Why this matters
These extensions help maintain environmental outcomes while Defra develops the reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and determines eligibility for the new CSHT future pipeline. It follows the one-year extension offer for CSMT agreements ending in December 2025 (which closed this week).
If you have any questions about extending your Countryside Stewardship agreement, please contact the CLA for further guidance.
