NATURAL England has extended the deadline for submitting an "Expression of Interest" for the new Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) to July 15.
David Morley, environmental adviser at H&H Land and Property, welcomed Natural England's decision to extend it from June 30.
He said: "It is quite telling that the deadline has effectively increased the time to register by 100 per cent. Before this time there was only a two week window, and we doubt that many farmers and landowners would have had the time to do the paperwork prior to the change of deadline."
The Expression of Interest involves presenting a range of information about the holding, including priority habitats and species, water quality issues and historic sites.
If a farmer or landowner misses the deadline, they cannot be put forward for a place on Natural England’s pipeline for a 2016 Higher Tier CSS agreement.
Mr Morley said: "It is of great importance for farmers to get this initial submission right; failure to do so will mean they are unlikely to be in the running for a Higher Tier CSS agreement for 2016."
For information on how to register an Expression of Interest, contact H&H Land and Property on 01228 460260 or info@hhland.co.uk.
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