The SFI Endorsed Option for floodplain meadows was initially to have been available for farmers from this summer. However, this SFI option has now gone back into the review on SFI after the Government announced in mid March that it would be working on a “new and improved SFI” with details to follow the Spending Review on 11th June. Although a recent Government statement has allowed those applications made to the SFI 2024 scheme by those who had started an application within 2 months of 11 March 2025, but who had not submitted the application by that date.
New details of ELM funding levels will be announced in June. It is likely that, going forward, the funding specifically for the management, restoration and creation of floodplain meadows will be available only through the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier. There will be limited availability for the CSHT options, especially for the next couple of years. This will be via invite only from the Natural England Area Team. We are now working with Natural England to develop internal training on the CSHT options. We also advise those who are interested in applying for the option to contact their local NE Area Team so as to be included onto their future pipeline, especially if work has already been undertaken on understanding the feasibility for management and restoration of floodplain meadows. There is still Capital Grant money available for Feasibility Plans under PA2 which you may find of use.
