In September 2025 Defra announced that the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier action for Floodplain Meadows CGS18 was published and open for applications from the eligible farmers, foresters and land managers who received an invitation from their local Natural England Area Team.
The Floodplain Meadows Partnership have worked with both Defra and Natural England to ensure the Action was introduced and that the actions required reflected our own evidence-based advice. This is intended to be a controlled roll out with the expectation that there will be a limited uptake of the Action in the next couple of years, however we are aware that there is much interest in the potential of this Action, and wish to support and advise where we can.
Following discussions with Defra, Natural England, Environment Agency and the RPA we organised a combination of a series of training webinars and site visits intended to share our expertise and evidence, alongside the necessary information on the new Action. It was intended for those already engaged with the process, or looking to develop a potential application. This has been supported by funding from the Open University. Over January to March 2026 we have delivered :
- four training webinars for 231 staff from Statutory Agencies including Natural England, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Environment Agency, Rural; Payments Agency, Natural Resources for Wales and NatureScot;
- four training webinars for 291 people representing a whole range of organisations from farming advisors such as FWAG South West and FWAG East, to The Rivers Trust, The Wildlife Trusts, National Trust, Plantlife International and individual farmers / landowners
The webinars covered the CGS18 Action on floodplain meadows, and included assessing the eligibility of sites, outlining practical methods for restoration and creation, and exploring management issues. Delegates will also have completed the Floodplain Meadows Open Learn course.
There was much discussion from a very engaged group of delegates, who asked questions, debated points of view and expressed their interest and enthusiasm for managing, restoring and creating this habitat. The training took in practicalities of eligibility for the action, restoration techniques, floodplain hydrology, the impact of a high nutrient load, managing meadows for dogs and birds (or both), the value of a good spade, and the detrimental effect of treatments for livestock on meadow biodiversity. Thanks to all the speakers who contributed especially Natural England.
We have five site visits arranged for June each of which will be one day long, to enable delegates to see species rich floodplain meadows on the ground, and learn about their key species and soils, as well as continuing discussions over management and restoration.
The development of the Action was informed by our long-term research into this rare habitat. It is a huge win for us and floodplain meadows and a fantastic example of how good quality research combined with strong advocacy can effectively influence policy to achieve real world benefits for both people and the environment.
Please do get in touch if you are interested in seeing the recordings.
