Category: Rural

Defra Announcement

DEFRA have announced the 2026 Capital Grants scheme in England will provide £225 million to support environmental improvements across England, with applications opening in July and strong demand expected once again.
The grant remains very much the same but DEFRA have expressed the need for higher quality applications.

80 items are available which include;
• hedgerow laying/coppicing/gapping-up
• fencing and sheep netting
• livestock troughs
• concrete yard renewal
• rainwater goods

New items this year include:
• stone gate posts
• planting fruit trees
• hinging trees into watercourses
• countryside educational access visits accreditation
• installing and maintaining signage under the ‘Improvements’ group

This year, greater emphasis is being placed on submitting complete supporting evidence at the application stage to avoid delays or rejection.
Our rural experts can help clients prepare competitive and compliant applications by reviewing eligibility, identifying suitable grant items, preparing maps and supporting documentation, and guiding applicants through the process ahead of the July opening date.

Please contact your local rural office
📞 Craven Arms – 01588 672 385
📞 Ludlow – 01584 872 251
📞 Hay-on-Wye – 01497 820 778
📞 Kington – 01544 230 316
📞 Knighton – 01547 528 621
📞 Worcester – 01905 769 770