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FM1

Management of geodiversity features

CS Higher Tier open_in_new View on RPA Website

info Summary

This Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier capital item provides funding for the management of geodiversity features, covering up to 100% of actual costs to protect sensitive geological features from damage, specifically on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

format_list_bulleted What to do

  • Agree a specification for the works with Natural England
  • Provide at least 3 written quotations for the work, identifying associated costs
  • Agree the selected quotation with Natural England
  • Complete the works to the agreed specification and timescale

checklist How to do and evidence required

You must keep and provide with your claim:

  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is not available
  • photographs of the completed work

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • any consents or permissions connected with the work
  • photographs of site before works commence

Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants for more information.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide.

tips_and_updates Additional Advice

  • Protect sensitive geological features and remove at-risk material
  • Conserve geological features by removing trees, scrub, scree, spoil, and other items
  • Control access to geological features

View Official Guidelines

Access detailed information about this action on the RPA website

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info Additional Information

FM1: Management of geodiversity features

This item is part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025. You must read the Capital Grants 2025 guidance to understand the rules and how to apply.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the CSHT applicant’s guide to understand the rules and how to apply.

How much you’ll be paid

Up to 100% of actual costs.

How this item benefits the environment

Managing geodiversity features proactively ensures sensitive geological features are protected from damage.

Where you can use this item

With the agreement of Natural England, you can use this item on sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) where management actions are included in your Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreement.

You cannot use this item on land that is not designated as a SSSI.

What you must do to use this item

You must:

  • agree a specification for the works with Natural England
  • provide at least 3 written quotations for completion of the work, identifying associated costs with your application
  • agree the selected quotation with Natural England
  • complete the works to the agreed specification and timescale

You should discuss and agree requirements that are specific to your site with your adviser.

Evidence you must keep

You must keep and provide with your claim:

  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is not available
  • photographs of the completed work

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • any consents or permissions connected with the work
  • photographs of site before works commence

Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants for more information.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide.

Advice to help you use this item

The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully but does not form part of the requirements for this item.

You can use this item to:

  • protect sensitive geological features and remove geological material at risk
  • conserve geological features by removing trees, scrub, scree, spoil and other items from the features
  • control access to geological features

Questions about FM1?

Ask Tom anything about this subsidy, eligibility, evidence requirements, or compatibility with other actions.