LV2: Livestock handling facilities

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 80% of actual costs.

How this item benefits the environment

Improving grazing management means there will be less damage to sensitive habitats.

Where you can use this item

You can use this item with the agreement of Natural England alongside a management action or option and if either:

• you’re introducing a new management regime on the site
• you need a substantial change in grazing management
• livestock handling facilities are essential for carrying out the associated land management action or option

You cannot use this item if:

• existing handling facilities are available
• the site is not grazed
• it’ll damage peat exposures or other sensitive soils
• it’ll lead to poaching (trampling) damage
• it’ll damage historic or archaeological features

What you must do to use this item

You must:

• agree the specification with your Natural England adviser
• provide at least 3 written quotations to complete the work including associated costings with your application
• with your application provide a map of livestock facilities and storage locations where mobile facilities are used
• agree the selected quotation with Natural England
• complete the works to the agreed specification and timescale
• put up permanent posts in the locations where mobile facilities will be used

You should discuss and agree requirements that are specific to your site with your adviser. You must not carry out any construction work related to the item unless you have their approval.

Evidence you must keep

You must keep photographs to show the completed works and provide with your claim.

You must also keep any consents or permissions connected with the work and provide on request.

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, read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide.

Advice to help you use this item

The following advice may help you to use this item, but you do not have to follow it to get paid. It’s not part of this item’s requirements.

Constructing livestock handling facilities

This item will typically pay for:

• handling pens for cattle
• holding pens and shedding race for sheep

You can agree the design and location of the item with your adviser. This includes choosing a design and construction materials that blend in with the local landscape.

When choosing a site, make sure:

• there’s no damage to other features or natural resources
• poaching or vehicle access do not cause ground disturbance near the site