SM1: Training to control and manage deer

This item is part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025. You must read the Higher Tier 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 for each training course

How this item benefits the environment

Training will help you understand the natural behaviour of deer and reduce the risks they pose to other species (for example, eating newly planted hedges and trees).

Where you can use this item

You can only use this item alongside [CWS1 Deer control and management] with the approval of the Forestry Commission.

What you must do to use this item

You must:

• provide a species management plan approved by the Forestry Commission with your application
• find relevant training courses on how to control and manage all types of native and non-native deer
• provide at least 2 written quotations for the course costs with your application (where possible)
• agree which training course you will attend with the Forestry Commission
• attend and complete a training course

If you can only find one suitable course, you can attend that course with the agreement of your Forestry Commission adviser.

Evidence you must keep

You must provide evidence that you have completed the training course (for example, a certificate or email from the training provider) when you make your claim for payment.

You must also keep invoices or receipts of training courses you have attended and provide them 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.

Other items you can use with this item

Capital plans

You can use this item with these plans:

• PA3: Woodland management plan

• PA7: Species management plan

Capital items

You can use this item with these items:

• FY1: Deer high seat

• SM6: Use monitoring equipment to manage invasive species

*[CSHT]: Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier