SM6: Use monitoring equipment to manage invasive species

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

How this item benefits the environment

Using monitoring equipment (such as camera traps) helps to show how well species or habitats are recovering. It improves the management of invasive species.

Where you can use this item

You can use this item alongside PA7: Species management plan.

With the approval of the Forestry Commission, you can use this item alongside:

• CWS1: Deer control and management
• CWS3: Grey squirrel control and management
• CSP20: Edible dormouse control and management

With the approval of Natural England, you can use this item alongside:

• CSP13: Invasive plant species control and management (lower rate)
• CSP14: Invasive plant species control and management (intermediate rate)
• CSP15: Invasive plant species control and management (upper rate)
• CSP21: American mink control and management

What you must do to use this item

You must:

• provide at least 3 written quotations for purchasing and installing the equipment with your application
• agree which quotation you will use with Natural England or the Forestry Commission
• install the monitoring equipment on each site following the specification set out in your species management plan
• maintain the monitoring equipment for the duration of your agreement
• provide maps of the location where you plan to place the equipment

Evidence you must keep

You must provide photographs of where the monitoring equipment is installed when you make your claim for payment.

You must also keep and provide on request:

• copies of any consents or permissions connected with the work
• receipted invoices or receipts for the monitoring equipment
• at least three quotations for completion of the work

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

You can use this item with these items:

• FM2: Carry out customised capital works to manage specific sites or species

• FY1: Deer high seat

• FY3: Squirrel traps and maintenance

• SM1: Training to control and manage deer

• SM2: Training to control and manage American mink

• SM3: Training to control and manage non-native plants

• SM4: Traps for American mink

• SM5: Traps for edible dormouse

*[CSHT]: Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier