Thousands of farmers across England will soon see a rise in their payments as the government increases funding for nature-friendly farming. Under the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme, this £30 million boost will reward farmers for protecting the environment, restoring wildlife habitats, and maintaining traditional countryside features.
What Is the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme?
The HLS scheme is a government programme that pays farmers for managing their land in a way that helps nature. This includes actions like protecting rare birds, preserving wildflowers, looking after hedgerows, and keeping the natural beauty of rural England intact.
Starting from 1 January 2025, payments for 157 different HLS options will be increased, with the first boosted payments arriving in December 2025.
Who Will Benefit?
This uplift is especially aimed at farmers working in uplands and other sensitive countryside areas, where farming methods help preserve important habitats and endangered species. These farmers often manage difficult landscapes but continue to play a big part in protecting England’s iconic natural areas.
The government says this funding will automatically apply, so farmers won’t need to reapply or fill out new forms.
Why the Payment Increase?
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner explained that farmers are not just growing food—they’re also helping fight climate change, boosting biodiversity, and keeping the countryside healthy.
He said, “Farmers are the backbone of our countryside, and they’re leading the charge to restore nature.”
This extra support is part of the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to make farming in the UK more sustainable, profitable, and secure in the long run.
Supporting Farmers and the Environment Together
The move follows a promise by Environment Secretary Steve Reed, who pledged at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Conference to make sure HLS payments better match those offered under other environmental farming schemes, such as the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes.
The increase also ties in with a wider £5 billion investment in British farming, which includes the appointment of Baroness Minette Batters, the former NFU President, to lead efforts in reforming the system and improving farmer profits.
More Farmers Than Ever in Farming Schemes
The government reports a record number of farmers now enrolled in environment-related farming schemes. With more money going directly to farmers than ever before, the aim is to reward their work fairly, encourage better environmental practices, and help rural communities grow.
What’s Next?
With payments going up from 2025 and more support being directed to farmers already helping nature, the government is showing a clear commitment to making farming a strong partner in environmental protection.
At the same time, this will also ensure long-term food security, improve rural incomes, and help the UK meet its climate goals.
This £30 million boost is a welcome step for farmers who have been working hard to protect the environment while feeding the nation. With better financial support, more farmers will be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices. This not only benefits nature but also helps build a stronger, more secure future for British farming. As the Plan for Change continues, the focus remains on fair rewards, greener methods, and thriving rural communities.
