The IHBC is reminding members that funding opportunities for rural historic buildings offering up to 80% support has been announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) under the countryside stewardship scheme, while DEFRA has also confirmed that applicants who are interested in applying for a Higher Tier agreement beginning 1 January 2015 must express an interest in applying by 30th June 2015.
IHBC Policy Secretary David Kincaid said: ‘The Countryside Stewardship Scheme is offering grants (for up to a five year period) for a range of priorities. It is important to stress that grants for the historic environment are available and should be promoted by IHBC members.’
The main priority for Countryside Stewardship is to protect and enhance the natural environment, particularly the diversity of wildlife (biodiversity). Water quality is another important priority. However the scheme will also help to improve:
- flood management
- the historic environment
- landscape character
- genetic conservation
- educational access
Priorities for the funding are defined and refined in the national character area profiles – for example the Shropshire Hills includes the following advice:
Applicants should consider options and capital works to:
- revert archaeological sites under cultivation to permanent grass
- reduce damaging cultivation and harvesting practices through minimum tillage or direct drilling where this offers a suitable level of protection
- remove scrub and bracken from archaeological or historic features
- maintain below-ground archaeology under permanent uncultivated vegetation or actively manage earthworks, standing stones and structures as visible ‘above ground’ features
- maintain and restore historic water management systems, including those associated with water meadows and designed water bodies
- restore historic buildings that are assessed as a priority in the area
- maintain or restore Registered Parks and Gardens, including structures or features that contribute to the original design intentions or feel of the parkland or provide for their biodiversity and amenity value
I think that the scheme is now available to be discussed with advisers, the formal application process opens in July and applications have to be submitted by 30 September.
