image for illustration: Epiacum, Whitley Castle, Northumberland by Thomas Sopwith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Countryside Stewardship Heritage Service is a partnership between Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Historic England, that supports sustainable land management to protect our shared heritage for future generations.
Historic England writes:
… Historic England is highlighting the success of its Countryside Stewardship Heritage Service, which has supported over £6 million worth of heritage conservation projects across England in 2024-25. The programme, delivered in partnership with Defra, provides specialist advice to farmers and landowners applying for grants to protect and restore historic features on their land, from ancient field boundaries and traditional farm structures and standing remains to archaeological sites and historic parkland. This partnership approach helps farmers preserve rural heritage, as stewards of both the land and its history, while supporting sustainable land management and creating economic benefits.
Claudia Kenyatta CBE and Emma Squire CBE, incoming Chief Executive (job share) Historic England [said] ‘England’s rural landscape forms a valuable part of our national heritage. It has been shaped by generations of people living and working the land over time. Some of our greatest heritage assets, from historic buildings to archaeological remains, are located in the countryside.’
‘With expert guidance from Historic England and funding from Defra, we’re thrilled that these Countryside Stewardship grants are ensuring that those that look after our land and safeguard our rural heritage are fully supported to do so. Protecting these elements of our countryside brings economic, cultural, and environmental benefits for everyone. Together, this partnership ensures we are protecting our shared heritage for future generations.’
With 50 cases across England, the programme has demonstrated strong uptake from the farming community. Of the applications processed, 47 grants totalling approximately £3.8 million have been awarded, with further cases currently being processed by the Rural Payments Agency.
The grants support both feasibility studies and repair works, enabling farmers to take a planned approach to heritage conservation that aligns with modern farming practices.
Supporting Farmers as Heritage Stewards
Historic England’s Countryside Stewardship Heritage Service provides free pre-application advice to help farmers navigate the Countryside Stewardship application process and develop appropriate conservation solutions. The service ensures that proposed work meets both heritage conservation standards and practical farming needs. With a target of £5 million in grants for 2025-26, Historic England continues to expand the programme’s reach. The success of the initiative demonstrates the appetite within the farming community for heritage-led land management that delivers multiple benefits.
Successful projects supported by the Countryside Stewardship Heritage Service include:
- The Arch Gate, Badby, Northamptonshire
- Scadbury Moated Manor, Scadbury Park, Chislehurst, Greater London
- Limekiln & Inman’s Bridge, Lyth Valley, Lake District
- Lyscombe Priest’s House/Lyscombe Farm Chapel and Lyscombe Wider Landscape, Dorset
- Fog Battery, Lundy, Devon
- Warley Place, Great Warley, Brentwood, Essex
- Epiacum, Whitley Castle, Northumberland
- Chillingham Park, Northumberland
