SFI Update and Top Tips for applications
The 2024 expanded SFI Offer is now fully up and running. The expression of interest process and additional post submission checks have been removed and generally agreements are offered within a few weeks with a start date of the following month, unless any additional information such as SSSI consent is required.
To speed up the application process and prevent offer delays follow the tips below:
- Ensure that all land you wish to include in the application is linked to your SBI BEFORE you start the application (adding land in after you have started, results in having to start the application again). To add land simply email the RPA with the list of fields numbers or a map of the fields that you wish to add.
- Ensure that you have downloaded the HEFER (Historic Environment Record) and read it before deciding on actions. Actions such as NUM2, legume swards and SAM3, herbal leys are not permitted on historic features. Even if consent has been given by the county archaeologist for these actions to be established by direct drilling, they are being removed by the RPA post application.
- If you have a SSSI on the land submit the request for consent to Natural England as soon as possible as these are delaying agreement start dates.
- If you have a Mid-tier agreement finishing at the end of December 2024 you will not be able to apply for the SFI until this agreement has ended. Plan your application so that it can be submitted in January for 1st February 2025 start date, to minimise time between schemes.
- Check action timescales carefully as some actions are for 5 years.
- If applying for endorsed actions (see below) consider submitting two applications; one with the endorsed actions in and one for other actions. This will avoid delays in the other SFI actions starting.
New endorsed actions
The first of the endorsed SFI actions is now available. GRH6: manage priority habitat species-rich grassland is a 5 year action paying £646 per ha. This action can be used to manage existing or restore potential species rich grassland. You must get written approval from Natural England before this action can be included. The approval process involves:
- Submitting the SFI application, including the endorsed actions, via the usual route on the RPA portal.
- This will trigger an endorsement visit by Natural England or NE contractor which should be delivered within 8 weeks of submission.
- Prior to the visit you should gather as much evidence as possible to support your application. This may include photographs of the area in the summer, species lists and records and soil analysis results (a requirement for restoration).
- Once the visit has been completed you will receive an endorsement form detailing which actions have been approved and the application can proceed.
Additional supplements may be available to support the restoration and management such as the native seed supplement, haymaking and cattle grazing.