This is a reminder about the online workshop on Monday 13 November at 19:00 on funding for species-rich grassland management provided under the Sustainable Farming Initiative (SFI). There is no longer a minimum acreage requirement for qualifying for funding, so small land holdings or even gardens can qualify. To hear more about this, do register for a place. The event is proving popular so more tickets have been issued: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/species- ... tdtcreator
NB: This is a free online event but you'll need to have an SBI (Single Business Identifier) number to benefit from DEFRA support and to register for this event. To find out how to get an SBI number if you don't already have one, see the note below.
How to obtain a Single Business Identifier number (SBI) to access DEFRA’s services, including this presentation:
Formerly you had to have at least 5 hectares of agricultural land to benefit from agri-environment payments. But not any more. The new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is a scheme that pays farmers & landowners in England to adopt and maintain sustainable farming practices, including the creation and maintenance of species-rich grassland, which is a UK Priority Habitat. Even if you are managing just a couple of acres of species-rich meadows, or are working to restore one, you can apply. In order to get an SBI number you need to phone the Rural Payments Service on 03000 200301. They will give you a Customer Reference Number and a security code that lets you complete your registration on their website. Your SBI number will then appear with your registered details. We’re sorry this administrative step has to be taken to watch the presentation, but to apply for any payments under the Sustainable Farming Initiative you will need an SBI anyway, so if you don’t already have one you can get this procedure out of the way now. There are lots of other options available under SFI to enhance biodiversity, including hedge laying funding, so it's worth getting an SBI if you can.