England to prioritise smaller farms for nature funding
England is set to reshuffle its post-EU nature subsidies, with a clear emphasis on smaller farms. In a move touted as a way to bolster biodiversity while supporting rural communities, the government plans to channel funding toward smaller landholders that often struggle to compete for capital and technical support under previous schemes.
What is changing and why it matters
Under the updated framework, applications for nature funding will prioritise farm sizes that are generally considered small to mid-scale. The policy aims to ensure that stewardship payments and conservation grants reach farms with high nature value and a demonstrable commitment to habitat restoration, soil health, and wildlife corridors. While larger estates will still be eligible, they will face a more competitive process to secure funds, with evaluation criteria weighted toward biodiversity outcomes and community benefits.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds is expected to announce the changes at the Oxford Farming Conference. The speech will outline how the new window in June will operate, what metrics will be used to measure success, and how farmers can apply. The overarching goal is to design a more accessible, fair, and outcome-driven system that aligns with public ambitions for nature restoration, clean water, and climate resilience.
Driving biodiversity on smaller parcels
Experts say that smaller farms often steward hedgerows, small woodlands, wetlands, and pollinator habitats at scale that benefits the wider ecosystem. By directing funds toward these operations, the policy intends to create tangible biodiversity gains on landscapes that are tightly interwoven with rural livelihoods. The emphasis on diversification, soil organic matter, and habitat connectivity is expected to play a central role in grant criteria and performance indicators.
Impacts for farmers and rural communities
For farmers, the revised approach could lower barriers to entry for nature funding. The government is expected to simplify application processes and offer more targeted guidance, ensuring smaller holdings can compete without needing large technical teams. In addition, regional hubs and advisory services are likely to be expanded to provide hands-on support, from conservation planning to habitat management training.
Rural communities may see broader benefits, including job stabilization in farmed landscapes and increased resilience to extreme weather. The policy’s alignment with nature-based solutions also dovetails with local tourism, agroforestry, and agri-environment schemes that encourage farmers to diversify income streams while delivering environmental goods.
What applicants should prepare for June
As applications open in June, prospective applicants should prepare disclosure of land use, biodiversity baselines, and planned conservation actions with measurable outcomes. Successful proposals will likely demonstrate co-benefits for water quality, soil health, pollinator populations, and long-term farm viability. Applicants may be asked to partner with local conservation groups, researchers, or citizen science initiatives to monitor progress and adjust management practices accordingly.
Policy context and future considerations
The move comes amid broader discussions about post-Brexit funding models and the future of nature subsidies in England. By prioritising smaller farms, the government signals a shift toward targeted environmental outcomes rather than blanket subsidies. Critics may scrutinise the balance between equity and efficiency, asking whether the most resource-constrained farms will receive adequate support or whether administrative changes will streamline access while keeping safeguards against misallocation.
Looking ahead
Analysts anticipate that the June funding window will set the tone for subsequent rounds, potentially influencing land-management practices for years to come. If successful, the policy could serve as a blueprint for integrating nature restoration with productive farming, delivering ecological gains without compromising farm profitability. Stakeholders across farming unions, environmental NGOs, and rural development agencies will be watching closely as the new framework unfolds.
