Funding Round 1 open for applications
Countryside Stewardship Training Fund
Supporting knowledge, skills and professional development across the countryside sector by providing funding for targeted training.
About the fund
A dedicated countryside training fund
The Countryside Stewardship Training Fund (CSTF) is an independent funding organisation established to support the development of knowledge, skills and competence across the countryside sector by providing funding for targeted training.
Through periodic funding rounds, the CSTF provides financial support towards selected recognised qualifications and training programmes that contribute to the sustainable management of the British countryside.
The CSTF does not act as a training provider. Qualifications and training programmes are selected for individual funding rounds according to the objectives and published criteria of that round.
Funding priorities
Funding priorities are designed having regard to current government policy and published guidance relating to:
- Environmental and countryside stewardship
- Biodiversity
- Woodland resilience
- Deer management
- Wider countryside objectives
How the fund is structured
Three connected layers
01
CSTF
The permanent organisation, with a broad countryside training remit.
02
Funding Rounds
Periodic programmes, each with its own objectives, budget and eligibility requirements.
03
Approved Training
The qualifications and training programmes selected as eligible for a particular funding round.
This structure allows the CSTF to respond to specific countryside priorities while maintaining a broad remit across the sector.
Current funding round
Funding Round 1 — Deer Management
Applications are now invited for Funding Round 1, which focuses on deer management.
Responsible deer management depends on sound knowledge, practical skills and professional competence. This round provides funding towards selected recognised training that supports people involved in managing deer and the wider countryside.
Funding is limited, and applications are assessed against the published criteria for this round. Applicants should read the full Round 1 guidance to see the currently supported training, eligibility requirements and funding available before applying.
Our purpose
The CSTF has been established to
- Encourage greater participation in recognised countryside training.
- Support individuals committed to improving biodiversity and sustainable land management.
- Develop knowledge, competence and practical skills that benefit Britain's countryside.
- Invest in the next generation of countryside stewards.
- Increase access to recognised training through targeted funding.
- Support progression into countryside careers and continued professional development.
Who should apply?
Applications are welcomed from individuals who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in support of:
- Countryside stewardship
- Wildlife conservation
- Biodiversity enhancement
- Woodland and forestry management
- Agricultural land management
- Sustainable deer management
- Estate and rural land management
Applications are also encouraged from employees, self-employed individuals, volunteers, registered charities and members of recognised countryside organisations who satisfy the published eligibility criteria.
How the fund works
The CSTF operates through periodic funding rounds that are launched as funding becomes available. Each funding round is developed to support specific countryside objectives and sets out:
- the funding available;
- the eligible qualifications and training programmes;
- the eligibility criteria;
- the application process; and
- the assessment methodology.
Applicants are encouraged to review the published guidance for each funding round, as the funding available, supported qualifications and eligibility requirements may vary between funding rounds.
Healthy landscapes depend upon knowledgeable, skilled and responsible people.
By investing in recognised countryside training today, the Countryside Stewardship Training Fund aims to strengthen the knowledge, confidence and capability of those helping to manage Britain's countryside for future generations.