About
About the CSTF
A dedicated funding organisation supporting the development of knowledge, skills and competence across the countryside sector.
About the fund
The Countryside Stewardship Training Fund (CSTF) is an independent funding organisation supporting knowledge, skills and competence across the countryside sector by funding targeted training.
Through periodic funding rounds, the CSTF supports selected recognised qualifications and training programmes that contribute to the sustainable management of the British countryside.
Funding priorities have regard to current government policy and published guidance on environmental stewardship, biodiversity, woodland resilience, deer management and wider countryside objectives.
The CSTF does not act as a training provider. Qualifications and training programmes are selected for each round according to its objectives and published criteria.
Whether you work in farming, forestry, conservation, wildlife or estate management, or are beginning your journey into countryside stewardship, the CSTF aims to encourage professional development with lasting benefits for people and the natural environment.
Areas of interest
- Environmental and countryside stewardship
- Biodiversity
- Woodland resilience
- Deer management
- Wider countryside objectives
- Countryside skills and professional development
How the CSTF is structured
The CSTF operates through 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. It also means that a qualification supported in one round is not automatically supported in another: each round publishes its own approved training.
How the fund works
The CSTF operates through periodic funding rounds that are launched as funding becomes available. Each round is developed to support specific countryside objectives.
Applicants are encouraged to review the published guidance for each round, as the funding available, supported qualifications and eligibility requirements may vary between rounds.
Each funding round sets out:
- Funding available
- Eligible training
- Eligibility criteria
- Application process
- Assessment methodology
Independence
The fund's remit is broader than any single subject area and broader than any single training provider. A funding round may support training delivered by one provider or several, where that training meets the objectives and published criteria of the round. Inclusion of a qualification in a round is not an endorsement of a provider, and the CSTF does not operate a promotional relationship with any provider.
Our approach
Supporting the next step in countryside training.
The CSTF uses targeted funding rounds to help people access recognised training that supports their countryside work and ambitions. Each round has a defined focus and published eligibility criteria, supporting opportunities for both those developing their first formal skills and those progressing to more advanced training.
Explore funding rounds