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Countryside Stewardship Training Fund

Funding rounds

Funding rounds

The CSTF delivers funding through periodic rounds. Each round has its own objectives, approved training and published criteria.

The recurring round model

The Countryside Stewardship Training Fund operates through periodic funding rounds that are launched as funding becomes available. Each 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 should not assume that qualifications or training supported under one funding round will necessarily be eligible under future funding rounds. Eligible training is identified within the published guidance for each round, and applications are assessed solely against the published criteria for the round applied to.

Future rounds

Beyond deer management, future rounds anticipate to support recognised training across the fund’s wider areas of interest, including biodiversity, woodland resilience and environmental and countryside stewardship.

Each opportunity will have a defined training focus, with its own funding arrangements and eligibility criteria. The scope and timing of future rounds will depend on available funding and the fund’s priorities.

When a new round opens, full details and application guidance will be published here. Please check this page for future opportunities.

Open for applications

Upland woodland regeneration behind a deer fence in the British uplands

Funding Round 1 — Deer Management

Funding Round 1 supports professional development in deer management through two training routes. It aims to improve access to recognised training for people entering or progressing within the countryside and deer management sector where financial assistance will make a meaningful difference.

Route 1

Entry into Professional Deer Management

For people who are new to deer management or have limited formal training and want to build a recognised foundation for an educational, vocational or professional pathway.

Route 2

Progression to Advanced Professional Competence

For experienced deer stalkers and practitioners who hold PDS2 or DSC2 and want to progress to advanced vocational training in deer management.

Read the full round guidanceApply for Funding