News
DEFRA Announces SFI26
Following the NFU conference on 24-25 February, details surrounding the revamped SFI scheme for England were announced. To summarise what we know so far: It’s worth noting, all existing agreements will continue under their current terms. If you think you are eligible for SFI26 or would like to talk through
Funding is back! Major grants set to reopen this year!
Emma Reynolds confirmed at the NFU 2026 conference that Capital Grants are expected to reopen in July 2026 with an increased budget of £225 million. We are awaiting further details to be unveiled ahead of the grant opening for applications. It has also been confirmed that the Farming Equipment and
South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO)
Thames Water’s proposed South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) may affect many of our clients, with the proposed site covering an area of around 4,500 hectares between Abingdon, Steventon, Grove and Garford. If the reservoir is consented, it is intended that early works begin as soon as 2027, with construction
Shock Announcement from Defra – SFI24 Scheme
In another shock announcement by Defra, the SFI24 scheme has been closed to new applications with immediate effect. No prior warning of this closure was given. Key points:• Existing agreements in place will continue• SFI24 applications submitted but not yet offered will be offered an agreement in due course• We’re
Capital Grant/FETF Updates
Capital Grant Update The RPA have released an update that the 4,040 applications that have been on hold are due to be processed, with the scheme reopening later this year with some amendments. Limits will be set on how much you can apply for in each of the four categories:
Renewables Update
The UK renewable energy market is booming, and one of the most profitable avenues for farmers and landowners is leasing land for solar schemes. Solar farms are increasingly in demand as the country pushes toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and energy companies are seeking large open spaces to install
New Hedgerow Regulations
The RPA have announced that new hedgerow regulations begin from the 1st July 2024 for the management of hedgerows on agricultural land. The new regulations are very similar to the previous cross compliance rules. The new regulations require a 2-metre buffer strip, no cultivation or application of pesticides or fertilisers
Wet Weather and Temporary Adjustments to Agri-environment Agreements
The RPA have recently announced that they will introduce temporary adjustments and easements within the Sustainable Farming Incentive, Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship Schemes to support farmers dealing with the impacts of severe weather in England. Adjustments will automatically apply and cover the period from 1st October 2023 to 31st
Full Dispersal Sale
Please click here for the catalogue Further details to follow. All enquires to Mark Webb or Pippa Wildern – 01793 842055, or email post@webbpaton.co.uk
WebbPaton LLP
We are very pleased to announce that as at 1st July 2023, Mark Webb has been joined by Libby Barron, Becky Farthing, Helen Wiltshire and George King as equity partners in WebbPaton LLP. The rest of the WebbPaton team, including Pippa Glanville and Pippa Wildern, remain with us as do
Basic Payment Entitlements
The RPA has confirmed there will be no mechanism for the transfer of Basic Payment Scheme Entitlements after 15th May 2023. In effect, all entitlements will become obsolete at this time and hold no future value. Therefore, please do contact WebbPaton on 01793 842055 or post@webbpaton.co.uk if you have any
The Future of WebbPaton
Mark & George are announcing several changes at WebbPaton. After over 30 years working happily and successfully together we are restructuring the way we do things. George is setting up a new business trading as Paton5 Ltd based near Oxford. We are inviting all of the clients who have instructed