The first application window for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) is now open, offering eligible farmers the opportunity to access funding for a range of environmental actions, including those that support hedgerow management and restoration.
Who can apply?
Window 1 is open to:
- Small farms
- Farms without an existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement
Applicants only need to meet one of these criteria to be eligible.
Window 1 is expected to remain open for around two months. However, with £60 million allocated to this application window, it may close sooner if demand is high.
Farmers who are eligible are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Many of the hedgerow actions available through SFI encourage farmers to invest in the management, restoration and long-term conservation of their hedgerows.