Sustainable Farming Incentive - Changes announced by Defra
Defra has been reviewing the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to ensure that the scheme is effective and not used too heavily across the farming industry, in a way that compromises the environment, food production and food security. Nevertheless, important features of SFI are the flexibility and freedom of choice in the options available.
Defra, however, is concerned about the amount of land being taken out of food production. With economic instability and challenging weather conditions, it is thought that this may become a greater issue in the future.
As a result, a limit is being imposed, whereby no more than 25% of a farm’s total land holding can be put in six of the nine options presented in the SFI.
The 6 limited options are:
Take improved grassland field corners or blocks out of management - IGL1 Winter bird food on improved grassland - IGL2 Pollen and nectar flower mix - AHL1 Winter bird food on arable and horticultural land - AHL2 Grassy field corners and blocks - AHL3 Flower-rich grass margins, blocks, or in-field strips – IPM2
With a cap on the above six options, at a total of 25% of the landholding, Defra believes this to be the right balance. Taking more land out of production is unlikely to benefit food production or the environment.
For advice on any rural property matters, contact Richard Greasby - Head of Butler Sherborn Rural - on 01285 883740 or richard@butlersherborn.co.uk
Christmas In The Cotswolds
In December, the Cotswolds transforms into a festive wonderland, packed with Christmas events and festivities. Glide across the ice, sip wine at an award winning vineyard, sing along to carols, watch the town lights turn on, browse late-night shopping evenings, get creative at seasonal workshops, enjoy festive storytelling with Giffords Circus, and feel the thrill of Christmas racing at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Christmas In The Cotswolds
2025’s Best Sold Properties: Reflecting on an Exceptional Year of Sales
As 2025 draws to a close, Butler Sherborn is proud to reflect on what has been an incredibly successful year across the Cotswolds property market. Despite wider economic headwinds, demand for high-quality Cotswold homes has remained resilient, with buyers continuing to prioritise location, lifestyle and long-term value.
2025’s Best Sold Properties: Reflecting on an Exceptional Year of Sales
Market Comment
Despite the understandable inertia created by the Autumn Budget, November delivered a notably strong performance for Butler Sherborn, with over £11 million of quality Cotswold properties successfully sold. Buyer motivation was high throughout the month, with one in three viewings converting to an offer - the national average is about 10 viewings per offer.
Market Comment
Our Take on The Autumn Budget
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered Labour’s long-awaited Autumn Budget this afternoon. In recent months, speculation has been rife about significant changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and even the possible abolition of Principal Private Residence Relief for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when...
Our Take on The 2025 Budget
