Registered Office
Dean Street Arch, 22 Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1PG
GFW Rural’s Environmental Consultancy team is supporting farmers and land managers to unlock the growing opportunities presented by environmental schemes and rural funding in 2026. With ongoing pressure on farm profitability, policy change, and the continued shift towards sustainable land management, practical, well-informed advice has never been more important.
At GFW, our aim is clear – to be a trusted “go-to” adviser for farmers and land users. We deliver technically robust, commercially focused advice, taking a holistic view of each business. Our Environmental Consultancy team brings together practical farming knowledge, environmental expertise, and strong financial understanding to support both business resilience and long-term sustainability.
The year ahead presents significant opportunities. The reopening of the 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is expected to provide additional options for farmers to secure reliable income streams while integrating sustainable practices into productive farming systems. However, navigating the application process, selecting the most appropriate actions, and ensuring ongoing compliance requires detailed technical understanding. GFW is well placed to guide clients through every stage.
Elliot Taylor, who leads the GFW Rural team, said:
Farmers are operating in a rapidly changing environment, and it is vital that environmental schemes are approached as part of a wider business strategy. Our role is to provide practical, technically robust advice that helps clients improve profitability while delivering meaningful environmental outcomes.
Alongside SFI, the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) scheme continues to offer substantial opportunities for farmers and land managers to protect, restore, and enhance the environment while mitigating the effects of climate change. Higher Tier agreements are increasingly sophisticated and require careful planning, environmental assessments, habitat management expertise, and long-term business integration. GFW’s Environmental Consultancy team provides the technical skills and strategic advice needed to maximise these opportunities while ensuring schemes work alongside productive farming enterprises.
Further opportunities will arise through the reopening of Capital Grants in July 2026. These grants can support investments in boundary restoration, water quality improvements, habitat enhancement, and infrastructure projects that improve environmental performance and farm efficiency. GFW advises clients on identifying suitable projects, preparing applications, and delivering successful outcomes.
Archie Gray, Farm Business Consultant said:
The range of funding and environmental opportunities available to farmers has grown considerably but so has the complexity. Our team works closely with clients to ensure applications are well planned, technically accurate, and tailored to the needs of each individual farming business.
The team also supports clients through Farming in Protected Landscapes programmes, helping businesses operating within National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty access funding for sustainability, diversification, climate resilience, and community-focused projects.
Animal health and welfare remain a key focus for the industry, and GFW Rural advises farmers on schemes designed to improve livestock performance, welfare standards, and business productivity. In addition, the team supports woodland creation, woodland management, and tree health initiatives, helping landowners enhance biodiversity, carbon capture, and long-term environmental value.
Sally Cheesbrough, Associate added:
Successful environmental management today requires a balance between sustainability, productivity, and long-term resilience. We pride ourselves on delivering advice that is not only technically strong, but also commercially realistic and practical for our clients to implement.
GFW’s strength lies in the depth of experience across its multidisciplinary team. By combining environmental consultancy with wider business, agricultural, and rural property expertise, the firm delivers practical, financially grounded advice that extends beyond the farm gate. The result is a comprehensive service that empowers clients to embrace opportunity, improve profitability, and confidently navigate the evolving agricultural landscape.
The latest news from GFW.
