FARMERS and land owners in East Hampshire can apply for cash from two grants being rolled out under the Government’s Countryside Stewardship scheme.

Up to £5,000 is available to those who want to restore hedges and stone walls, to protect their wildlife or landscape, under the new hedgerows and boundaries capital grant.

Applications can be received up to April 30.

Te Forestry Commission’s woodland creation grant fund has also opened for applications.

This offers farmers and other land managers up to £6,800 per hectare to plant, weed and protect young trees. Creating new woodland can support wildlife and improve water quality. It can also help to reduce flood risk.

Applications can be made up to March 31.

Farming minister George Eustice said the Countryside Stewardship scheme had a crucial role to play in helping to restore habitats.