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The Regulations, which apply to England, provide for the payment of grants to any person who enters a stewardship agreement with the Minister requiring him to carry out an activity which is conducive to the specified purposes (as defined in regulation 2(1)) on land in which he has an interest (regulations 3 and 4). A stewardship agreement may be either a standard agreement or a special project agreement (regulation 3(3)).

The Regulations also provide for the payment of grant to any person who entered a stewardship agreement with the Countryside Commission where the Minister assumes liability for that agreement (regulations 2 and 4).

The maximum grant payments for activities required by a standard agreement are contained in the Schedule to the Regulations. The maximum grant payable for activities required by a special project agreement is the cost of carrying out those activities (regulation 6).

Provision is made for notification of changes of occupancy in land which is subject to a stewardship agreement, and for the Minister to enter a stewardship agreement with a new occupier of agreement land for the remainder of the term of the original stewardship agreement or former scheme agreement (regulation 8).

The regulations also provide for the withholding and recovery of aid, and termination of stewardship agreements (regulation 9).

The Regulations supplement Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2078/92 (OJ L 215, 30.7.92, p.85) on agricultural methods compatible with the requirements of the protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside.