Scheme builds on best achievements

Julie Liddle

Environmental Stewardship is to be delivered in two parts;

1. the Entry Level Scheme (ELS) which is non competitive and open to all farmers; and

2. the Higher Level Scheme (HLS) which is competitive and is a fairly intensive undertaking.

The Environmental Stewardship is a hybrid of both the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and the Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme. H&H Bowe's Julie Liddle outlines the details of the Higher Level Scheme.

Higher Level Scheme (HLS)
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme (ESS) is applicable on a nationwide basis and designed to build on the best achievements of the ESA and CSS. The objectives of the HLS are the same as for Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) but to a higher degree and should therefore complement an existing EL scheme. However a successful application is by no means guaranteed as the idea of the HLS is to be competitive, selected and targeted.

If you recall, ELS requires a Farm Environment Record to show what is present on your holding, whereas the Farm Environment Plan (FEP), required under HLS must record in detail all the points of reference or interest as well as problem areas on your holding. This information will form a farm audit and inventory of what is present. FEPs like many other government controlled schemes are covered by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 which means they will be in the public domain.

All land must first be registered with the Rural Land Registry. The scheme is designed to run for ten years (with a five year break if required) therefore applicants must have control of the land for at least this period or if this is not possible tenants can carry out a joint application with their landlord. Please note tenants must have a written tenancy Agreement.

SCHEME OBJECTIVES

• Landscape - preserve the character of the countryside through maintenance, restoration and creation.
• Historic Environment - protection of Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs).
• Biodiversity - Habitats, etc are all important in maintaining the diverse structure of flora, fauna and invertebrate life in the countryside.
• Natural Resource Protection - As you may recall, this is as mentioned under the ELS to record and reduce soil erosion and improve soil structure.
• Access - improve the footpath networks. Connections made between existing footpaths and where possible Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) registered land.
• Flood Management and Genetic Conservation are secondary objectives.

Altogether there are 110 management options under HLS. Capital works can be included in a scheme providing other land management options are also involved.

THE SCORING PROCESS

1. Firstly, a desktop exercise by which applications which are poor or incomplete will be refused.

2. A score threshold for each region. Regions vary in interest depending on their topography and historic past and therefore each region will be marked against the character area objectives for that region. If your application does not address the relevant priority targets for your area, it will also be rejected.

3. Technical score. An adviser will visit the holding, check the details on the FEP and may enhance an application or indeed remove items which he feels are not relevant having looked for himself.

FEES

Payment of fees to agents for their advice and work carried out in producing a FEP is claimable under the scheme but may only form a contribution towards the final fee incurred.

THINKING ABOUT APPLYING?

Remember this scheme is discretionary. Not all applicants will be successful. The following are but a few of the questions you should ask yourself before considering an application:

What kind of features do I have on my farm?
Are there any SSSI areas?
Are there any BAP priority habitats?
Do I have any historic features or Schedule Ancient Monuments?
Do I have any rare or interesting birds or butterflies on your holding?
Are there any footpaths which cross my land?

If the answer is yes to any of the above the first thing to do is contact DEFRA at Crewe (08456 024093) and request an application pack, but before doing so you will need to know your Vendor Number (if you don't know this contact your local RPA office and ask, 01228 523400) they may also request also your Single Business Identifier (SBI).

Once you are in receipt of an application pack contact an agent and furnish them with all the relevant documentation plus additional information regarding your holding e.g.: name, address, holding number, a copy of your Rural Land Registry Plan, boundary responsibilities on the holding, the soil type, soil analysis information if available, stocking and cropping details along with breeds of stock and farming system. A site visit by the agent will then be required.

For further information contact H & H Bowe.

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