Making Environmental Stewardship More Effective (MESME)
MESME options approved by European Commission
The European Commission have approved a set of new ES options for agreements starting on or after 1st January 2013. Four of the options will also be available for existing agreements which are amended from this date. The new options are:
| Option codes | Option name | Available to new / renewed agreements from 1 Jan 2013 | Available as an amendment from 1 Jan 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB14 | Hedgerow restoration | Yes | Yes |
| EE12 / OE12 | Supplement to add wildflowers to field corners and buffer strips | Yes | No |
| EF23 / OF23 / HF24 | Supplementary feeding in winter for farmland birds | Yes | Yes |
| EK20 / OK20 | Ryegrass seed set as winter/spring food for birds | Yes | Yes |
| EK21 / OK21 | Legume and herb rich swards | Yes | Yes |
Details of these options are contained in the 4th edition of the ELS and OELS handbooks (Section 3) and HLS handbook (Section 2). More information is also available on ELS priority options, including how to select the best options for your farm, the priorities in each local area and what proportion should be included in an agreement.
The supplementary feeding in winter for farmland birds options (EF23/OF23/HF24) aim to tackle declines in populations of many seed-eating birds by providing a good supply of grains over the winter to help them through the ‘hungry gap’. Farmers are encouraged to incorporate the options into their agreements from 1st January 2013. More information is available on these options and how to incorporate into your agreement.
Changes to existing options
From 1st January 2013 there will also be some changes to ES option prescriptions and points values. These changes will apply to new ELS agreements, Organic ELS agreements and Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreements underpinned with ELS from that date. The changes, are set out in the information note: (177kb)
, and full details can be found in the ELS
and OELS fourth edition handbooks.
Reasons for the changes
The changes are being introduced as a result of the Making Environmental Stewardship More Effective (MESME) project. This was a Defra-led project which aimed to improve the delivery of environmental outcomes from Environmental Stewardship (ES). The project was set up in response to Defra Ministers’ wishes to ensure ELS delivered more and better environmental outcomes. It involved Natural England and stakeholders including NFU, CLA, CAAV, RSPB, TFA
Q&A briefing on new options and changes to existing options
A question and answer briefing note: (316kb) provides additional guidance on what farmers/land managers and agents/advisers need to know if they are:
- Planning an application for a 2012 start date (prior to the introduction of the changes).
- Planning an application for a 2013 start date.
- Interested in amending an agreement to incorporate the new options.
Other MESME recommendations
Other possible future changes which are being considered under the MESME project include:
- Trials of a package of further potential changes to run through 2012/13, to provide evidence for design of the next Rural Development programme.
- Ongoing improvements to how we deliver ES, including improving our aftercare support for HLS agreements, making the most of existing scheme flexibility and enhancing the way Indicators of Success are developed and monitored.
This webpage will be updated shortly with further information on other MESME developments.
Further information
For any further information or queries please contact Customer Services on 0300 060 0011 or enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
