Natural England plays a key role in encouraging farming to have a positive effect on wildlife. Through the Environmental Stewardship schemes - both Entry Level and Higher Level - farmers and land managers can gain access to advice and funding to implement wildlife-friendly farming.
We provide advice on land management practices including grazing and management, minerals and waste planning, catchment-sensitive farming methods and Environmental Impact Assessments. Natural England works to influence national and European policy on sustainable land management, to improve the quality of the environment for current and future generations.
The Organic Conversion Information Service (OCIS) provides free organic conversion advice to help farmers and land managers in England consider the practical implications of converting their business to organic production.
We also deal with applications for heather and grass burning licences which are required at all times outside the periods 1 October - 15 April in uplands and 1 November - 31 March in lowlands.
Higher Level Stewardship - A Spatial Approach
Natural England is moving to a spatial approach to delivering Higher Level Stewardship and is mapping the country to establish which land holdings will provide the most environmental benefit with the funds available. The maps will be operational in October 2008. In the interim, Natural England teams have produced some maps, largely based on local knowledge backed up by evidence, which show where the areas are likely to be. These are being used to help local advisors make decisions on current applications.
Briefing on ES Targeting and Prioritisation 
State Aid
State Aid allows the UK Government to provide resources to help agricultural businesses. This help allows for the provision of free advice as follows:
- Conservation Advice Programme
- Cross Compliance Programme
- Environment Sensitive Farming Programme
- Farming Activities Programme