Planning & Management
Breadcrumbs
Higher Level Stewardship (HLS)
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The aim of HLS is to deliver significant environmental benefits in high priority situations and areas.
The key features of HLS are:
- More complex environmental management where land managers need advice and support.
- Usually combined with ELS or OELS options.
- Very wide range of management options available, targeted to support key characteristics of the different areas of the English countryside.
- Payments relate to the options chosen.
- Includes payments for capital items such as hedgerow restoration.
- Detailed application by preparing a Farm Environmental Plan.
- Unlike ELS and OELS entry into the scheme is discretionary. Applications go through an assessment process which takes into account how the application meets the environmental priorities identified in your local area.
- Ten year agreements with payments sent out every six months.
- Pre-application consultation process to assess possible suitability for HLS
How to apply
To apply for an HLS agreement please contact your regional office. Technical advice and support will be provided by local Natural England advisers.
HLS initial consultation
The consultation aims to give prospective applicants a realistic assessment of whether or not their holding has any potential for Higher Level Stewardship entry before they commit to the expense of commissioning a Farm Environmental Plan.
To help with your HLS application
- HLS Application Handbook 2nd edition October 2008
[2 MB] - HLS Options, Capital Items and Management Conditions Handbook 2nd edition October 2008 [1.6 MB]
- HLS Payments Booklet 2nd Edition October 2008 [190 kB]
- HLS handbook 1st edition February 2005 - download version [1.2 MB]
- Additional illustrated and technical guidance
- Access – example country walks and rides
- HLS Target Area and Theme Statements
- Example Options map [330 kB] (also large version Key to map )
- Example Farm Environment Plan [300 kB] (also large version Key to Plan )
- Additional forms to download
You can find out more about the scheme at Farm Advice Events.