Natural England

England’s wildlife and landscape received a boost today (Thursday 6 December) with news from Defra that the European Union’s Rural Development Committee has agreed the Rural Development Programme for England 2007-2013. Through this Programme, Natural England will provide £2.9 billion of Environmental Stewardship Scheme funding for farmers.

Welcoming the announcement, Sir Martin Doughty, Natural England’s Chair, said: “I am very grateful to Defra for securing this funding, which shows a clear commitment to creating a healthier natural environment through the continuation of a successful Environmental Stewardship scheme.

These schemes improve the overall environmental health of our countryside and make a major contribution to the UK’s commitments on farmland birds and bringing Sites of Special Scientific Interest into favourable condition.”

Natural England already has agreements with over 32,000 farmers and landowners covering some 5 million hectares, which amounts to more than half of all the farmland in England.

Sir Martin continued: “It is important for the public to be able to see where their money is being spent through Environmental Stewardship and how their local area is benefiting. Which is why last month Natural England launched a new online map which shows all the land currently in one of these schemes."

“We will continue our efforts to improve the scheme to make it even more effective locally and seek to bring more people and land in to these agreements,” concluded Sir Martin.

Ends

For further information contact the National Press Office on 0845 603 9953, press@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07970 098005. For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk

Notes for editors:

1. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

2. The RDP(E) runs from January 2007 to the end of 2013. Natural England made around 5,400 provisional Environmental Stewardship agreements from January 2007. Some changes have been made to the Programme. Further information about the changes and how they will be managed, in relation to Environmental Stewardship and the Energy Crops Scheme, are available on Natural England’s website www.naturalengland.org.uk. Natural England will be working closely with stakeholders and customers to manage the introduction of these changes in a practical, customer-friendly way.

3. Natural England’s on-line maps can be viewed at: www.naturalengland.org.uk/campaigns/landmanagement/default.htm