Natural England

More than 47,000 hectares (ha) of Bedfordshire’s countryside is now being conserved thanks to over 230 farmers and landowners in the county.

Figures in the East of England show that Natural England’s Entry Level Stewardship (ELS), which pays farmers for managing land in an environmentally friendly way, is proving to be a success.

In Bedfordshire, almost 2000km of hedgerows are now under enhanced environmental management; that’s enough hedging to go the length of Great Britain and back.

Field margins that are now in place to protect hedges, watercourses and woodland cover more than 400ha. More than 150ha of arable and grass land is being managed to protect archaeological remains and another 58ha of wild bird seed mixture has been planted. In addition, more than 1,400 in-field trees are being protected as are 12 farm ponds.

Shaun Thomas, Natural England’s East of England Regional Director, is urging farmers and landowners not currently subscribing to ELS to consider the multiple business benefits of signing-up: “There is now clear evidence that stewardship is attractive to farmers. Members of the scheme are able to make a real contribution to the quality of the countryside in which they live and work and receive a financial reward for effective management of their land - a guaranteed £30 per hectare per year for five years.

“The uptake to date illustrates that the aims of the scheme are well on the way to being met. But there is still more to achieve which is why we are running workshops to help more people to apply for the scheme.”

Anyone interested in applying for ELS and attending a workshop should contact ADAS on 01954 268301.

Date	Venue
Tuesday 20 November	ADAS, Battlegate Road, Boxworth, Cambridge
Wednesday 21 November	Pirton Village Hall, High Street, Pirton, Hitchin

Notes to 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. Environmental Stewardship was launched in March 2005, replacing the Countryside Stewardship, Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Organic Farming Schemes, and is designed to conserve England’s countryside, securing widespread environmental benefits. The aims are fourfold; to improve water quality and reduce soil erosion; to improve conditions for farm wildlife; to maintain and enhance landscape character and to protect the historic environment.

3. Nationally, 50% of all available agricultural land is in the scheme and £173 million has been paid to the 30,000 participating farmers since the scheme began in 2005.

4. Farmers and landowners who would like to apply for Environmental Stewardship grants or would just like to know more about the schemes should call 08456 024 094. Lines are open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and calls are charged at local rates.

5. For more information contact Linzee Kottman on 01223 533431 or email linzee.j.kottman@naturalengland.org.uk