Workshops to encourage Entry Level Stewardship Applications
5 February 2010
Entry Level Stewardship is a 5 year funding scheme that famers can apply for in exchange for more biodiversity on their farms, such as pollen and nectar rich wild flower areas beside fields for bees and butterflies, and buffer strips to protect hedgerows and provide shelter for our native birds.
(c) Catherine Weightman
Natural England is providing training and information to make it easier for farmers to apply for Environmental Stewardship and to assist in choosing the most appropriate options for their farm. Workshops, events and one-to-one farm visits are all now available. The advice ranges from how to improve the farm for birds and wildlife to protecting soil, water and historical features, whilst gaining the financial benefits of ELS. Advice on how to use the improved online Entry Level Stewardship system (ELSOnline) is also included.
The system is being introduced at an important time, with 12,000 ELS agreements coming up for renewal this year. Using enhanced software the process is faster and clearer and contains the latest maps from the Rural Payments Agency. ELSOnline calculates points using new features and options and saves the information as the application is completed. Natural England and the Campaign for the Farmed Environment are looking to make it as easy as possible for existing agreement holders to renew agreements and for new entrants to enter the schemes.
Dr Mary Dimambro, Project Manager Farm Advice for Natural England, said: "The half day workshops are free of charge and will be running from 19 February to 12 March across East Anglia before the first group of renewal deadlines in the summer. There have been a few changes which may affect options for future agreements, so we would encourage people to come along to find out what these are before deciding. Information on the Campaign for the Farmed Environment will also be included for which ELS is one of the main ways to participate.”
The workshops will also explain the new and revised options, which have been developed to meet farmers’ needs and deliver better environmental results. Hedgerow trees, 6 metre buffer strips next to watercourses, winter cover crops and cultivated areas for ground nesting birds are just some of the new features this year with amendments to winter bird feeding and ditch management. For more information on the workshop timetable visit www.naturalengland.org.uk/farmevents and look for OELS/ELS Workshop To reserve a place contact the Farm Events Team on 0300 060 1695 or email farmevents@naturalengland.org.uk
ENDS
Notes for editors:
For further information contact: Linzee Kottman on 0300 060 2058/07824475359 or Heather Duncan on 07970 228388. Out of hours 07970 098005.
About Natural England
Natural England is the government’s independent advisor on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife sites, ensuring that over 3,500 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Marine Conservation Zones, and advising widely on their conservation.
We run England’s Environmental Stewardship green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats. We have recently committed £6m to develop wetland areas and have detailed biodiversity action plans covering 75% of England’s species
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
