Farmers get second chance to learn about Uplands Entry Level Stewardship scheme
5 January 2010
Following the popularity of the first series of meetings, famers and land managers in Yorkshire have the opportunity to learn more about Natural England’s new Uplands Entry Level Stewardship Scheme (Uplands ELS) at a round of farm walks which have been organised for this year.
These walks give everyone the chance to find out more about this new scheme, which is set to open early in 2010. The scheme takes over from Hill Farm Allowance and is open to all land in the Severely Disadvantaged Area of the uplands. It’s a voluntary agri-environment scheme, which is part of Entry Level Stewardship (ELS). It pays farmers for simple yet effective environmental management that complements sound hill farming practices.
What does Uplands ELS offer to farmers and land managers?
Uplands ELS offers an extra £15 - £32 per hectare on top of the ELS payments of £8 - £30 per hectare. A wide range of new upland options have been added to choose and score points from.
The new options include some simple mandatory requirements, grazing options, boundary maintenance and restoration, looking after traditional farm buildings plus many more that can be incorporated into your existing regime.
The walks will cover all the basics of the scheme like when to apply, how to apply and how to score the points. Also high on the agenda will be the management of the many options and how they relate to the farmer.
The walks are being held at a range of farms that will be convenient for those living in the uplands. Dates, times, venues and booking instructions can be found in the notes for editors section.
Rachel Webster, of Natural England’s Land Management Advisory Service said: ‘The first round of meetings have proved very popular. People have taken advantage of the opportunity to learn more about this new scheme. The opening date is rapidly approaching, so we are encouraging anyone farming in upland areas to come along and find out what it’s all about’.
Ends
Note for Editors
For further press information only, contact Howard Botting on 01609 767439 or 077860 28824, or Emma MacDonald on 0113 2303533 or 07900 608073. Please don’t use these numbers to book slots at the walks, use the number given below.
Dates, times, venues for meetings and how to book.
12th Jan 10.30am – 12.30pm Royd House Glusburn ref: YHFW356
19th Jan 10.30am – 12.30pm Low Thorgill Farm Rosedale ref: YHFW357
21st Jan 10.30am – 12.30pm Middlesmoor Village Hall Nidderdale ref: YHFW358
27th Jan 10.30am – 12.30pm Redshaw Farm Widdale, nr Hawes ref: YHFW359
4th Feb 10.30am – 12.30pm Linton Hall Farm Buildings Linton in Craven ref: YHFW360
9th Feb 1.00 – 3.30pm Pextenement Farm Todmorden ref: YHFW361
11th Feb 1.00 – 3.30pm Low Ewecote Farm Bilsdale ref: YHME362
To book a place please call 0300 060 1695 quoting the reference number for the preferred event.
Uplands ELS is a new strand of Environmental Stewardship, designed specifically for upland farmers. It is part of the Entry Level Stewardship and enables farmers in the uplands to receive a higher payment in return for a greater commitment to simple, yet effective environmental management. Unlike the Hill Farm Allowance (HFA)– which excluded dairy farmers and those with very small holdings – Uplands ELS will be open to all farmers and land managers in England’s ‘Severely Disadvantaged Areas’ (SDAs), providing they meet the rules.
Natural England is the government’s advisor on the natural environment. We provide practical advice, grounded in science, on how best to safeguard England’s natural wealth for the benefit of everyone. Our remit is to ensure sustainable stewardship of the land and sea so that people and nature can thrive. It is our responsibility to see that England’s rich natural environment can adapt and survive intact for future generations to enjoy. We work with farmers and land managers; business and industry; planners and developers; national, regional and local government; interest groups and local communities to help them improve their local environment.
