Farming Talk: Environmental stewardship changes afoot

Natural England has announced a number of proposed changes to Environmental Stewardship schemes from January 2013 onwards.

These changes are subject to formal EU Commission approval but, if implemented, will result in the number of points available from popular Entry Level (ELS) and Higher Level (HLS) options being reduced. There will also be changes to option prescriptions and at least five new options will be introduced.

The proposals have been driven by a Defra-led project to 'Make Environmental Stewardship More Effective' and ensure schemes deliver more beneficial environmental outcomes.

Options with the least environmental benefit will have their points rate reduced in order to release points for and promote options with greater environmental benefits.

Options that will be subject to the reduced points rate include hedgerow management and buffer strip, while options that protect natural resources, provide sources of winter food and summer nesting places for farmland birds will benefit from an increased points rate.

Natural England hopes to receive EU Commission approval and publish fourth edition ELS/HLS handbooks by October this year. Applications with a 2013 start date cannot be submitted and will not be considered until the new handbook is released and any applications submitted before October 2012, requesting a 2013 start date, will be returned to the applicant.

Delays to the submission of applications will affect those with Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Schemes expiring in 2013. With more than 150 schemes ending in the Clun ESA alone in 2013, many were hoping to have submitted their applications for UELS well in advance of the ESA scheme ending to ensure their new replacement scheme starts as soon as possible and there are no gaps in funding.

To avoid delays in the processing of applications, Natural England has advised potential applicants to request their application packs and start planning their application now, taking into account the proposed changes. As soon as the new handbooks are issued in October, applications can be submitted and will be processed as normal.

It is important to note that existing agreements and applications to be submitted, requesting a 2012 start date, will not be affected by the changes.

Louise Roberts BSc (Hons) is a member of the Rural Professional Department at Halls, based in Shrewsbury.