Environmental Stewardship is an agri-environment scheme that began operating on 18th March 2005 in England under the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
The scheme has three main aspects:-
1. The Entry Level Scheme, which any person can apply for either on the telephone or on-line. The land owner must telephone his local Regional Development Centre (RDS) and request the Entry Level Handbook, which will be sent to him second class post. This handbook forms a legally binding contract between the landowner and DEFRA, so it is important that he keep the book and read it carefully. If the landowner would like to apply, he can telephone his local RDS and a customer service representative will enter his holding number and vendor number into the Genesis software package, and the pre-populated application form and maps will be sent to him for completions. The landowner will be entitled to £30 per hectre provided he meets the criteria.
2. The Organic Entry Level Scheme is very similar in nature to the Entry Level Scheme, except that is covers organic land and the landowner will be entitled to more funding for being organic. The landowner will be entitled to £60 per hecter provided he meets the criteria.
3. The Higher Level Scheme is the third part of the scheme, and will afford the landowner more funding if he applies. It is more complex in nature and the landowner must request a visit from DEFRA to help him to determine his entitlement.
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme is a contract between the landowner and the government that lasts for five years. Provided the landowever meets the criteria, he will be paid twice yearly during the five year period.
Environmental Stewardship has a number of wide ranging objectives, which include:-
- Protection of water and soil
- Flood management
- Wildlife conservation
- Protect archealogical sites and historic features
- Provide public access to the countryside
- Prevent soil erosion and water pollution
- Conserve rare traditional breeds and varieties
Environmental Stewardship will replace the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme.
Links
DEFRA Website
Rural Payments Agency
