Reward for farmers who look after our upland landscapes

A new payment scheme for hill farmers who protect and look after England’s iconic uplands was launched by Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies in the Peak District today.

The Uplands Entry Level Stewardship (Uplands ELS) scheme succeeds the Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) and is designed to support and reward farmers for looking after some of England’s most historic upland landscapes – such as the Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor and the Lake District.

Through the scheme, hill farmers will be rewarded for looking after local wildlife, biodiversity and watercourses, and for maintaining traditional features of the landscape such as dry stone walls and stone-faced hedge banks.

Mr Irranca-Davies said:

“The uplands reflect a fundamental aspect of the English countryside – its history, natural beauty, and a way of life – and the new scheme rewards farmers who care for and protect these iconic landscapes.

“Uplands ELS will be available to all uplands farmers who make the commitment to protect wildlife, look after watercourses, and ensure that grazing helps the landscape, as well as looking after historic sites and dry-stone walls.”

Up to £31 million from the Rural Development Programme will be made available to fund all farmers who qualify for the scheme. Training, including workshops, demonstration days and individual visits will be available through Natural England to assist uplands and tenant farmers joining the scheme.

Farmers can apply for Uplands ELS by requesting an application pack or using ELS Online. The first agreements will begin on 1 July so farmers seeking this start date should apply by 1 May. Hill farmers who join Uplands ELS will remain eligible for the Single Payment scheme, as well as other Environmental Stewardship schemes, such as Higher Level Stewardship, Entry Level Stewardship and Organic ELS.

12 February 2010