Natural England
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Launch of Uplands Entry Level Stewardship
A new payment for hill farmers, aimed at rewarding them for combining food production with protecting their distinctive landscape and encouraging wildlife was launched today by Natural England and Defra.
Upland Entry Level Stewardship replaces the Hill Farm Allowance – which ends in March - and offers payments that are more than double the amount for standard ELS in recognition of the harsh conditions in which hill farmers operate.
Poul Christensen, Chair of Natural England, said:
"Farmers are custodians of this cherished part of our landscape and have been for centuries. Uplands ELS will help them to continue their good work in the future, linking together food production and a healthy natural environment. Not only will it benefit farmers, it will enhance the upland environment both for wildlife and for the many people who rely on it for food, water, leisure and climate change adaptation."
The first agreements will run from 1 July 2010 and farmers seeking to apply for these are advised to do so before 1 May.
For more information, attend one of our UELS events or see our publication Look after your uplands with Environmental Stewardship
