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Rural Affairs

England Rural Development Programme logo

Higher Level Stewardship (HLS)

Quick links
HLS Handbook - online version

Options prescriptions and indicators of success

HLS Handbook to download [PDF] (1.2MB)

New Environmental Stewardship
options guidance [PDF] (263 KB)

HLS Payment rates [PDF] (61KB)

Agreement start dates [PDF] (27KB)

Farm Environment Plans

Targeting statements

Example options map [PDF] (1.8MB)

Forms to download

Access - Country walks and rides

New options for Environmental Stewardship [PDF]

What are the key features of HLS?

  • The aim is to deliver significant environmental benefits in high priority situations and areas.
  • Usually combined with ELS or OELS options.
  • More complex environmental management where land managers need advice and support.
  • Very wide range of management options available, targeted to support key characteristics of the different areas of the English countryside.
  • Payments relate to the options chosen.
  • Includes payments for capital items such as hedgerow restoration.
  • Detailed application by preparing a Farm Environmental Plan (FEP).
  • Unlike ELS and OELS entry into the scheme is discretionary. Applications go through an assessment process which takes into account how the application meets the environmental priorities identified in your local area.
  • Ten year agreements with payments sent out every six months.
  • HLS is administered by Natural England from their regional offices with technical advice and support being provided by local advisers.
  • Pre-application consultation process to assess possible suitability for HLS

What to do if you are considering applying for HLS

There has been a change in the application process for HLS which means that farmers have to from the 1 April 2007 apply for a pre-Farm Environmental Plan consultation from Natural England. The consultation aims to give prospective applicants a realistic assessment of whether or not their holding have any potential for the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme before they commit to the expense of commissioning a Farm Environmental Plan. Please see the Addendum (pdf) to the Higher Level Stewardship Handbook and the Higher Level Stewardship Fram Environment Plan Guidance Handbook. In addition please see the pre-FEP Question and Answer page.

 


Page last modified: 8 October, 2008
Page published: 3 March, 2005

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs