new higher level stewardship handbook -...

RDS is part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

If you enter into an Environmental Stewardship agreement,it will be with the Secretary of State acting through RDS

and Defra, and this handbook will form part of it.

Environmental Stewardship

Higher Level StewardshipHandbookTerms and conditions and how to apply

Produced by the Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs

© Crown copyright 2005

PB10382. February 2005

Printed on recycled paper containing 80% post consumer wasteand 20% totally chlorine free virgin pulp

www.defra.gov.uk

Chalk grass, W

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When you join Higher Level Stewardship this handbook will form part of your legal agreement with Defra. Please retain this

handbook for the duration of your agreement.

Environmental Stewardship in the wider context

2005 sees the introduction of major changes to the financial support mechanismsavailable to farmers in England. Defra expects that most farmers will register aninterest in the Single Payment Scheme and that many will apply for Entry LevelStewardship or Organic Entry Level Stewardship, which go beyond cross-compliance in helping to tackle countrywide environmental issues. Higher LevelStewardship will be appropriate for those who are able to deliver significantenvironmental benefits in high priority situations and areas.

Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition as a condition of cross-compliance

SinglePaymentSchememanaged bythe RuralPaymentsAgency

Environmental Stewardship (ES)managed by the Rural Development Service

HLS

ELS/OELS

Grants to statutory sites(e.g. Wildlife EnhancementScheme managed byEnglish Nature on SSSIsusually covering situationsoutside the scope of ES)

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Introduction and general information1.1 Background

1.1.1 What is Environmental Stewardship? 51.1.2 What are the aims of Higher Level Stewardship? 61.1.3 Do I need to join Entry Level Stewardship? 61.1.4 How does the scheme work? 61.1.5 What payments will I receive? 71.1.6 What will I be required to do? 71.1.7 How long will my agreement last? 81.1.8 Will advice be provided during my agreement? 81.1.9 Will details of my agreement be made public? 8

1.2 Who can apply?1.2.1 Registering my land on the Rural Land Register 91.2.2 What is an RPA ‘vendor number’? 91.2.3 Has a Farm Environment Plan been carried out? 91.2.4 What if I do not own some or all of the land? 101.2.5 Partnerships and trusts 101.2.6 Is common land eligible? 101.2.7 What if others hold rights over my land? 111.2.8 What if the land I farm is owned by the Crown,

a local authority or another Exchequer funded body? 111.2.9 What if I have another scheme or obligation on

my land? 11

1.3 How do I apply?1.3.1 How do I submit my application? 121.3.2 Can an agent act on my behalf? 121.3.3 When should I send in my application and when

will my agreement start? 121.3.4 How will my application be assessed? 131.3.5 Am I guaranteed an agreement? 131.3.6 What happens if my application is accepted? 141.3.7 What should I do if I have already sown my crops? 141.3.8 What if my application is unsuccessful? 141.3.9 Do I need consent from anyone? 141.3.10 Will Defra discuss my application with anyone else? 171.3.11 The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 17

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The Farm Environment Plan2.1 Why is the FEP so important? 192.2 How is a FEP prepared? 192.3 How long will it take to prepare a FEP? 202.4 Do I need to employ a ‘consultant’? 202.5 When will I be paid for the FEP? 202.6 When should a FEP be carried out? 212.7 How do I use the FEP? 21

How to complete your application formStep by step summary of the HLS application process 223.1 What do I need to apply for HLS? 233.2 How to complete your application form 243.3 How to complete Annexes 2 to 5 of the application form 243.4 How to complete your HLS options map 343.5 Do I need to submit a management plan? 343.6 Declarations and undertakings 353.7 What will I receive if my application has been successful? 36

Choosing your Land Management Options 4.1 How do I choose the most appropriate option? 384.2 What is an ‘indicator of success’? 394.3 What is the difference between the maintenance,

restoration and creation options? 394.4 HLS supplements 404.5 Can ELS/OELS and HLS options be combined

on the same parcel of land? 414.6 How should I take landscape considerations into account? 424.7 How should I take historic environment considerations

into account? 424.8 Will an RDS adviser visit my land? 42

Section 4

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Higher Level Stewardship Handbook

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Choosing your Capital Works5.1 Do I need to carry out any capital works? 445.2 Is funding available? 445.3 How do I apply for capital works? 445.4 Do I need to provide estimates of the cost of works? 455.5 When can I start work? 455.6 What standard of work is required? 455.7 When will I receive payment? 455.8 Special projects 465.9 Restoration of traditional buildings 46

What should I do if I have another scheme or obligation on my land?6.1 Single Payment Scheme 48

6.1.1 Cross compliance management and HLS options 486.1.2 HLS options and set-aside land 486.1.3 Providing information on your SPS annual return 49

6.2 Entry Level and Organic Entry Level Stewardship 496.3 Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) 496.4 Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) 496.5 Habitat Scheme (HS) 506.6 Organic Aid/Organic Farming Scheme (OAS/OFS) 506.7 Energy Crops Scheme (ECS) 506.8 Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS), Farm

Woodland Scheme (FWS), Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) and English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) 51

6.9 Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) 516.10 Other land management schemes on my land 51

6.10.1 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) 516.10.2 Scheduled Monuments (SMs) 51

6.11 Inheritance/Capital Gains tax exemption 516.12 Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) 526.13 Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) 526.14 Other obligations 52

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Additional requirements that you must agree to 7.1 General conditions on all HLS agreement land 537.2 Grassland management 547.3 Public rights of way and access 547.4 Capital works 557.5 Other funding 567.6 Publicity 56

Changes to your agreement8.1 Can I make changes to my agreement? 578.2 What if I let, sell or transfer my land? 578.3 Can I add land to my agreement? 578.4 Derogations 57

Breaches and appeals

9.1 Breaches of agreement 599.2 Penalties for breaches of agreement 599.3 Overpayments 599.4 ‘Force majeure’ (exceptional circumstances) 599.5 Variation of your agreement by the Secretary of State

(acting through Defra) 599.6 What if I disagree with any Defra decision or proposed

action regarding my application or subsequent agreement? 59

1 Land management options 60

2 Rural Development Service contact details 111

3 Glossary 113

4 Index 117

Appendices

Section 9

Section 8

Section 7


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1.1 Background1.1.1 What is Environmental Stewardship?

Environmental Stewardship (ES) is a new agri-environment scheme which aims to securewidespread environmental benefits. The scheme has three elements:

● Entry Level Stewardship

● Organic Entry Level Stewardship

● Higher Level Stewardship

Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) is a ‘whole farm’ scheme open to all farmers and landmanagers with conventional land. Acceptance will be guaranteed providing you can meetthe scheme requirements. If you have a mix of conventionally and organically farmed land, orall your land is farmed organically, you should apply for OELS (see below).

Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS) is a ‘whole farm’ scheme similar to ELS, open tofarmers who manage all or part of their land organically and who are not receiving aid underthe Organic Aid Scheme (OAS) or the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS). If any part of yourfarm is registered with an Organic Inspection Body, you should apply for OELS rather thanELS. To apply for OELS you will need a separate OELS application pack: this is available fromyour Rural Development Service (RDS) office.

Higher Level Stewardship (HLS), which will be combined with ELS or OELS options, aimsto deliver significant environmental benefits in high priority situations and areas. HLS isdiscretionary and concentrates on the more complex types of management, where landmanagers need advice and support and where agreements need to be tailored to localcircumstances.

Entry or Organic Entry Level Stewardship is generally a pre-requisite of Higher LevelStewardship. In the Higher Level handbook we refer to ‘ELS’ or ‘OELS’ in thoseinstances where there are common links to both ELS and OELS handbooks. If all your land is conventional, you will need to refer to your ELS handbook. If you farmboth organic and conventional land, you will need to refer to your OELS handbookwhich explains the application procedures for both types of land. Where there is a unique issue relating to either ELS or OELS that you need to be aware of within HLS, we will direct you to the appropriate section in therelevant handbook. You must read the relevant ELS or OELS handbooks beforeapplying for HLS.


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1.1.2 What are the aims of Higher Level Stewardship?

The five primary objectives of Higher Level Stewardship are:

● Wildlife conservation

● Maintenance and enhancement of landscape quality and character

● Natural resource protection

● Protection of the historic environment

● Promotion of public access and understanding of the countryside

There are two secondary objectives where spin-off benefits are sought from managementdesigned to achieve the five primary objectives. These are:

● Flood management

● Conservation of genetic resources

1.1.3 Do I need to join Entry Level Stewardship?

The full benefits of Environmental Stewardship will usually only be achieved when ELS orOELS options are combined with the more demanding HLS options. You will normally haveto apply for both elements of the scheme which will then be combined into a singleagreement. Very occasionally there will be sites for which ELS or OELS options are notavailable, such as:

● Coastal and inter-tidal habitats

● Lowland heathland

If your holding is made up largely of these types of habitat, and you believe you would notbe eligible for ELS or OELS options, you should discuss this with your RDS adviser beforecompleting the application form. In such exceptional cases it will be possible to apply for HLS alone.

1.1.4 How does the scheme work?

Your Environmental Stewardship agreement will include a mix of ELS or OELS and HLSmanagement options.

The HLS options are designed to contribute to one or more of the five primary objectives andwill normally only be suitable for land that is of significant environmental interest. Theseobjectives are broken down into regional targets and more details can be found in the targeting



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statement included in your application pack. To determine which management options aremost suitable for your land, you will need to carry out a formal assessment of the featureson your land (these features are listed and defined in section 4 of the Farm Environment Planhandbook). This assessment will recommend suitable HLS options for these features. Theremaining areas of your land are more likely to be suitable for ELS or OELS options.

You then need to decide which of the ELS or OELS, and HLS, land management options youwish to apply for. If your application passes an initial assessment by RDS, an adviser will visitto discuss the management options with the aim of agreeing the details of your ten yearagreement. Once you have signed the agreement, you will receive a payment every sixmonths based on the management options which you have agreed to follow. In addition tothe land management options, you can apply for funding towards a range of capital worksthrough a Capital Works Plan (see section 5). This can be done as part of the initialapplication process and at intervals during the life of your agreement.

1.1.5 What payments will I receive?

You will be paid according to the type of work you enter into the scheme. Once acceptedinto HLS, you will receive a payment every six months from the start of your agreement forits duration. This will include payment for the ELS or OELS element of your agreement. Eachsix monthly payment will be half of your annual management payment for that year. The firsthalf of your annual payment will be made automatically. Towards the end of each agreementyear, you will be sent a claim form. This needs to be completed and returned to enable thesecond half of your payment to be made. If you fail to return the claim form, you will receiveno further payments.

Subject to section 9.5, the payment rates set out in your agreement will apply for the firstfive years of your agreement. If there have been any relevant changes to payment ratesfollowing a payment review, these will apply for the remaining period of your agreement. As a result of a payment review, payments may go up or down or stay the same.

For details of all the payment rates please see the leaflet included at the back of thishandbook. Also, section 5.7 has more information on payments for capital works.

1.1.6 What will I be required to do?

In applying for, and being accepted into, HLS you will be agreeing to:

a) identify, map and retain your Farm Environment Record features and deliver your ELS or OELS options in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate handbook

b) deliver the HLS management requirements as set out in your agreement document

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c) adhere to all the scheme terms and conditions contained in this and the appropriate ELSor OELS handbook and, in particular, to follow Good Farming Practice throughout yourfarm and to comply with the additional requirements contained in section 7 of thishandbook and section 5 of the ELS or OELS handbook.

1.1.7 How long will my agreement last?

Your agreement with Defra, which will include ELS or OELS options and HLS options, will be legally binding. It will usually run for ten years and you will be expected to fulfil yourobligations for the full term of your agreement. Very occasionally, there will be sites where a20 year agreement is more appropriate. RDS will be able to advise you on the relevantoptions where this will apply.

Generally, either party may withdraw from the agreement at the end of the fifth year,without penalty. Notice to withdraw must be given in writing at least one month before theend of the fifth year. You will be in breach of your agreement and will incur a penalty if youwithdraw at any other time.

1.1.8 Will advice be provided during my agreement?

Your RDS adviser will visit you at intervals during the life of your agreement, so that we can discuss the progress of the various management options with you. This will provide anopportunity for all parties to reflect on whether the management is achieving what we areaiming for and to consider the need for any adjustments to the agreement. We can alsodiscuss the requirements for including additional capital items in a new Capital Works Plan.In the course of these visits, we will collect basic data on the results of management beingundertaken which will allow us to assess the contribution your agreement is making towardGovernment targets for agri-environment schemes.

You can, of course, contact your RDS adviser at any time, for further information.

1.1.9 Will details of my agreement be made public?

Please refer to section 1.1.7 of your ELS handbook or section 1.1.12 of your OELS handbook.



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1.2 Who can apply?Higher Level Stewardship is open to all farmers and land managers who are one of the following:

● Freehold owners

● Tenants

● Contractual licensees

● Graziers with rights over common land

You must normally have management control of the land for the entire ten year periodof the agreement. If not, you can make a countersigned application with the person whoundertakes to carry on your agreement if your management control of the land ceases.Further guidance on countersigned applications is provided at section 1.2.3 of the ELSor OELS handbooks. If neither of these requirements is possible, please contact your RDSoffice (see appendix 2).

Please note that this and subsequent sections of the HLS handbook refer to the land. ‘Land’for the purpose of HLS is all the land and associated field boundaries registered on the RuralLand Register (RLR) that are farmed as one business enterprise in England (or, if you have amix of conventional and organic land, as two separate business enterprises) and which areincluded in a single application. Your application may include land registered under morethan one holding number.

Land entered into scheme options must be agricultural or part of the farmed environment. In exceptional cases (e.g. on some SSSIs), vulnerable non-agricultural land which would benefitfrom protective management under HLS, could be eligible for an agreement. You shoulddiscuss the eligibility of such land with your RDS adviser before making your application.

1.2.1 Registering my land on the Rural Land Register

Please refer to section 1.2.1 of your ELS or OELS handbook.

1.2.2 What is an RPA ‘vendor number’?


1.2.3 Has a Farm Environment Plan been carried out?

All HLS applications must be supported by a Farm Environment Plan (FEP). This will identifythe features on your farm, their condition, and provide a guide to the most appropriatemanagement options. If an application is received without a FEP, it will be rejected.

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For further information on the FEP, its importance and how it is to be prepared and paidfor, please see section 2 of this handbook. Full details are set out in the FEP handbook.

1.2.4 What if I do not own some or all of the land?

Please refer to section 1.2.3 of your ELS or OELS handbook. However, under HLS, you musthave management control for the ten years of the agreement.

Even where, as a tenant, you have control of the land for the ten years, you will still needto inform your landlord that you intend to enter Environmental Stewardship and you willalso need to insert their details at part 13 of your application form. If, according to the termsof your tenancy agreement, you need your landlord’s consent, then their signature isrequired on your application form to confirm that they have given it.

1.2.5 Partnerships and trusts


1.2.6 Is common land eligible?

There are many valuable features and habitats found on common land and we welcomeapplications from those who have grazing or other relevant rights over the land, includingthe owner of the common. We can enter into an agreement with an association or personrepresenting most commoners with grazing rights, but we would hope that as many aspossible would be involved. However, we will normally only enter into such an agreementwhere we are satisfied that the delivery of the management options is unlikely to becompromised by the actions of someone not represented by the signatory to the agreement.

Guidance on applying for HLS agreements in relation to common land is available from yourRDS office. RDS will also provide a Common Land Supplementary Application form to assistan association or person wishing to apply for such an agreement, to collect signatures fromother commoners who support their application. The sole purpose of this form is to satisfyRDS that the applicant has the support of enough other commoners that they will be able tocomply with the management requirements of any agreement they enter into. The signatureform will not be legally binding and it will not form part of the agreement. It is important tounderstand that the association or person signing the HLS agreement takes full responsibilityfor compliance with its terms. The commons signature form does not alter this in any way,as it neither transfers responsibility for the performance of the agreement to the people whosign the commons signature form, nor does it diminish the responsibility of the associationor person signing the agreement. If a common is not brought into an HLS agreement,individual commoners can still enter their non-common land into HLS and receive payment



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for it provided that they also agree not to increase the level of stocking on common land.In view of the special requirements relating to common land, you should consult your RDSadviser before applying to include it in an agreement.

1.2.7 What if others hold rights over my land?


1.2.8 What if the land I farm is owned by the Crown, a local authority or another Exchequer funded body?

Land owned and managed by Government Departments, Executive Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies cannot be entered into HLS.

Other public bodies, including local authorities, National Park Authorities and PublicCorporations, are eligible for HLS provided the work is not already required as part oftheir conservation responsibilities.

If you are an agricultural/farm business tenant of a public body, with security of tenure forthe length of the agreement, you will be eligible for HLS provided the application does notinclude any environmental management which is a condition of your tenancy, or is alreadyrequired as part of the conservation responsibilities of your landlord. It is your responsibilityto ensure there is no overlap between your obligations as a tenant and any HLSmanagement requirements. Ask your RDS adviser if you are uncertain.

1.2.9 What if I have anotherscheme or obligation onmy land?

As a general rule Defra cannot pay youfor management you are required to dounder an existing scheme or obligation.Specific guidance on what to do if youhave another scheme or obligation onyour land is provided in section 6 ofthis handbook. You should also readsection 4 of your ELS or OELS handbookin order to see if any of the guidanceprovided there also applies to you andyour land.

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Arable reversion land in Countryside Stewardship

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1.3 How do I apply?1.3.1 How do I submit my application?

Before you apply for HLS you must first read either your ELS or OELS handbook. Then youmust ensure that all the land you intend to enter into the scheme is registered on the RLR(see section 1.2.1 of your ELS or OELS handbook). If you have not received a pre-filledapplication form and maps, please follow the instructions on the inside front cover ofyour ELS or OELS handbook to obtain the necessary documentation.

You must then prepare a Farm Environment Plan (FEP) (see section 2) based on your FarmEnvironment Record (FER) (see section 2.3.2 of your ELS or OELS handbook).

Choose your ELS or OELS options and, after taking into account the recommendations fromthe FEP and your local targeting statement (see section 1.3.4), choose your HLS options(see section 4 and appendix 1). Make sure that these are compatible with your chosen ELSor OELS options. Mark them all on the relevant option map. Choose your capital items(see section 5) and mark these on your HLS options map.

Having submitted your application by post we will, in most cases, arrange a visit so that wecan discuss the content of your proposed agreement (see section 1.3.4).

1.3.2 Can an agent act on my behalf?

Please refer to section 1.3.9 of your ELS handbook or 1.3.10 of your OELS handbook.

1.3.3 When should I send in my application and when will myagreement start?

Once you have completed your application form and the supporting annexes, marked upyour maps, and attached the relevant supporting documents, including the FEP andcertificates of organic registration (where applicable), send it by post to your RDS office.At present you cannot apply for HLS using the internet. You can apply at any time but,if you want to be sure of a particular agreement start date, you will have to submit yourapplication by the deadline for that start date.

For 2005, the agreement start dates, and corresponding application deadlines, are availablefrom your RDS office on the internet at www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/es. RDS contactdetails are provided at appendix 2 of this handbook. For 2006 and following years, theagreement start dates, and corresponding application deadlines, are shown below:



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Application deadline Agreement start date

30 September 1 February

31 December 1 May

31 March 1 August

30 June 1 November

We will acknowledge receipt of your application and give you a reference number forfuture correspondence.

1.3.4 How will my application be assessed?

Defra, in discussion with other Government agencies, has outlined the key characteristicsof the different parts of the English countryside, by defining over 150 Joint CharacterAreas; your land will be covered by one of these areas. Each area has priority targets forthe management of a variety of features. These targets have been agreed with help fromlocal organisations. A targeting statement relevant to your area is included with yourapplication form.

All HLS applications will be scored directly against these targets. Those applications whichmeet or exceed a pre-determined threshold will receive a visit from an RDS adviser and youmay then be offered an agreement. You should ensure that any features identified in yourFEP, which are also a target in your area, are included in your application. If your applicationdoes not address the relevant priority targets for your area, it will be rejected.

If applications do not include satisfactory management of Sites of Special Scientific Interestor Scheduled Monuments (where applicable), they will be re-negotiated or rejectedregardless of their score. Applications that miss opportunities to manage targeted featuresmay also be rejected or re-negotiated. In addition, there will be no advantage in includingin your application large amounts of extra management options that do not address thescheme targets for your area.

1.3.5 Am I guaranteed an agreement?

Submitting an HLS application does not guarantee that you will be offered an agreement.Because funds for HLS are limited, agreements have to be allocated where they are likely toachieve the most environmental benefit for the countryside. Your application will be subjectto a scoring process as described above and, in addition, it will need to represent good valuefor money.

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If your application passes an initial assessment, an RDS adviser will contact you to discuss itwith you and to arrange a visit to your land. Following the visit, alterations may be requestedto help to improve the way in which your application will achieve the priority targets. If youdo not then wish to proceed, you may withdraw your application but please confirm this, inwriting, with your local RDS office as early as possible to avoid unnecessary work. If youwant to make any changes, please tell your RDS office as soon as possible.

1.3.6 What happens if my application is accepted?

If your application is accepted, subject to any changes agreed with your RDS adviser, you willbe offered an agreement. You will need to sign and return this, usually within 14 days ofreceipt. The agreement does not come into force until all parties have signed it.

1.3.7 What should I do if I have already sown my crops?

Please refer to section 1.3.10 of your ELS handbook or section 1.3.12 of your OELShandbook. When deciding on your agreement start date, you should consider any changesthat you may have to make to your farming system and, in particular, your existing croppingand set-aside commitments.

1.3.8 What if my application is unsuccessful?

If the HLS part of your application does not meet our scoring threshold, this part of yourapplication will be rejected. We will tell you if your application has not been successful andexplain why. If this happens, you will have three choices (as set out in the application form):

● Withdraw your entire application and continue with your existing ELS or OELSagreement (if you already have one).

● Proceed with just the ELS or OELS part of your application.

● Withdraw your entire application and re-submit one at a later date.

If you are unsuccessful, you may submit a written representation to us. Your case will thenbe reviewed.

1.3.9 Do I need consent from anyone?

If your land includes a designated area or Scheduled Monument, you will require formalconsent from the relevant body before carrying out any works which would affect thedesignated area. Once your application has been received, your RDS adviser will discuss anyproposals with the relevant body before you are offered an agreement. If you have already



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started this process any correspondence or an ‘in principle’ approval should be submittedwith your application, as this will speed up the processing of your application.

In many situations, the relevant body will have to give consent before an HLS agreement canbe offered and in all cases it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the necessaryconsent before starting any work. Further information is set out below.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

For Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), English Nature (EN) can give advice and help, soyou should discuss your proposals with them before applying. Once you have applied, yourRDS adviser will copy your application to EN’s local office for them to highlight any specialwildlife considerations to be taken into account. Local EN officers may visit your land withyour RDS adviser. They must give their consent before you sign the agreement to ensure thatit delivers ‘favourable condition’. Your RDS adviser will explain the consent process to you.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 places new responsibilities on publicly funded bodies(‘section 28G authorities’) for the management of SSSIs. If you are applying on behalf ofsuch a body, you should contact your RDS adviser before applying.

Scheduled Monuments

There are special arrangements forScheduled Monuments (SMs) on yourland. The English Heritage (EH) FieldMonument Warden can give you adviceand your RDS adviser will consultEH once you apply. You may needScheduled Monument Consent fromEH for some work. EH can tell you ifthe proposed works are likely to beacceptable.

Work affecting water

You will need Environment Agency (EA) or Internal Drainage Board consent for managementthat will affect watercourses. This includes work both to and within 8 m of a watercourse orwork within the flood or coastal plain. For example, the installation of sluices to raise waterlevels, or excavation works such as ponds or scrapes, may require land drainage consent oran abstraction licence.

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This hill fort is designated as a Scheduled Monument

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Work on trees and hedges

You may need permission for work on trees that are subject to a Tree Preservation Order,for instance during hedgerow restoration. Ask your local authority Tree Officer. If you areremoving trees, or managing overgrown hedges, and you are removing more than 5 m3 oftimber, you may need a Forestry Commission Felling Licence.

Listed buildings

If any works are proposed to listed buildings, you will need to discuss the proposals withyour local authority Conservation Officer who will advise if listed building consent is required.

Conservation Areas

Conservation Areas are ‘areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character orappearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’. These can include rurallandscape areas as it may be the special qualities and interest of the area that leads todesignation as well as individual buildings in the built environment. Conservation Area statusmay impose additional restrictions on carrying out work and remove some permitteddevelopment rights on agricultural holdings. The Local Planning Authority must be consultedif any part of the holding is located within a Conservation Area and particularly if any work isproposed to trees or buildings.

Planning permission

Most routine agricultural operations do not require planning permission either because theyare not regarded as ‘development’ under planning legislation, or because they are ‘permitteddevelopment’ which is ‘reasonably necessary’ for agriculture. For some activities, e.g. thecreation of new ponds, the planning requirements may not be straightforward. Your LocalPlanning Authority should give you informal advice as to whether your proposals are eitherpermitted development or require planning consent. You are therefore encouraged tocontact them at an early stage if you are unsure whether the activity requires planningconsent. ‘A Farmer’s Guide to the Planning System’ is available from your RDS office.

National Parks

If your land is in a National Park, you are advised to contact the National Park Authority whocan provide advice and information about making the best of the environmental interest onyour land as part of your application. They are also the relevant authority for many of theabove issues.



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1.3.10 Will Defra discuss my application with anyone else?

Yes, when it helps to assess your proposals, and particularly if specialist advice is needed.If your land is in a National Park, we will work closely with the relevant National ParkAuthority in delivering your agreement. Highways authorities are consulted on new accessproposals and advice on historic features is sought from county archaeologists. Your RDSadviser may also seek the views of local specialists such as a county wildlife trust or localauthority countryside staff when assessing your application.

1.3.11 The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations

The Environmental Impact Assessment (Uncultivated Land and Semi-natural Areas)(England) Regulations 2001 seek to protect environmentally important land fromagricultural intensification. Land likely to be subject to these regulations includesuncultivated and/or semi-natural grassland, heathland, moorland, scrub and wetlands. The type of agricultural operations (‘projects’) covered include ploughing, cultivation,digging, scraping, draining, liming, spreading soil or manure, and increased application of fertiliser.

Under these regulations, anyone proposing to carry out a relevant project on uncultivatedland or semi-natural areas must apply to Defra for a screening decision (which usuallytakes up to 30 days). In many cases, the decision will be that the project is not likely to have a significant environmental impact, so it may proceed. But if a project is likely to have a significant impact (e.g. if it may damage valuable semi-natural habitat), the applicant must prepare an environmental statement and apply for consent before the project can go ahead.

When applying for HLS, you should be aware of these regulations, which aim to protect some of England’s most valuable environmental assets from intensive agriculture. Some HLSoptions are specifically designed to restore or create valuable habitats, e.g. arable reversionto species-rich grassland. In entering these options you should assume that the change ispermanent, because at the end of your ten year agreement the land may well be subjectto the regulations. If the management has been successful and the land has reached ahigh level of environmental significance, these regulations may not allow it to be returnedto intensive agricultural use, although you may be able to re-enter it into a further agri-environment agreement.

For other options e.g. field margins which are not seeking to re-create semi-naturalhabitats, this is very unlikely to be a constraint. Further information is available fromwww.defra.gov.uk/environ/eia

17



n 1

The Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (England & Wales) Regulations1999 seek to protect land from potential environmental damage as a result of forestryactivity. There are four forestry activities that come under these regulations – afforestation,deforestation, forest roads and forest quarries. The first two activities are most relevant toEnvironmental Stewardship.

Under these regulations, afforestation (woodland creation) or deforestation (conversion ofwoodland to another land use) proposals require consent from the Forestry Commission.Threshold areas exist below which consent is not normally required; the threshold variesdepending on type of forestry activity and the sensitivity of the site.

The HLS options most likely to fall under these regulations are woodland creation andrestoration of heathlands, though other options involving tree planting/felling may alsoapply. If in doubt, contact your local Forestry Commission office for advice.

Further details of these regulations are available in the Forestry Commission booklet‘Environmental Impact Assessment of Forestry Projects’, which is also available on theForestry Commission website: www.forestry.gov.uk/INFD-529GA6



18

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Mature woodland in the Yorkshire Dales

© D

efra (Robert Goodison)

2.1 Why is a Farm Environment Plan so important?HLS is designed to deliver significant environmental benefits which may require complexmanagement. In order to do this, it is vitally important that you and your RDS adviser havegood quality information about the current environmental value and interest of your farmand its potential to deliver additional environmental benefits. The Farm Environment Plan(FEP) is designed to capture this information in a way that both you and RDS can use todetermine how suitable the farm is for HLS management, and help build an HLS agreement.The questions most frequently asked about the FEP are answered in this section, but for fulldetails please refer to the FEP handbook.

The primary purpose of a FEP is to gather information necessary to inform an HLS application.

The FEP will:

● Identify features on your land that may benefit from HLS management. In the FEPhandbook we have defined over 180 features including: habitats for breeding waders;historic buildings; upland hay meadows; vulnerable soils; stone walls; ponds; ancienttrees and traditional orchards. By defining these features in advance it will allow us toassess farms in a consistent way. It will also provide us with a basis for monitoring thesuccess of the scheme.

● Build on, and not duplicate, the ELS or OELS Farm Environment Record which you willhave completed (see section 2.3.2 of your ELS or OELS handbook).

● Provide a baseline for future assessment of the condition of features managed under HLS.

The FEP will not:

● Seek to provide information already available, such as that in Countryside Character orNatural Area descriptions. The information relevant to your holding will already besummarised by the ELS or OELS character area information sheet or the HLS targetingstatement, sent to you with your application.

● Duplicate information requested on application forms.

2.2 How is a Farm Environment Plan prepared?FEP preparation falls into two main phases: the desk study and fieldwork. The purpose of thedesk study is to make full use of existing environmental information that is already availableto you: local records, existing maps and websites. Your land will then need to be walkedto ensure that this data is accurate and to record additional information on all the fields,boundaries and any other features.


19


The Farm Environment Plan2Sectio

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2.3 How long will it take to prepare a FarmEnvironment Plan?The time taken to carry out the FEP will vary according to the size and complexity of yourland, and its accessibility. All the land will have to be walked in order to complete a FEP.

2.4 Do I need to employ a ‘consultant’?FEPs need to be carried out by those who have experience of the practical issues involved inthe five primary objectives of the scheme – wildlife, landscape, resource protection, historicenvironment and public access. For instance, you will need to be able to identify differentspecies of grasses and wild flowers. You may therefore decide to employ a consultant who isfamiliar with the FEP process to undertake this task for you. However, you may feel that youhave sufficient environmental experience to carry out the FEP yourself.

Whoever carries out the FEP will need to have access to the internet in order to obtain all therelevant information. The guidance in the FEP handbook explains exactly what is needed.

When a FEP is completed, you will receive a payment irrespective of who has completed the FEP.Payment will only be made on FEPs that meet the required standard, so whoever carries out theFEP must be competent in this area of work. If, when an RDS adviser visits the land, the FEP isfound to be inaccurate you may be asked to correct the FEP and re-submit your application.

2.5 When will I be paid for the Farm Environment Plan?Payment will only be made to you once your HLS application has either been approved orrejected. Therefore you should not commission a FEP unless you will be applying for HLS. Therelevant payment will be made to you. If you employ a ‘consultant’ to carry out the FEP youwill have to make separate arrangements for paying them yourself. Before payment is made,RDS will check that all the relevant sections of the FEP have been completed in accordancewith the FEP handbook. If your application is rejected, providing the FEP has been completedcorrectly, payment will still be made.

Your FEP payment will be based on the total area of land covered by the FEP, see section1.5.5 of the FEP handbook. The payment includes an element to cover the charge levied for consultations with Historic Environment Record Centres. The amounts are set out in thetable below.


The Farm Environment Plan2

20

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2.6 When should a Farm Environment Plan be carried out?It can be done at any time of year but it needs to be done prior to applying for an HLSagreement. However, some features will be more easily identified at certain times of the year.For example, grasses and flowers in a hay meadow are most easily identified in summer, butthe effects of soil erosion are more visible in winter.

2.7 How do I use the Farm Environment Plan?The FEP should be used to identify all features on your land. The targeting statement willexplain which of the features identified in your FEP are most likely to meet the objectivesof the scheme and would therefore benefit most from inclusion in an HLS application.The FEP will also provide a guide as to which land management options or capital itemswould be most suitable for the various fields and features on the land. You then needto decide which of these options you would like to apply for, taking into account yourcurrent farming system. Some of the options may require a very different approach tofarming some fields. Before applying for these, you need to be sure that you can adaptyour farming system accordingly.

Area (ha) Total payment (£)

< 6 395

6-15 555

16-50 715

51-149 1035

150-200 1110

201-500 1430

501-1000 1750

1001-1500 2070

1501-2000 2390

2001-2500 2710

2501-3000 3030

> 3000 3350

21


The Farm Environment Plan2Sectio

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Step by step summary of the HLS application process

STEP 10If you achieve the required threshold scores based on information supplied in the FEP and your application, you will bevisited by an RDS adviser to discuss the content of the proposed agreement. If successful, an agreement offer will besent to you for signature.

STEP 9Make sure you have read and understood all the terms and conditions contained in this handbook and your ELSor OELS handbook. Submit your application to your RDS office.

STEP 8List all your permanent grassland fields and the total area of temporary grassland in annex 5 and calculate themaximum stocking density.

STEP 7Choose the capital works that you wish to do in the first three years, and complete annex 4.

Mark these on your HLS options map.

STEP 6Choose your HLS rotational options and complete annex 3. These do not have to be marked on a map.

STEP 5Choose from the list of ELS or OELS, and HLS options and complete annexes 1 and 2 of your application form. Includeenough ELS or OELS options to meet your points targets, even if you already have an existing ELS or OELS agreement.

Mark the HLS options on your HLS options map. ELS and OELS options are marked on the ELS/OELS options map.

STEP 4Using the recommendations from the FEP and the targeting statement for your area, consider the mostappropriate HLS options for your land.

STEP 3Prepare a Farm Environment Plan for all your farm. You may need to hire a ‘consultant’ to do this work for you.

STEP 2If you do not already have an ELS or OELS agreement, carry out a Farm Environment Record.

STEP 1For information on how to obtain your pre-filled application form and maps you should refer to your ELS or OELShandbooks (inside front cover).


How to complete your application form3

22

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Unless you are applying for an HLS only agreement (see section 1.1.3), you must also applyfor ELS or OELS options using a combined application form. If you already have an ELS orOELS agreement, you need to re-apply for these options when you apply for HLS.

3.1 What do I need to apply for HLS?a) A personalised application form which will have been pre-filled with information

about you and your land, including RLR field numbers and areas.

If you have not received the pre-filled application form and maps described below, youmust make sure all your eligible land is registered on the RLR and then ask your RDSoffice to send you the necessary documents and maps. Defra will not be able to acceptapplications on forms which have not been pre-filled.

b) Your application maps:

● Environmental Information Maps showing designations on your holding such as SSSIs, Scheduled Monuments and Less Favoured Areas. This will allow you toidentify high priority features on your holding which would benefit from theintroduction of some of the options.

● Farm Environment Record (FER) and Farm Environment Plan (FEP) Map This map of your land should be used to prepare your combined FER and FEP map,and should be returned with your application form.

Guidance for entering features on to your FER map is provided at section 2.3.2, ofyour ELS or OELS handbook. The completion of this map will earn points towardsthe ELS or OELS part of your HLS application. This completed map is also used forshowing the features identified in your FEP. If someone else will be carrying out yourFEP, you will need to provide them with your FER map.

● ELS or OELS Options MapThis map should be used to mark where you are putting your ELS or OELS optionson your land.

● HLS Options MapThis map should be used to show where you are putting your HLS options on yourland. These will usually include both the land management options and any capitalworks that you intend to carry out during the first two or three years of youragreement. This map should also be returned with your application form.

c) A completed FEP form, see the FEP handbook for further details.



23

Section

3

3.2 How to complete your application form To complete your ELS/HLS or OELS/HLS application form you will need to refer to guidancegiven at section 2 of the ELS or OELS handbooks, as well as this HLS handbook. Please readthese handbooks in their entirety to ensure you are fully aware of all aspects of theapplication process.

Table 1 identifies which sections of each handbook provide further guidance on completingthe application form.

3.3 How to complete annexes 2 to 5 of the application formGuidance on completing these annexes is provided on pages 26–33.



24

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© C

ountryside Agency (John M

orrison)

Table 1: Where to find guidance in the ELS, OELS and HLS handbooks

25


How to complete your application form3Sectio

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Application form ELS/HLS applications – handbook OELS/HLS applications – handbook section number and section and section

Section 1

1 Pre-filled Pre-filled

2 This can be used if you need to provide This can be used if you need to provide details of an additional contact name details of an additional contact name and address and address

3 ELS 1.2.2 OELS 1.2.2

4 Self-explanatory Self-explanatory


6 ELS 1.3.9 OELS 1.3.10

Section 2


8 HLS 1.3.3 HLS 1.3.3

9 ELS 1.2.3 OELS 1.2.3

10 HLS 1.2.5 HLS 1.2.5

11 ELS 2.3.2 OELS 2.3.2HLS 2.1 HLS 2.1

12 ELS 2.3.3 OELS 2.3.3

13 HLS 1.2.3 OELS 1.3.3

14 HLS 1.2.8 Self-explanatory

15 If your application is any way linked HLS 1.2.3to or dependent on anotherapplication or an existing agreement, please provide details

16 HLS 3.5 HLS 1.2.8

17 HLS 5.8 If your application is any way linked to ordependent on another application or anexisting agreement, please provide details

18 HLS 3.5 & 5.9 HLS 3.5

19 HLS 1.3.8 HLS 5.8

20 HLS 1.1.3 HLS 3.5 & 5.9

21 - HLS 1.3.8

22 - HLS 1.1.3

Section 3 ELS 2.3.5 OELS 2.3.5

Section 4 HLS 3.3 OELS 2.3.8

Section 5 Self-explanatory HLS 3.3

Section 6 - Self-explanatory

Annex 1 ELS 2.3.4 –

Annex 1a - OELS 2.3.6

Annex 1b - OELS 2.3.8

Annexes 2-5 See examples on pages 26-33 See examples on pages 26-33



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How to complete annex 2, your Field Data Sheet (ELS and (this example uses the ELS/HLS application form: the principles are the same for OELS/HLS, except

Please also refer to the guidance in the ELS or OELShandbook for details of how to enter ELS or OELS options onto the data sheet

To record non-rotational options follow steps A to F:

nnnnn Annex 2: Field Data Sheet for ELS and Please enter all ELS and HLS non-rotational options within

RLR field no./boundary no.

Total amount (ha/100m/no.)

ELS points per unit

ELS points

HLS £ per unit

HLS £s

Total area of land, excluding LFA land in 1

parcels of 15ha or more and land parcelswhich are not eligible. (this sheet)

Total area of LFA land in parcels of 2

15ha or more excluding land parcelswhich are not eligible. (this sheet)

1, 2 Total area for this sheet when added to any continuation sheets sh3 Total ELS points for this sheet should be added to the total on any 4 Total value of HLS options for this sheet.

Soilerosion/run-offrisk?

(tick ifYES)

LFAStatus(Y/N)

RLR field size(ha)

ERDP/ELS/HLS 1 (Rev. 12/04)

Step B Calculate the amount of this option for eachfield parcel you have decided to put it in and record thisamount in the corresponding row of the Optionscolumn. For each entry calculate the area in hectares(rounded to the nearest 0.01 ha (100 m2)) or thenumber of occurrences or the number of metres (forcertain boundary options).

Step C Calculate the total amount of your option for allfield parcels and record this figure in the row marked‘Total amount (ha/100 m/no.)’.

Step D Enter the cost per hectare or number availablefor the option in the row marked ‘HLS £ per unit’ e.g.for HK15 you would enter £130.

Where you have an ELS option combined with an HLS option on the same parcel(e.g. XY 6810 6529), the HLS payment may have to be reduced where there is anoverlap in the management required. See Section 4.5 for further explanation andsome examples of the payment reduction.

Step E Calculate the total payment for that option.

XY 4567 9024XY 5698 0456XY 6845 6572XY 6833 6570XY 6810 6529XY 6850 6571XY 6790 6278XY 6790 6270XY 6390 6570XY 6390 6772XY 6870 6576XY 6990 6479XY 6390 6573XY 6850 6549Boundary 1Pond 1

33.2719.8321.5422.5110.0419.459.5410.8720.4110.0912.0510.052.493.18

205.32

NNNNNNNNNNNNNN

✓

✓✓

✓✓✓✓✓

Step A Write the code of your chosen option at thetop of the Options column. Start with your ELS optionsand then choose your HLS options. Note, in thisexample, the first two options columns are ELS options:for detail see the ELS handbook. The third option,in this example, is an ELS option attracting anHLS payment.

27



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HLS non-rotational options within fields)options to be used on organic land are prefixed with the letter ‘O’ instead of ‘E’).

[application reference]

HLS non-rotational options within fields Application reference ...........................

fields that you have chosen into this data sheet. Lists of the options available are provided in the ELS and HLS Handbooks.

Options

Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Total ELS(ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ points/

no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) HLS £’s

3

4

ould equal the figures in table A at Section 3.continuation sheets and entered into table B at Section 3.

If necessary, please continue on additional sheets andindicate in the box how many have been attached ................

13

0.860.62

0.72

0.92

0.53

3.654001460

10.04

10.0485853

10.04

10.87

20.91

1302718.30

EE2 HE3 HK15

800

800

35280.00

1

1

9090.00

2313

4096.30

HB12 HQ2EK2

Where you have chosen an EntryLevel option to contribute towardsyour HLS appliction, you mustuser the relevant HLS code e.g. use HE3 instead of EE3 fora 6m buffer strip.

All codes are shown on thePayment Summary Sheet.

To calculate the HLS £s multiplythe total amount (ha/number) bythe HLS £s per ha or number.

In this case the option ismaintenance of hedgerows ofvery high environmental value,option code HB12, so thecalculation is: 800m x £35/100m(£0.35/m)=£280.

Step F Once you have recorded allyour non-rotational options,calculate your total HLS paymentfor the options recorded andenter this figure below your ELSpoints total.

1.38

1.14

2.52

4001008.00



28

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3 Step A Decide which rotational options (listed below), management plans (HM1, HM2,HM3 and HM4) and access base payments (HN1 and HN8) you would like to apply for aspart of your HLS agreement.

Step B Record the code, description, payment rate and amount in the appropriatecolumns.

How to complete annex 3 (HLS rotational, management plan andaccess base payment options).

To record rotational options:

Assess the area of land to be managed under the rotational option and follow Steps A and Babove. Record the area measurement in hectares rounding to the nearest 0.01ha. You will notneed to mark the location of rotational options on your Options Map/s, as these will movearound your land from year to year. However, you must ensure that the declared area andrequired management is delivered in every year of your agreement.

The following rotational options are available in HLS. These include ELS options (and in somecases OELS options) which can attract an HLS payment (shown in italics below).

● HF6 Over-wintered stubbles● HF8 Skylark plots● HF9 Conservation headlands in cereal fields● HF10 Conservation headlands in cereal fields with no fertilisers or manure● HF12 Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots● HF13 Fallow plots for ground nesting birds● HF14 Unharvested fertiliser-free conservation headlands● HF15 Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding over-wintered stubble and

spring crop● HF16 Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora as an enhanced set-aside option● HF17 Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds as an enhanced set-aside option● HF18 Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding enhanced set-aside● HF19 Unharvested fertiliser-free conservation headlands preceding enhanced set-aside● HF20 Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora● HG1 Under sown spring cereals● HG4 Cereals for whole crop silage followed by over-wintered stubble● HG5 Brassica fodder crops followed by over-wintered stubble● HG6 Brassica fodder crop management to retain or re-create an arable mosaic● HG7 Low input spring cereal to retain or re-create an arable mosaic● HJ2 Management of maize crops to reduce soil erosion

29



n 3

nnnnn Annex 3. HLS rotational, management plan and access basepayment options

Payment Amount (ha)/ TotalCode Description rate no./length Payment

£

Total payment for rotational, management plan and access base payment options

Step C Calculate the total payment for each option.

Step D Calculate the total payment for all rotational, management plan andaccess base payment options.

HN1 Access base payment £365/eg 1 £365HM1 Soil management plan £3/ha 106.59ha £319.77HF12 Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots £495/ha 2.00ha £950HF14 Unharvested, fertiliser-free, conservation headlands £440/ha 5.00ha £2200

£7115



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How to complete annex 4 for HLS capital works To record HLS capital works follow steps A to G.

nnnnn Annex 4. HLS capital works

Locationreference Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity

Total amount

£s/unit OR %

Total £s

ERDP/ELS/HLS 1 (Rev. 12/04)

Step A Write the code of your chosen capital works atthe top of one work item column.

Step B Write the location of the work in this column.For work to boundaries identified in the FEP use the‘boundary number’; for in-field works use the RLRparcel number; for any other works use a six figure grid reference.

Step C For each entry calculate the quantity required(e.g. number, length, area). The quantity should berounded to the nearest whole unit i.e. 1.4 m = 1 m. Inthe case of quantities based on a per hectare paymentthese should be rounded to the nearest 0.01 of ahectare. For actual cost items you should enter the estimatedcost of the work.

Step D Calculate the total amount of your option andrecord this figure in the row marked ‘Total amount’.

Step G Calculate the total cost of all the capital items.

Step F Calculate the total cost of each capital item.

Step E Enter the cost of the capital item per unit or, if itis an actual cost item, the percentage grant rate.

2 110 110 2203 75 1504 50 100

XY 5968 0456XY 6845 6572

Grid ref 848 5769 250 500

435 110 50 970£5.00 £2.40 £5.00 £1.802,175 264 250 1,746

HR HSL PH FSB/H

31



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[application reference]

Work item

Total HLS

Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Payment

15

85 142 1 £1100

£10,500

127 2 £10,500 £1,100£2.00 £85.00 80% 60%254 170 8,400 660 £13,919

WS WTX HTB CLH



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How to complete annex 5 for grassland area and stockingFollow steps A – D

Step A List all fields, by RLR field number, on your landidentified as permanent grassland and enter the totalarea of permanent grassland. The definition ofpermanent grassland is as for the Single PaymentScheme, i.e. land which, at the time of application, isused to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage,whether naturally or through cultivation and which hasnot been included in the crop rotation of the land forfive years or longer. If the land has been re-seededduring the five year period, it may still be counted aspermanent grassland.

Step B Calculate the total area of temporary grasslandon your land. Temporary grassland is land which, at thetime of application, has been used to grow grasses orother herbaceous forage, whether naturally or throughcultivation, for less than five years.

Step C Calculate the total area of all grassland(permanent and temporary).

Step D Calculate your maximum stocking density overyour land. Worked example below.

LUs LUs20 beef cows 20 x 1.0 207 cattle (over 2 years) 7 x 1.0 78 cattle (6 months to 2 years) 8 x 0.6 4.85 cattle (under 6 months) 5 x 0 050 lowland ewes and lambs 50 x 0.15 7.53 horses 3 x 1.0 3Total: 42.3

Total area of forage (permanent plus temporarygrassland): 30.21 ha

42.3 LU ÷ 30.21 ha = 1.4 LU/ha

Your RDS adviser will discuss and agree this stockingrate with you during the site visit, before an agreementis offered. If necessary it can be amended at this stage.

Other livestock units: LUsDairy cow 1.0Hill ewe 0.1Pony 0.6

33



n 3

rate

[application reference]ERDP/ELS/HLS 1 (Rev. 12/04) 16

nnnnn Annex 5. Grassland managementIf you are applying for any options involving grassland management please complete this annex.Guidance on how to complete this annex can be found in the HLS handbook.

Permanent grassland(RLR Field AreaNumbers ) (ha)

Total area ofpermanent grassland (ha)

Total area oftemporary grassland (ha)

Total area of all grassland(permanent and temporary)

Please provide the current maximum stockingdensity over your farm.

If necessary, please discuss with your RDSadviser.

Livestock unitsper hectare

If necessary, please continueon additional sheets andindicate here how many youhave attached.................................

Note: In providing the above information, youundertake:

l not to reduce the area of permanentgrassland on the farm during the lifetimeof the agreement; and

l not to vary the area of temporarygrassland by more than 20% during thelifetime of the agreement.

XY 6790 6278 9.54XY 6390 6573 2.49XY 6850 6549 3.18

1.4

15.21

15

30.21

3.4 How to complete your HLS options mapAn example HLS options map is included at the back of this handbook.

For each option you wish to include in your HLS agreement you must:

a) Decide where the option is to be located on your land (you may decide you want tohave the option in more than one location).

b) Mark every instance of the option with a coloured pencil on your HLS Options Map(s)using the appropriate colour for that option specified in the map key. Do not markrotational and management plan options – these are recorded separately on the FieldData Sheet (annex 3 of the application form).

c) Mark any capital works on the same map. See section 5 for information on how tochoose your capital works.

d) Write the appropriate option code, using a fine black pen, on or against the option ineach place that you have marked it on your HLS Options Map(s).

3.5 Do I need to submit a management plan? In ELS and OELS there are options which require the preparation of management plans forsoils, nutrients, manures and crop protection (see section 3 of your ELS or OELS handbook).In HLS, in the great majority of cases, the FEP should provide the necessary information onwhich to base the agreement. The need for HLS management plans is therefore restricted tothose complex situations which require a thorough evaluation of the current condition andfuture potential of the feature, together with detailed recommendations for implementingproposed management. In addition, there are situations where a comparatively simple (one day) implementation plan may be needed.

Detailed management plan to support the design of an HLS agreement

We recognise that in a few specific cases, the FEP will not be able to provide the level ofdetail required to inform the design, and/or feasibility, of an agreement. Instead a detailedplan is required which involves professional advice. This plan would usually be carried outthrough a one-year stand-alone agreement, which could then be followed by a ten year HLSagreement, if appropriate. In addition to a thorough survey and an assessment of feasibility,the plan should suggest all the HLS options and capital items required to deliver theoptimum management. In certain cases it may be necessary to undertake the recommendedwork (e.g. building restoration) through a special project (see section 5.8). Payment is for



34

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specialist advice required over and above that which could be provided by the FEP. Typicallythis is for situations such as:

● historic parkland restoration

● inter-tidal and major wetland creation and restoration

● traditional building or historic structure restoration

● the management of poorly known rare species or those of very restricted distribution

If your application is likely to involve any of these situations, please discuss them with yourRDS adviser before drawing up your application.

Once the need for a plan and its details have been agreed with RDS, you will be paid acontribution for the cost of employing professional help to prepare the management plan.Your RDS adviser will confirm the required content of the plan (detailed guidance notes areusually available).

Implementation Plan

In some situations plans may be commissioned to refine certain aspects, such as scrub andbracken management, heath/moor burning, resource protection works or large scale fieldboundary network restoration. These implementation plans will normally be prepared at thestart of your agreement, and will then form part of your agreement. Your RDS adviser willexplain if one of these plans is needed and whether funding is available through a CapitalWorks Plan.

3.6 Declarations and undertakingsYou will need to study Sections 2 and 5 of the application form as these contain importantdeclarations and undertakings which will be binding for the duration of your agreement. Ifyou are at all uncertain about your ability to comply with these undertakings, please do notsign the application form until you have discussed your concerns with your RDS adviser. Pleasealso read section 2.3.7 of your ELS handbook or section 2.3.12 of your OELS handbook.

Please read, complete and sign the declaration in your application form.

Please return the following to your RDS office in the envelope provided with your applicationform:

● Your completed and signed application form

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● Annexes 1 to 5 of your application form

● Your Farm Environment Plan and combined FER and FEP Map

● Your ELS or OELS Options Map marked with the options you have chosen

● Your HLS Options Map marked with the options you have chosen

● Where your application includes organically managed land, copies of your current, valid,certificates of organic registration and accompanying schedules issued by your OrganicInspection Body, covering all the land in your organic unit

Where applicable, you will also need to include:

● Consents from other organisations (see section 1.3.9)

● Management plans (see section 3.5)

You are advised to retain a copy of all these documents, before sending them to RDS.

3.7 What will I receive if my application has beensuccessful?Your agreement document will include the following sections:

Part 1 will provide details of your annual ELS or OELS payments, where appropriate,including ‘Conversion Aid’ payments on land in OELS.

Part 2 will be a data sheet showing options, points and payments for your ELS or OELS andHLS options.

Part 3 will describe the management required for each HLS option you have chosen, whatyou can and cannot do, and what will be the ‘indicators of success’.

Part 4 will include, if applicable, your Capital Works Plan. The works to be carried out willusually be scheduled over a two or three year period.

Part 5 will provide specifications, if applicable, for the minimum standard of work for itemsin your Capital Works Plan.

Part 6 will list all your fields under permanent grass and the total area of temporary grass,along with the permitted maximum stocking density for your land.

Part 7 will be maps showing the location of your ELS or OELS and HLS options.



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In addition you will receive:

Any relevant Environmental Stewardship Guidance Notes, which will provide additionalguidance on various land management issues. These notes are also available from:www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/rds If you need more information on any particular topic,please ask your RDS adviser.

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The Hope Valley, Derbyshire

© D

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irkland)

For details of all the land management options please see appendix 1. The payment rates areprovided in a separate leaflet enclosed at the back of this handbook.

4.1 How do I choose the most appropriate option?Appendix 1 of this handbook summarises the aims and management involved for each landmanagement option or group of options. Where relevant, it also includes guidance on whattype of land is eligible for particular options. Although the options have been described asprimarily addressing a single objective, in practice they can be used to benefit a range ofenvironmental objectives. For example, the creation of species-rich grassland on formerarable land could also help protect archaeological remains and reduce diffuse pollution.

Your FEP will recommend possible options based on the features found on your farm. Nowyou must decide which are the most suitable options to choose. Except for the creationoptions, you should only include options which address features identified in the FEP.

Under HLS there is also the opportunity to apply for more ELS or OELS options in addition tothose required to meet your ELS or OELS points target. The relevant ELS or OELS options arelisted at the end of appendix 1. These should be applied for only where the HLS targetstatement suggests that an ELS or OELS option is appropriate, or where a feature is bestmanaged with an ELS or OELS option. ELS or OELS options should not be applied for wherean HLS option is more appropriate.

Your agreement will be drawn up through discussion with your RDS adviser, using theinformation in your FEP. It will contain a series of options clearly aimed at the managementof one or more of the features identified in the FEP. Each option will have a set ofmanagement prescriptions which you must follow, but there will be considerable flexibility inthe means by which you achieve the agreed outcomes. Environmental Stewardship focuseson achieving outcomes, not just following prescriptions. Adaptive management allows youand RDS to achieve the aims of the scheme. It will not be sufficient simply to follow theprescriptions. All options therefore have one or more ‘indicators of success’, which will linkmanagement to its intended outcome and will give you and your RDS adviser a realisticstandard of management to aim for.

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4.2 What is an ‘indicator of success’?Experience has shown that you will not always be able to achieve the aims of themanagement options simply by following a basic set of rules. Environmental and agriculturalconditions change over time and we want you to be able to adapt your managementaccordingly. The ‘indicators of success’ developed under HLS are intended to ‘paint a picture’so that you and your RDS adviser can judge whether the management is working, and to seewhether adjustments are needed. You will need to refer to these indicators, and use yourown knowledge of your land and your farming system, to fine tune your management toallow for variations in conditions between years and between different areas of your land. Indoing so, you must continue to comply with the management prescriptions.

Some examples that could be included in an agreement include:

● HF12 Enhanced wild bird seed mix plotsAt full crop establishment, there should be between 75% and 100% cover of the sownspecies.

● HJ4 Arable reversion to grassland with low fertiliser input to prevent erosion orrun-offBy year 2, the cover of dense grass should be at least 90%.

● HK9 Maintenance of wet grassland for breeding wadersBetween 5% and 25% of the field should have standing water between 1 March and31 May (in hollows, scrapes, ditch edges, foot drains, etc).

4.3 What is the difference between the maintenance,restoration and creation options?Many of the broad suites of options have individual components which at first glance lookvery similar. In particular, you will see that there are maintenance, restoration and creationoptions for many features. The FEP should suggest which is appropriate, but it is importantto understand the difference between them before submitting your application. Defra’shighest priority is to maintain existing high quality sites, followed by restoration, and thencreation. This will be reflected in the targeting statement.

Maintenance

These features will already be in good condition and the FEP will have identified this. Themanagement requirements will almost certainly be very similar to those being followed by

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you before joining the scheme. Management will therefore maintain the status quo andthere may only be limited scope for enhancing the environmental interest.

Restoration

The FEP will have identified the fact that the feature is present but that it is in less than idealcondition. Management will therefore require more positive actions, or possibly the cessationof certain activities, in order that, over time, the condition of the feature is restored. This willusually involve a change from the current management practices. You will have theopportunity to discuss the restoration potential of individual parcels, and their management,with your RDS adviser. Potential will depend on factors such as:

● Soil type

● pH and nutrient status

● Soil wetness

● Management history

● Location of the parcel in relation to existing features

Creation

The FEP may have identified the opportunity for creating a new feature. Creation options willbe limited to the circumstances where a need for habitat creation has been identified andthen only to the most suitable sites. Suitability will depend on similar factors to those forrestoration above. Creation will not normally be accepted if the site already has a significantenvironmental interest. If the site is suitable, the creation options will require the conversionto a very specific type of grassland or other habitat and will be quite demanding.

4.4 HLS supplementsIn addition to the main land management options, there are a few additional supplementswhich can be used to help address particular management issues. These are described inappendix 1, together with an indication of the option with which they can be combined.



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4.5 Can ELS/OELS and HLS options be combined onthe same parcel of land?HLS is designed to build upon ELS or OELS options and you may want to consider howcertain ELS or OELS and HLS options could be combined on the same parcel of land.

Using ELS or OELS and HLS options together can result in minimum disruption tomanagement if you have an existing ELS or OELS agreement. It may also deliver additionalenvironmental benefits that would not otherwise have been achieved. In some situations,you may find it advantageous to score ELS or OELS points and attract an HLS optionpayment from the same area of land.

There are two ways in which ELS or OELS and HLS options can be combined on the sameparcel of land:

● Certain HLS options may be located on the same parcel of land as an ELS or OELS optionwithout reducing your HLS option payments. This applies to options which have adifferent aim and require different management, e.g. an access option and an option formanaging grassland for its wildlife benefit. In this case we pay for two options, but youare not being paid for the same management twice. You will have to follow themanagement requirements for both the ELS or OELS and HLS options.

● If your land includes a high proportion of high quality features, you may find it difficult toavoid combining ELS or OELS and HLS options in order to achieve your points target. Inthese situations, which should not occur very often, certain HLS options may be locatedon the same parcel of land as ELS or OELS options but there will be a reduction in yourHLS option payment. This applies where the HLS option includes the managementrequirements of the ELS or OELS option, but with some extra management requirements.Where ELS or OELS and HLS options overlap, we cannot pay you twice for the samemanagement, so we will adjust the HLS payment to reflect this. For example:

HLS Option HK15 Maintenance of semi-improved or rough grassland £130/haELS Option EK2 Permanent grassland with low inputs (85 points) £85/ha

HLS Payment reduced to £45/ha

HLS Option HD11 Restoration of water meadows £350/haELS Option EK3 Permanent grassland with very low inputs (150 points) £150/ha

HLS Payment reduced to £200/ha

In the list of options (at appendix 1), where there is the potential to locate HLS options onthe same land as an ELS or OELS option, it will be highlighted. If the HLS option descriptiondoes not mention ELS or OELS options, then the HLS option must be used alone.

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4.6 How should I take landscape considerations intoaccount?There are no management options which are aimed specifically at ‘the landscape’, but it isnevertheless very important that all the chosen options respect the character of the area. The selection of appropriate land management options and capital works should reflect andenhance the distinctive historic and landscape character of the local area. Options for themaintenance of existing features and habitats will generally maintain and strengthen thelandscape character of the area. Features and habitats to be restored by more pro-activemanagement options will generally conserve, restore and strengthen the typical landscapecharacter. You should therefore refer to the FEP landscape section to identify the ‘key’landscape characteristics which are typical of the area. Care needs to be taken not to chooseoptions that will be detrimental to, or weaken, local landscape character. Choosingintegrated combinations of options at a landscape scale can achieve a number of the mainEnvironmental Stewardship objectives. Different combinations of options can also have acumulative effect on the landscape and it is important that these are beneficial and notdetrimental to landscape character.

4.7 How should I take historic environmentconsiderations in account?Many HLS options are designed to help protect the historic environment through thesustainable management of habitats and other environmental features. However, there are also several options available within HLS which offer more specific opportunities for the protection of the historic environment.

4.8 Will an RDS adviser visit my land?If your application is successful in the initial assessment an RDS adviser, who will have beenassigned to you, will visit. They will discuss your application, the options you have selectedand your current land management. Assuming that both parties wish to proceed, theagreement will be finalised through discussion of the management requirements of theselected options and their ‘indicators of success’. The management options will then beconfirmed in the subsequent agreement document. Additional technical information will beprovided to help you to carry out the management requirements. During the period of youragreement your RDS adviser will be available for further visits to your land. You will also beinformed of any promotional or technical events that are being organised in your area.



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Discussions between the RDS adviser and applicant farmer are very important when drawing up anagreement

© D

efra (Alistair H

elliwell)

5.1 Do I need to carry out any capital works?Not necessarily, but in addition to your annual management payments, HLS can contribute tothe cost of a wide range of capital works to help you to deliver the environmental objectiveson your land. These will be agreed with your RDS adviser and set out in a Capital Works Plan(CWP). You will not be able to have a CWP without also having one or more HLS landmanagement options. The potential for capital works may be identified as part of the FEP orbecome apparent later during the life of the agreement. Works on which managementoptions will depend (such as fencing and access gates), will have to be completed in year 1,but other works may be completed at a later stage.

5.2 Is funding available?Yes, if the proposed work is appropriate and helps to achieve the objectives. Please see theleaflet in the back of this handbook which lists capital works and their associated payments.There is a wide range of environmental works that can be considered for funding as part ofyour agreement. Please note that any work you propose to undertake, and for which youwish to seek grant aid, must be approved before you start work.

5.3 How do I apply for capital works?When you make your initial application, you should aim to include in it the most importantcapital works which could be carried out during the first three years of your agreement. Youmust list these works in annex 4 of your application form and mark them on your HLSOptions Map. When your RDS adviser visits the land they will agree with you, using theguidance in your FEP, the works to be included in your first CWP. It is important to be realisticwhen agreeing the works to be completed during each year of the CWP. Your CWP willindicate the value of work expected to be completed in each year.

An individual CWP can run for two or three years. Amendments to a CWP during this periodare not allowed, but in subsequent years you will be able to apply for a completely new CWPto run for another two or three year period. Contact your RDS adviser for the relevantapplication form and map.

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Choosing your Capital Works5

5.4 Do I need to provide estimates of the cost of works?Not usually. Payments for the majority of capital works are standard and a specification forthe work will be included in your agreement. However, where it has not been possible toidentify a standard payment, a percentage grant based on the actual costs can be offered. Inthese cases you will need to provide written estimates at the time of your application and aninvoice at the time of your claim. If you are registered for VAT, the VAT element will not beeligible for grant.

5.5 When can I start work?You can only start work, subject to the requirements below, when your relevant CWP hasbeen agreed and signed. Some works might be seasonal and in such cases you will beadvised as to the most appropriate time to carry out the work.

Some works will require consent from a statutory body (see section 1.3.9) and it is yourresponsibility to ensure that you obtain permission before starting work. The requirements ofhealth and safety, codes of practice and any other relevant legislation must also be observed.

5.6 What standard of work is required?Specifications will be provided, if applicable, for the minimum standard of work for items in your CWP. If you do not follow these specifications, we cannot pay you for the work. All capital works must be completed and maintained to the standard required to performtheir intended function for the duration of your agreement.

5.7 When will I receive payment?Your CWP will set out the work that you need to do over the whole period of the plan. It willalso set out the proportion of the work you should aim to complete by the end of eachintermediate year. You will be expected to complete, and claim for, at least 75% of thatyear’s proportion by the end of each intermediate year. All the work should be completed bythe end of the plan period. The exact order in which you do the work is up to you. The oneexception is those works which are critical to the success of other management options thatare required under your agreement. These ‘mandatory works’ will be highlighted in yourCWP and must be completed, and claimed for, in the specified year.

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You will be sent a pre-populated claim form at the start of each plan year and this can beused to claim at any time during the year, as soon as the work is completed. Once thepayment has been authorised a further pre-populated form will be sent to you showing anyoutstanding CWP items. At the end of each year any outstanding items will also be shownon the annual claim form (used to claim your land management options).

A number of claims can be submitted during the year. If the cost of items claimed exceedsthat scheduled for that year, any excess will be paid at the start of the following year. Eachindividual claim should be for at least £250.

5.8 Special projectsExceptionally, your proposals may need work outside the scope of the standard payments.Examples, which can be for both capital works and land management projects, include:

● interpretation boards or information leaflets to increase understanding of an area ofcountryside or an historic feature and explain the work being undertaken

● conservation and restoration of historic buildings

● restoration or consolidation of archaeological features

● provision of hides for viewing wildlife

This type of work may be funded as a special project, either as a one-off capital work or for a continuing programme of up to ten years. For any more complex works, including buildingrestoration, it is very likely that you will need a management plan (see section 3.5). In allcases you should consult your RDS adviser before you start detailed planning or seekingquotes, so that you can be clear that your proposed work is eligible. For more simple workitems, such as interpretation boards or leaflets, you will need to submit an initial descriptionof the proposed works, together with an estimate of the costs, and then discuss these withyour RDS adviser at an early stage.

5.9 Restoration of traditional buildingsThe restoration of farm buildings under HLS is intended to help ensure theconservation/upkeep of buildings that contribute to the character of the landscape and areof historical interest. Funding will be targeted at those buildings of most importance onlandscape or historic grounds (not only designated buildings), as identified in the targetingstatement, providing they represent good value for money.


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As HLS is an agri-environment scheme, we focus on farm buildings in the countryside. Interms of after-use, our priority is to ensure that the character of the building, inside and out,is maintained, along with any existing value as a wildlife habitat (e.g. for barn owls or bats).To this end no internal or external changes to the building that alter its historic, landscape orwildlife value will be allowed without written consent from Defra. To achieve this we expectan after-use that has a continued connection to agriculture or other agreed sensitive andunconverted use, whilst under a management agreement.

The Government also supports the conversion of farm buildings to aid economicregeneration and diversification, but HLS is not the appropriate mechanism for doing this.The Rural Enterprise Scheme may however be of assistance.

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Flint walled barn in Hampshire

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efra (James LePage)

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Higher Level Stewardship Handbook APPENDIXHigher Level Stewardship Handbook

What should I do if I have another scheme orobligation on my land?

6

6.1 Single Payment SchemeAs a general rule land receiving payments from the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) may beentered into HLS. Your HLS payment will be in addition to any payment you receive for SPS.

6.1.1 Cross compliance management and HLS options

HLS options have been designed to go beyond the requirements of cross compliancemanagement of the SPS. You must follow the procedures explained in section 4.1.1 of theELS or OELS handbook when you are applying for and managing your hedgerow (HB12) andgrass margin (HE10) options.

There are some arable options where, for reasons of timing or location, the HLSmanagement may fall outside the cross-compliance conditions of SPS. If you comply with theconditions of the HLS agreement, you will not have to meet the cross-compliance conditionswhich conflict with the agreement.

The land management required for the following options will, however, usually contravenethe requirements of cross-compliance because the land is unlikely to be capable of being‘returned to agricultural production by the next growing season’. Such land is also likely tobecome ineligible for the SPS, either because it is ‘forest’ or because it is ‘used for non-agricultural activities’. Therefore if you have land accepted into one of the following options,and you have included it as ‘eligible hectares’ in your SPS application, you will be required tosurrender to the national reserve a number of entitlements equal to the number of ‘eligiblehectares’ upon which these HLS options will be paid:

● Creation of woodland in the LFA HC9

● Creation of woodland outside the LFA HC10

● Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on arable land HP7

● Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on grassland HP8

● Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat by unmanaged breach or regular inundation. HP9

The resulting loss of SPS payment has been factored into the payments for these options.

6.1.2 HLS options and set-aside land

There are two arable HLS options which are available to enhance the environmental interestof set-aside. Although some of the management requirements may differ from those ofset-aside, any land entered into the following options will not be disqualified from SPS andmay be included within your set-aside obligation.

● Cultivated fallow plots for arable flora HF16

● Cultivated fallow plots for ground nesting birds HF17

Other than these two exceptions, you should not put set-aside on land on which there areHLS options. If you do, then your HLS payment is likely to be reduced or stopped. (Pleasealso see section 4.1.2 in your ELS or OELS handbook.)

6.1.3 Providing information on your SPS annual return

You will be required to provide information about the location and amount of HLS optionsyou have on your annual SPS return.

6.2 Entry Level and Organic Entry Level StewardshipThe Entry or Organic Entry Level and Higher Level elements have been designed tocomplement each other. If you already have an ELS or OELS agreement you will need to re-apply for these options when you make your HLS application – see sections 3 and 4 ofthis handbook for more information. This will ensure that the elements of EnvironmentalStewardship are combined in the most effective way.

6.3 Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS)It is not possible for HLS to be combined on the same holding as CSS. If you have a CSSagreement, in most situations you will have to wait until your existing agreement expiresbefore applying for HLS. However, land may be added to CSS agreements where this meetstheir current rules on amendments.

In some cases, where the existing agreement is on only part of the holding, and there aresubstantial environmental benefits from bringing new land or features into HLS, it may be possibleto terminate the existing agreement and replace it with an HLS agreement. Agreement holderswho feel they may fall into this category are strongly advised to discuss their case with their RDSadviser before either commissioning a Farm Environment Plan or applying for an HLS agreement.

6.4 Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs)It is not possible for HLS to be combined on the same holding as an ESA. If you have an ESAagreement, in most situations you will have to wait until your existing agreement expires

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before applying for HLS. However, land may be added to ESA agreements where this meetstheir current rules on amendments.

In some cases, where the existing agreement is on only part of the holding, and there aresubstantial environmental benefits from bringing new land or features into HLS, it may bepossible to terminate the existing agreement and replace it with an HLS agreement.Agreement holders who feel they may fall into this category are strongly advised to discusstheir case with their RDS adviser before either commissioning a Farm Environment Plan orapplying for an HLS agreement.

6.5 Habitat Scheme (HS)It is not possible for HLS to be combined on the same holding as HS. If you have an HSagreement, in most situations you will have to wait until your existing agreement expiresbefore applying for HLS. However, land may be added to HS agreements where this meetstheir current rules on amendments.

In some cases, where the existing agreement is on only part of the holding, and there aresubstantial environmental benefits from bringing new land or features into HLS, it maybe possible to terminate the existing agreement and replace it with an HLS agreement.Agreement holders who feel they may fall into this category are strongly advised to discusstheir case with their RDS adviser before either commissioning a Farm Environment Plan orapplying for an HLS agreement.

6.6 Organic Aid/Organic Farming Scheme (OAS/OFS)If you have any land which is in the OAS or OFS, this is not eligible for HLS, ELS or OELS.However, transitional arrangements are in place to allow existing OFS agreement holdersto transfer into OELS and HLS in certain limited circumstances. Section 4.2 of your OELShandbook explains these transfer arrangements in more detail.

6.7 Energy Crops Scheme (ECS)HLS options must not be located within land parcels covered by an ECS agreement.However, boundaries surrounding ECS parcels may be entered into HLS boundarymanagement options.


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6.8 Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS), FarmWoodland Scheme (FWS), Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS)and the English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS)Woodland managed under the Forestry Commission grant schemes such as EWGS, or thenow closed WGS, FWPS and FWS, is not eligible for HLS management options.

6.9 Hill Farm Allowance (HFA)Please refer to section 4.7 of your ELS handbook or section 4.9 of your OELS handbook.

6.10 Other land management schemes on my land If land which you intend entering into HLS is in receipt of funding from another grantscheme, you cannot also receive HLS funding for the same work. Work which is outside thescope of HLS may, however, be eligible for grants from other organisations, including localauthorities. You may also be able to enter other agreements or schemes on other land.

6.10.1 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

Land designated as an SSSI may be receiving payments under English Nature’s WildlifeEnhancement Scheme (WES). SSSI land may also be eligible for HLS provided that HLS andWES are not funding the same activity.

6.10.2 Scheduled Monuments (SMs)

Land designated as an SM may be receiving payment from English Heritage to help managethe site appropriately under what is known as a Section 17 Management Agreement. Suchland may also be eligible for HLS provided that HLS and an EH Section 17 ManagementAgreement are not funding the same activity.

6.11 Inheritance/Capital Gains tax exemptionThe requirements referred to at section 4.9 of your ELS handbook or section 4.11 of yourOELS handbook, also apply to HLS options.

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6.12 Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs)Please refer to section 4.11 of your ELS handbook or section 4.13 of your OELS handbook.

6.13 Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF)HLF payments are designed to fund management not covered by HLS or other schemes, orfor measures over and above the requirements of other schemes. HLF applications can countHLS as a source of match or partnership funding towards securing grants for further works,but only where the HLS payments are for separate works that are not subject to priorconditions. Where HLS agreements within an area-wide project have been signed less than12 months prior to the HLF application, the payments will be viewed as match funding. Theprojected payments for future HLS agreements will also be included in the calculations.

6.14 Other obligationsYou must make sure there are no other duties or obligations on you or the land that wouldconflict with your HLS agreement. If you are in any doubt about potential conflicts, pleasecontact your RDS adviser.


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Swaledale in the Pennine Dales ESA

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The basic scheme rules, legal requirements and conditions for payment are set out in section5 of the ELS or OELS handbook. Where these requirements include a reference to a five-yearperiod, the HLS requirement is for a ten-year period. Because of the more complicatednature of HLS options, there will be some additional requirements which will apply to theHLS part of your agreement, as follows.

7.1 General conditions on all HLS agreement landIn addition to the Standards of Good Farming Practice referred to in section 5 and appendix4 of the ELS or OELS handbook, you must also follow the general conditions formanagement of your HLS agreement land as set out below, unless specifically statedotherwise in your agreement:

● Do not apply lime.

● On the conventional land that you manage: do not apply pesticides, except for thecontrol of spear thistle, creeping thistle, curled dock, broad-leaved dock, commonragwort, nettles or other undesirable species named in your agreement. Herbicides may only be applied to these species by weedwiper or by spot treatment. On the land inyour organic unit, please refer to section 5.1 of your OELS handbook.

● Do not allow your agreement land to be levelled, infilled, used for the storage ordumping of materials or used by motor vehicles or machinery (except where necessaryfor the management of the land), if this is likely to cause long-term damage from ruttingor compaction of the soil, or otherwise damage areas being managed under thescheme.

● Do not light fires (including burning brash or cuttings) where they could cause damageto features of archaeological or historic interest, or within ten metres of tree canopies oron any areas managed for their wildlife habitat interest. (This does not restrict yourability to manage heathland vegetation by controlled burning in compliance with theHeather and Grass Burning Regulations 1986 and accompanying Code.)

● Do not allow your agreement land to be used for organised games or sports, campingor caravanning, shows or sales where this is likely to damage areas being managed fortheir wildlife habitat interest or features of archaeological or historic interest; where thisis likely to cause excessive or unreasonable disturbance to wildlife being encouragedunder your agreement; or where this would cause unreasonable restriction to PublicRights of Way or ‘access land’ as designated under the Countryside and Rights of WayAct 2000.


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● Do not carry out or permit metal detecting on the archaeological sites on your holdingidentified in your Farm Environment Plan, unless agreed with your RDS adviser inwriting. On Scheduled Monuments, a licence is required from English Heritage beforemetal detecting can take place. Detecting without such a licence is an offence. On SSSIs,where actions resulting from metal detecting (e.g. digging or vegetation disturbance)are listed as ‘operations likely to damage the special interest’ of your SSSI, you arerequired to give written notice to English Nature of these operations and can onlyproceed once you have received written consent.

As you are required to protect and maintain archaeological sites and other features overthe entire area under agreement, you must ensure that no damage is caused to thesefeatures wherever metal detecting takes place (authorised or otherwise).

7.2 Grassland managementIf your agreement contains grazing management measures, you must maintain your currentareas of temporary and permanent grassland in accordance with Part 6 of your agreement,for the duration of your agreement. A maximum stocking density will also be given and itwill be a requirement that you must not over-graze or under-utilise any of the grassland.

7.3 Public rights of way and accessRequirements relating to public rights of way on your land are set out in section 5.3 of yourELS handbook or section 5.4 of your OELS handbook.

In addition, the following conditions also need to be observed:

● You must fulfil your responsibilities relevant to any land on the holding classified as‘open access land’ on a conclusive map published in accordance with Part 1 of theCountryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

● You must allow any existing informal public access on the holding to continue.

● If your HLS agreement provides for payments for access, you must ensure that you havepublic liability insurance adequate for the type of access provided. You will be breachingyour agreement if we find that:

– there was already public access to the agreement land before your agreement wassigned, and

– we were not fully informed about this existing access.



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7.4 Capital works If there are any capital works to be done you must:

● complete them to the specification set out in Part 5 of your agreement,

and

● follow the timetable in Part 4 of your agreement.

Throughout the period covered by your agreement, you must maintain the capital works to astandard that satisfies us. This includes replacement as necessary.

If your agreement replaces an existing or expired CSS or ESA agreement, you must take allreasonable care to protect, for the duration of the new agreement, any capital works whichyou have completed and for which you have been paid under that agreement.

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7.5 Other fundingYou must not accept any other EU funding or enter into another agreement which applies tothe agreement land or capital works covered by your agreement without our writtenconsent. (EU Regulations do not permit more than one source of EU funding for the sameactivity.)

7.6 PublicityFor any publicity, events, information or interpretative material on or about your agreementland, you must:

● get our written agreement,

● acknowledge the support of the Environmental Stewardship Scheme, as part of theEngland Rural Development Programme.



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8.1 Can I make changes to my agreement?We would not expect to amend an agreement during its lifetime, particularly as most of thefeatures needing management will have been identified by the FEP. However, in somecircumstances it may be necessary to make changes to your agreement, for example if aparticular management option is not delivering the required environmental outcomes. Anamendment may also be made to your HLS agreement in such a genuinely unforeseencircumstance where there is no other solution to the problem. Amendments are notintended to be used for changes which are merely convenient.

You must inform RDS about your proposed amendment before you make any changes toyour options. Your amendment will not be valid until you have received a letter from yourRDS office giving consent to the amendment.

If you think you need to amend your agreement, you must contact your RDS office torequest an amendment request form (ERDP/LTA1). Once an amendment has been made,further amendments are only permitted in very exceptional circumstances.

8.2 What if I let, sell or transfer my land?Please refer to section 6.2 of your ELS handbook or section 6.3 of your OELS handbook.

8.3 Can I add land to my agreement?Please refer to section 6.3 of your ELS handbook or section 6.4 of your OELS handbook.

8.4 DerogationsA derogation is required where a minor and temporary change from the agreedmanagement requirements is needed on a single occasion. This may involve permission tocontrol serious weed infestations using herbicides, relaxation from time-based prescriptions,or changes to cutting or cultivating prescriptions due to practical problems.

If you require a derogation for any of the following:

● HLS options

● ELS or OELS options which attract an HLS payment


Changes to your agreement8

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● ELS or OELS options on the same parcel as an HLS option

you must obtain written approval before you make any changes to your management.A Derogation Request form may be downloaded from www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/esor obtained from your RDS office. Where the derogation concerns organically managedland, you will also need to obtain your Organic Inspection Body’s approval before theproposed change can be made. Your Organic Inspection Body will be required to confirm,by countersigning your Derogation Request form, that your request is compatible withorganic standards. On receipt of your request, RDS may visit you to discuss the issue. Youwill be informed in writing whether your application for a derogation is approved or not.

The procedure for completing a Derogation Notice form for your other ELS or OELS optionsis explained at section 6.4 of your ELS handbook or section 6.5 of your OELS handbook.


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9.1 Breaches of agreementPlease refer to section 7.1 of your ELS or OELS handbook.

9.2 Penalties for breaches of agreementPlease refer to section 7.2 of your ELS or OELS handbook.

9.3 OverpaymentsPlease refer to section 7.3 of your ELS or OELS handbook.

9.4 ‘Force majeure’ (exceptional circumstances)Please refer to section 7.4 of your ELS or OELS handbook.

9.5 Variation of your agreement by the Secretary of State (acting through Defra)Please refer to section 7.5 of your ELS or OELS handbook.

9.6 What if I disagree with any Defra decision orproposed action regarding my application orsubsequent agreement?Please refer to section 7.6 of your ELS or OELS handbook.


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The HLS land management options and supplements are summarised in this section. For each option, overall aims, management requirements and relationships with ELS andOELS options are explained. The exact management requirements for each option will benegotiated with you, and then included in your agreement.

Where HLS options can be located with ELS or OELS options this is highlighted at the end ofthe text describing options, see below.

HedgerowsHedgerows provide shelter and food for many target species of farmland birds, insects andmammals and also provide important corridors for wildlife movement across the farmedlandscape.

In many parts of England, hedgerows are an intrinsic part of the farmed landscape. Theparticular mix of shrub and tree species in a hedgerow, which reflects both the age of thehedgerow and local management customs, contributes to local landscape character anddistinctiveness. Hedgerows are a living part of our history and many are archaeologicalfeatures in their own right. They provide a record of our use of the countryside over thecenturies.

Traditionally, hedgerows were used to keep animals in or out and to mark ownershipboundaries and rights of way. There is good evidence that hedgerows, and in particularhedgerow trees, were an important source of firewood. Hedgerows still provide fruit, berriesand nuts for people as well as birds, and offer cover for game.

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Hedgerow option 60

Woodland trees and scrub options 61

Orchard options 66

Historic environment options 68

Arable options 71

Resource protection options 78

Grassland options 81

Moorland and upland options 88

Access options 91

Lowland heathland options 96

Inter-tidal coastal options 99

Wetland options 103

Additional supplements 107

Adding extra ELS and OELS options to HLS 109

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Higher Level Stewardship Handbook APPENDIX 1Land management options

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Maintenance of hedgerows of very high environmental value HB12

This option maintains hedgerows thatsupport target species of farmland birds,insects or mammals, or which make asignificant contribution to the locallandscape character and/or are historicallyimportant boundaries.

The option will allow management to betailored to meet the specific requirementsof an identified target species or create adiversity of hedgerow structure across thefarm to benefit target species. It may alsobe used to manage hedgerows in the localstyle and custom, to strengthen the localhistoric landscape character. The optionwill promote the development of a balanced tree population, where this is appropriate to thelocal landscape.

Where required, works such as planting up gaps or establishing new hedgerow trees may befunded by a Capital Works Plan.

Woodland Trees and Scrub

Woodland trees and scrub options Code Page

Ancient trees in arable fields HC5 62

Ancient trees in intensively managed grass fields HC6 62

Maintenance of wood pasture and parkland HC12 62

Restoration of wood pasture and parkland HC13 62

Creation of wood pasture HC14 64

Maintenance of woodland HC7 64

Restoration of woodland HC8 64

Creation of woodland in the LFA HC9 65

Creation of woodland outside of the LFA HC10 65

Maintenance of successional areas and scrub HC15 65

Restoration of successional areas and scrub HC16 65

Creation of successional areas and scrub HC17 65

Supplement

Woodland livestock exclusion supplement HC11 66

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The FEP will identify species-rich hedgerowssuitable for HB12

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Trees and woodlands provide an integral, and often dominant, part of the landscape structure inmany parts of England. Woodlands have been managed for timber for thousands of years andmany still retain signs of this ancient management. Ancient coppice stools and pollards can stillbe found in many woodlands, as can evidence of woodbanks, charcoal-hearths, iron smeltingworks and pottery kilns. Woodland, wood pasture, parkland and successional scrub are valuableand important wildlife habitats supporting a diversity of flora, insects, birds and mammals.

The greatest concentrations of our ancient trees are found in ancient woodlands, woodpastures and parklands. These ancient trees are a valuable habitat for wildlife including rareand threatened species of insects, lichens, fungi and bats. Wood pasture consists of largeopen grown trees (often pollards) usually standing in grassland or heath. They are a remnantof an ancient system of combining livestock and woodland management. Parklands aredesigned landscapes that were created to retain deer for hunting. Often originating inmedieval times, many were embellished with formal avenues, water features and follies inthe sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

These options will not be available if the woodland is already receiving payments underFWPS, FWS or EWGS.

Ancient trees in arable fields HC5

Ancient trees in intensively managed grass fields HC6

By establishing a grass buffer around the base of the tree, these options protect ancient treeswithin arable or intensively managed grass fields from damage by livestock, cultivation andother agricultural activities.

Management will include: establishing an unfertilised grass buffer of at least 15m radiusaround the base of each tree; not allowing treatments applied to the adjacent land to affectthe buffer; protecting trees from damage by livestock including stock rubbing against thetrees, bark stripping and soil compaction; retaining all tree limbs, including the lower limbson the tree; retaining any standing or fallen dead wood.

Capital works such as fencing to protect trees from livestock may be funded by a CapitalWorks Plan.

Maintenance of wood pasture and parkland HC12

Restoration of wood pasture and parkland HC13

These options maintain or restore the wildlife, historic and landscape character of woodpasture or parkland. Sites that are suitable for restoration will still support a number ofancient trees and/or parkland features. It may be that the sites are not grazed, are managedunder arable cropping or have been planted with conifers or other inappropriate trees.

Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1Land management options

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A management plan will usually be required for all these options and parkland restorationwill always require a plan. This is to ensure that the original views and important elements of the designed parkland are retained.

Management will include: protection of existing and newly established trees from damageby livestock, including stock rubbing against the trees, bark stripping and soil compaction;maintenance of areas of closely grazed turf interspersed with taller tussocks by grazing; nouse of fertiliser, no ploughing or other cultivation, no re-seeding, rolling or chain harrowing.

Restoration such as tree planting to replace lost trees, scrub removal to prevent shading toancient trees and restoration of ponds or water features, may be funded by a Capital WorksPlan.

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Veteran trees in Suffolk parkland

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Creation of wood pasture HC14

This option creates wood pasture on sites that are known to have previously been woodpasture, or on sites adjacent to or linking existing areas of wood pasture. The option can alsobe used on appropriate sites within the National Forest and Community Woodlands. Plantingwill not be allowed on archaeological sites, on sites of existing wildlife value or where treeswould be detrimental to the landscape.

The preferred method of creation will be by careful and flexible grazing management toallow trees and shrubs to develop by natural regeneration. In some cases, it may benecessary to sow a specified grass seed mix or plant additional trees. These may be fundedby a Capital Works Plan

Maintenance of woodland HC7

Restoration of woodland HC8

These options maintain or restore woodlands to benefit wildlife and protect and strengthenthe local landscape character. The options are targeted at small farm woodlands, or largerwoodlands that are normally grazed as part of the farming system. Larger un-grazedwoodlands will usually be more suitable for the Forestry Commissions’ English WoodlandGrant Scheme. Please contact your RDS adviser for further advice.

Management includes: maintaining rides and glades within the woodland by grazing orcutting; high forest management; rotational coppicing.

Restoration may require you to:exclude livestock; removeinappropriate species; undertakeplanting; protect trees from grazingdamage; re-introduce a selectivefelling or coppicing cycle to re-structure the habitat. Capital itemssuch as planting new trees andfencing may be funded by a CapitalWorks Plan.

In your application, you will need toprovide details of what you aretrying to achieve and how this willbe done.


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Depending on the size of woodland, funding can beobtained through either Environmental Stewardship orthe Forestry Commission

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Creation of woodland in the LFA HC9

Creation of woodland outside the LFA HC10

These options create small areas of new woodland that benefit wildlife and strengthen thelocal landscape. They can also be used to protect soils and watercourses. The options will beparticularly valuable on sites adjacent to existing woodland. Planting will not be allowed onarchaeological sites, on sites of existing wildlife value, or where trees will be detrimental tothe landscape.

These options are for new woodlands thatare individually less than 1 ha in size andless than 3 ha in total across your holding. If you are considering planting areas largerthan 1 ha, grants may be available from theForestry Commission under the EnglishWoodland Grant Scheme.

Woodland creation may include: sitepreparation; fencing the area of naturalregeneration or new planting; andcontrolling weeds. Capital items such astrees, tree tubes and fencing may befunded by a Capital Works Plan.

With your application you will need toprovide information about how you are going to create and maintain the woodland.This should include the proposed methods of establishment (e.g. natural regenerationor planting) and areas to be left as rides and other open ground. If you propose planting,you need to provide information on the species to be planted.

Maintenance of successional areas and scrub HC15

Restoration of successional areas and scrub HC16

Creation of successional areas and scrub HC17

These options aim to maintain, restore or create a succession of scrub habitat for specifictarget species such as dormouse, song thrush or turtle dove. The options can also be used toprotect soils and watercourses. Scrub creation is particularly targeted to sites where targetspecies already occur and where the site is adjacent to existing areas of scrub or woodland.Planting will not be allowed on archaeological sites, on sites of existing wildlife value orwhere trees would be detrimental to the landscape.

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Brown hairstreak butterflies benefit from sensitivemanagement of blackthorn scrub

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Management will be tailored to maintain or create the ideal scrub habitat conditionsrequired by a particular target species or to protect vulnerable soils. This may includeallowing scrub to develop naturally; extensive grazing on part, or all, of the site; exclusion oflivestock; and coppicing.

Woodland livestock exclusion supplement HC11

This supplement supports the removal of livestock from over-grazed woodland or fromareas of scrub, to encourage the establishment of trees and shrubs by natural regeneration.Following successful establishment, a grazing regime would then be re-introduced. It is onlyavailable on the restoration of woodland option HC8, and the creation or restoration ofsuccessional areas or scrub options, HC16 and HC17.

Orchards

Traditional orchards are characterised by widely-spaced standard fruit trees of old and oftenscarce varieties planted at less than 150 trees per hectare. Where they occur, they are adistinctive feature in the local landscape, containing some of our rarest fruit varieties andproviding valuable habitats for birds, mammals and insects. Dead wood often found on oldorchard trees can support many species of insect, including the rare noble chafer beetle.

Traditional orchards consist of apple (for fruit or cider), pear (for fruit or perry), cherry, plum,damson trees or cob nut plantations, which are over 40 years old. Orchards entered into HLSmust be able to be grazed.

Preference will be given to sites that can provide public amenity, in particular public access.

Maintenance of high value traditional orchards HC18

Restoration of traditional orchards HC20

Aimed at orchards which are not currently managed on a commercial basis, these optionsmaintain or restore traditional orchards and nut plantations of high landscape, historical orwildlife value. Orchards suitable for the restoration option are neglected fruit orchards or nutplantations that contain overgrown trees and gaps where trees have died and have beenremoved or are being lost to scrub.

Orchard options Code Page

Maintenance of high value traditional orchards HC18 66

Restoration of traditional orchards HC20 66

Maintenance of traditional orchards in production HC19 67

Creation of traditional orchards HC21 67


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Management will include: maintaining thecharacteristic tree form (this will vary withthe crop, variety, management system andin some cases, region); protecting treesfrom damage by livestock; retaining andprotecting all mature or over-maturestanding trees; retaining some standingdead trees and some dead wood on livingtrees; grazing without the use of fertiliser;rolling or chain harrowing.

Restoration may include: restorativepruning; re-introducing annual pruning; atree planting programme (see option HC21for guidance on planting orchard trees);establishing or re-introducing management of a grass sward and/or scrub control. Capitalitems such as new trees and protective guards may be funded by a Capital Works Plan.

Maintenance of traditional orchards in production HC19

This option maintains traditional orchards which contribute to the historic landscapecharacter of the area and are being managed on a commercial basis.

Management will include: maintaining the characteristic traditional standard tree form;protecting trees from damage by livestock; following an agreed programme of cropprotection to control specific, recorded pests and diseases; rolling or chain harrowing. Othermanagement, including a grazing regime, pruning, management of dead wood, fertiliserapplications and supplementary feeding, will be tailored to the site and fruit varieties.

Creation of traditional orchards HC21

This option aims to enhance the historic landscape character by creating small orchards onsites that are known to have been orchard in the past. The option may also be used toincrease the area of orchard habitat to support threatened species such as the noble chaferbeetle. Suitable sites will normally be less than 1 ha and will either contain remnant trees ortree stations or appear as an orchard on old map records. It is also available for sites thathave an ecologist’s recommendation.

To create an orchard you will need to establish traditional varieties by planting two year old fruittrees. A one metre diameter circle around the base of all newly planted trees should be keptfree of all vegetation for the first three years after planting by mulching, the use of mulch mats,or the careful use of an approved herbicide. Formative pruning will also be required and oncegrazing is introduced the trees will need to be protected from livestock damage.

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Traditional cherry orchard

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Once the trees are established the management should follow option HC18.

Capital items such as trees and protective guards may be funded by a Capital Works Plan.

Historic Environment

Archaeological features such as hill forts, burial chambers, hollow ways, ridge and furrow,sheep washes and World War II defensive structures all contribute to our rich historicalheritage and landscape. They are also often of ecological value, enriching landscape diversityand providing wildlife habitat. These features are an important record of our culturaldevelopment and where they occur on agricultural land in significant concentrations, or aredistinctive, it is important to protect and preserve them. Many features of archaeologicalinterest are protected and preserved in wetlands with high water levels.

These options will protect the features from further damage or erosion. Provision ofinterpretation, permissive access and/or educational visits are encouraged on suitable sites.

Arable reversion by natural regeneration HD7

This option protects sub-surface archaeological features from damage due to cultivation byestablishing permanent grassland on arable, set-aside or grass leys through naturalregeneration. It is targeted at protecting features at risk of damage through the standardmethod of grassland establishment which would involve some form of cultivation such asploughing. This option may also help to protect soils from erosion and reduce diffusepollution.

Historic environment options Code Page

Arable reversion by natural regeneration HD7 68

Crop establishment by direct drilling (non-rotational) HD6 69

Maintaining high water levels to protect archaeology HD8 69

Maintenance of designed/engineered water bodies HD9 69

Maintenance of traditional water meadows HD10 70

Restoration of traditional water meadows HD11 70


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Management will include: allowing the sward to establish by natural regeneration; managingthe sward by grazing or topping during the first year or so to encourage tillering of thegrasses. Once established the sward should be managed by grazing or cutting for hay. Anyactivities that would damage the sward must be avoided.

Crop establishment by direct drilling (non-rotational) HD6

This option allows annual crops to be direct drilled, to protect archaeological features justbelow the surface from damage by ploughing or other deep cultivation. Because of thedamage caused by the deep root systems of some crops and from harvesting operations,certain crops may not be grown under this option. It is targeted at sites where the fieldcannot be removed from arable cropping.

Management includes: no growing of root crops, maize or energy crops; direct drilling allcrops at a depth no greater than 30 mm; no cultivation, sub-soiling, deep ploughing or moleploughing. Care must be taken to direct drill only in dry soil conditions to avoid compactionor rutting.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option J1 without reducingyour HLS payment.

Maintaining high water levels to protect archaeology HD8

Features of archaeological interest that are protected and preserved in wetlands arevulnerable to drainage and agricultural improvement. This option maintains current highwater levels to protect underlying archaeological features from desiccation. The option mayalso help to protect vulnerable soils from erosion, reduce diffuse pollution and maintain thelandscape character of the area.

Management includes: maintaining the water levels at no more than 30 cm below thesurface at all times of the year; avoiding field operations and stocking when the land is wetas this can cause compaction and damage to sub-surface features; no ploughing, sub-surface cultivation, re-seeding, chain harrowing or rolling. The development of reeds, largesedges or scrub should also be prevented.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4and L5 without reducing your HLS payment.

Maintenance of designed/engineered water bodies HD9

Designed or engineered water bodies such as millponds and formal water features enhancethe distinctive historic and landscape character of the area and can provide valuable habitatsfor wildlife. This option maintains both the designed or engineered water body and theassociated features such as dams, retaining walls and sluices.

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Management will be tailored to the individual feature but may include: annual maintenanceinspections of masonry, brickwork, pointing or engineering structures; regular maintenanceto avoid decay or deterioration of the fabric; use of traditional materials, techniques andcraftsmanship.

Maintenance of traditional water meadows HD10

Restoration of traditional water meadows HD11

Water meadows were an important component of the distinctive historic and landscapecharacter in parts of southern England. They also provide valuable habitats for wildlife. Waterlevels in traditionally managed water meadows, including catch meadows, are controlled usingsluices and hatches, a process known as floating or drowning the meadow.

These options maintain or restore traditional management on water meadows.

Management will include floating or drowning the water meadow for an agreed period oftime each year. Gutters, carriers or channels should be maintained to encourage an even filmof water approximately 25 mm deep to flow over the sward. Once the land has dried out,the meadow will be managed by grazing and/or by hay cutting. Particular care must betaken to ensure that field operations and stocking do not damage the soil structure or causeheavy poaching especially when the land is waterlogged.

To restore the watermeadows you may needto restore water controlstructures and associatedgutters, carriers andother channels. Scrubclearance and coppicingof bank side trees mayalso be required. Theseworks may be funded bya Capital Works Plan ormay form a capitalspecial project.

This option can belocated on the same landas ELS or OELS optionsK2, K3 and K4 but willreduce your HLSpayment.


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A water meadow in southern England

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Arable

Arable farming creates the characteristic open ploughed land of areas such as East Anglia andthe Vale of York. It is also an important part of the mixed farming tradition of areas such as theMidlands and the South West. However, modern crop management can limit the variety ofinsects, plants, birds and mammals traditionally associated with such land. For example, arablespecialists such as the corn bunting, grey partridge, pheasant’s-eye and cornflower havedeclined in numbers. Many field boundaries have been removed. In some circumstances, cropmanagement may also cause soil compaction that can lead to increased run-off and erosion,which in turn may cause pollution of water courses or increased local flooding.

Arable options will normally be available only on land that has been in arable production,including set-aside, for at least five years. An exception to this will be options involving there-creation of an arable mosaic (HG6 and HG7), where you can include land that has been inarable cultivation at any time in the last ten years.

For the arable set-aside options HF16 and HF17, management prescriptions may differ fromthe set-aside requirements of the SPS. Please see section 6.1 for more guidance.

Arable options should only be considered where you can provide evidence that yourproposals will benefit:

● Species mentioned in your target statements.

● Priority declining farmland bird species either present or adjacent to your land (your RDSadviser will have a list).

Arable options Code Page

Floristically enhanced grass margin HE10 72

Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots (rotational or non-rotational) HF12 72

Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds (rotational or non-rotational) HF13 73

Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headlands (rotational) HF14 73

Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding over-wintered stubble and a spring crop (rotational) HF15 73

Fodder crop management to retain or re-create an arable mosaic (rotational) HG6 74

Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora as an enhanced set-aside option (rotational or non-rotational) HF16 75

Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds as an enhanced set-aside option(rotational or non-rotational) HF17 75

Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding enhanced set-aside(rotational) HF18 75

Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headlands preceding enhanced set-aside (rotational) HF19 76

Low input spring cereal to retain or re-create an arable mosaic HG7 76

Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora(rotational or non-rotational) HF20 77

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● Rare arable plant species (your RDS adviser will have a list).

Rotational arable options can be moved from field to field to fit in with your crop rotationand to help reduce the build up of pests and diseases. If you choose any rotational arableoptions, you will need to complete a form in May each year to confirm the location of theseoptions. If you do not return the form your payment will be delayed. Non-rotational arableoptions will be fixed in an agreed location for the duration of the agreement.

Floristically enhanced grass margin HE10

This option provides feeding areas for insects and birds by maintaining field margins thatcontain a mixture of grass and wild flower species. The margins can be located along fieldboundaries or as a buffer strip around in-field features such as ponds or archaeological sites.This option must not run alongside any 6 to 10 m set-aside strips established under your SPSentitlement. This role does not apply to set-aside strips wider than 10 m, but the HLS marginmust be next to the feature.

Management includes: establishing the margin by natural regeneration or by sowing a seedmix recommended by your RDS adviser; and once established, cutting or grazing the marginon a cycle agreed with your RDS adviser.

Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots(rotational or non-rotational)HF12

This option provides a valuable winter foodsource for declining farmland birds. Theplots or margins will contain a small seed-bearing crop tailored to meet the needs ofthe target bird species. The size andlocation and the number of plots will alsobe appropriate for the target bird species.

Management will include establishing anagreed seed mixture every year or everyother year and following an agreedpesticide and fertiliser programme.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D3 and J1 withoutreducing your HLS payment.


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Many farmland birds will benefit when crops suchas quinoa are allowed to set seed

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Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds(rotational or non-rotational) HF13

This option provides breeding and foragingsites for ground-nesting farmland birds suchas lapwing, stone curlew and skylark. Theuncropped plots should be at least 2 ha insize and located in suitable arable fields. Theplots can be kept in a fixed location orrotated around agreed locations.

Management includes cultivating the plot inthe spring to produce a rough fallow. Thisfallow should be retained without the use ofpesticides or fertilisers for an agreed period.


Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headlands (rotational) HF14

The option provides a year-round food source for declining populations of farmland birds. Therestricted pesticide programme will allow insects to flourish, providing food for the chicks insummer. Over winter the unharvested crop will provide a food source for farmland birds byproviding spilt grain and seeding arable plants. This option can also encourage rare arableplants. The headland has significant additional wildlife benefits when managed in conjunctionwith option HE10 (floristically diverse margins) or with ELS or OELS options E1, E2 or E3 (2-6 mwide buffer strips on arable land).

Management includes cultivating and sowing a cereal crop as usual. The outer 6 to 24 m ofthe crop is to be managed by following a restricted herbicide and insecticide programme andwithout the use of fertilisers. This headland is to be left unharvested until the followingspring before resuming normal management.


Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding over-winteredstubble and a spring crop (rotational) HF15

This option provides a food source for farmland birds, especially in the winter. The restrictedherbicide programme will allow arable plants to flourish and set seed in the crop. Over-wintering the stubble rich in arable plants will provide a winter food source forfarmland birds.

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Lapwing

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Management will include cultivating and sowing a cereal crop as usual, but following arestricted herbicide programme. The cereal crop should then be harvested without using apre-harvest desiccant. Any soil compaction should be remedied following harvest to preventincreased run-off and erosion. The stubble should then be maintained without the use ofpesticides, fertilisers, manures or lime until the following spring.


Fodder crop management to retain or re-create an arable mosaic (rotational) HG6

Where arable farming has declined intraditionally mixed farming areas, thisoption returns fields to arable cultivation inorder to provide valuable foraging sites forseed-eating birds. Fodder crops (brassica orroot), grazed in situ, allow arable plants topersist and set seed within the crop.

Management includes: establishing a wholefield of fodder brassica/fodder root cropbefore 1 July; following a restrictedpesticide programme; grazing over theautumn and winter; and maintaining thestubble until the following spring.

Arable Options on Set-asideThere are four options that can be used to enhance the environmental value of set-aside.The first two (HF16 & HF17) involve the creation of plots within the set-aside area. Withinthese plots, the HLS management prescriptions override any conflicting prescriptions for themanagement of set-aside under the SPS. Outside HLS plots, the SPS requirements for set-aside must be followed in full, but any treatments must not affect or encroach on the HLSplot. Please see section 6.1 for more guidance. The second two (HF18 & HF21) involve themanagement of the cereal crop preceding set-aside. All cereal crops which are followed byset-aside are eligible for options HF18 & HF19, but wherever possible they should be locatedin fields with lower inherent soil fertility and/or low levels of pernicious weeds.


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Yellowhammer

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Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora as an enhanced set-aside option (rotational or non-rotational) HF16

This option provides suitable conditions for the germination and establishment of rare arableplants on in-field plots or margin strips within set-aside.

Management will include cultivating to establish a firm, fine tilth, either in autumn or spring,depending on the target species. This fallow plot or margin should be retained for an agreedperiod without the use of pesticides and fertilisers.

Fallow plots for ground-nesting birdsas an enhanced set-aside option (rotational or non-rotational)

HF17

This option provides breeding and foragingsites for ground-nesting farmland birds,such as lapwing and stone curlew, on set-aside. The plots should be at least 2 ha andlocated in suitable arable fields. Locating theplots within 2 km of extensively grazedgrassland or areas of scrub will provideadditional foraging habitat. The plots can bekept in a fixed location or rotated aroundagreed locations.

Management will include cultivating theplot in the spring of each year to producerough fallow. This fallow plot should beretained for an agreed period without theuse of pesticides and fertilisers.

This option can be located on the sameland as ELS or OELS option D3 and J1without reducing your HLS payment.

Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding enhanced set-aside(rotational) HF18

This option provides a food source for farmland birds, especially in the winter. The restrictedherbicide programme will allow arable plants to flourish and set seed in the crop. Thestubble, rich in arable plants, will provide a winter food source for farmland birds.

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Cornflowers in an unsprayed crop

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Management will include cultivating and sowing a cereal crop as usual, but following arestricted herbicide programme. The cereal crop should then be harvested with no use ofpre-harvest desiccant. Following harvest any soil compaction will need to be remedied toprevent increased run-off and erosion. Maintain the stubble (now in set-aside) with noapplications of pesticides, fertilisers, manures or lime until 15 July.


Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headlands preceding enhanced set-aside(rotational) HF19

This option provides a year-round foodsource for declining populations offarmland birds. The restricted pesticideprogramme will allow insects to flourish,providing food for the chicks in summer.Over the winter and through the set-asideperiod, the unharvested crop will provide afood source for farmland birds by providingspilt grain and seeding arable plants. Thisoption can also encourage rare arableplants. The headland has significantadditional wildlife benefits when managedin conjunction with option HE10(floristically diverse margins) or with ELS orOELS options E1, E2 or E3 (2-6 m widebuffer strips on arable land).

Management includes cultivating and sowing a cereal crop as usual. The outer 6 to 24 m ofthe crop will be managed by following a restricted herbicide and insecticide programme andwithout the use of fertilisers. This headland is to be left unharvested and retained throughthe following set-aside year. The use of pesticides, fertilisers, manures or lime is notpermitted on the unharvested headland until 15 July in the next year when normalmanagement may be resumed.


Low input spring cereal to retain or re-create an arable mosaic (rotational) HG7

This rotational option provides an important habitat for declining farmland birds (e.g. greypartridge, skylark and corn bunting) and mammals (e.g. brown hare). The open spring crop


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Corn bunting

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will provide breeding sites for ground nesting birds and encourage rare arable plants. It isparticularly applicable in areas where spring crops were traditionally grown but have nowdeclined. This option will have significant additional wildlife benefits when managed inconjunction with grass margins. This option also provides an opportunity for leyestablishment by under sowing with a grass/legume mixture.

Management includes establishing a spring cereal crop at a specified seed rate of not morethan 100 kg/ha; following a restricted herbicide and fertiliser programme; and not harvestingthe crop before 31 July.


Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora (rotational or non-rotational) HF20

This option creates opportunities for rare arable plants to germinate, flower and set seed.

Management will include cultivation to establish a firm, fine tilth, either in the autumn orspring, depending on the target species. This fallow plot or margin should be retained for anagreed period without the use of pesticides and fertilisers.


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Narrow-leaved hemp nettle, a rare arable plant

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Resource Protection

These options are designed to protect watercourses by reducing diffuse pollution. They buffersensitive habitats and protect areas that replenish groundwater, by reducing the risk of soilerosion, nitrate leaching and phosphorus transport. They also contribute to flood management.Diffuse pollution is the contamination of watercourses by run-off laden with eroded soils andnutrients (nitrate and phosphate) from large areas of land. Increased run-off leading to soilerosion, nitrate leaching and phosphorus transport is often caused by the capping and/orcompaction of soils in arable cultivation or intensively managed grassland systems.

Careful management of grass cover will improve soil structure and water infiltration, reducerun-off and provide protection from soil erosion. The options will be targeted at high riskland within priority catchments identified in your target statement and may be applied topart-fields or whole fields. These options can also help protect archaeological features.

Where resource protectionoptions (including the nilfertiliser supplement HJ8) areproposed, you must also applyfor and complete a SoilManagement Plan (option M1)within the first agreementyear. In addition, if you applylivestock manures, a ManureManagement Plan (option M3)must be included in yourapplication. Where fertilisersare applied, a NutrientManagement Plan (option M2)must be included in yourapplication.

Resource protection options Code Page

Arable reversion to unfertilised grassland to prevent erosion or run-off HJ3 79

Arable reversion to grassland with low fertiliser input to prevent erosion or run-off HJ4 79

In-field grass areas to prevent erosion or run-off HJ5 79

Preventing erosion or run-off from intensively managed improved grassland HJ6 80

Seasonal livestock removal on grassland with no input restriction HJ7 80

Supplement

Nil fertiliser supplement HJ8 80


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Soil erosion can result in diffuse pollution as well as reducedprofitability

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Arable reversion to unfertilised grassland to prevent erosion or run-off HJ3

Arable reversion to grassland with low fertiliser input to prevent erosion or run-off HJ4

In fields identified in the FEP as being at high risk, these options stabilise soils and reducenutrient losses by the establishment and maintenance of either an unfertilised or a nutrient-restricted fertilised grass cover. Maintaining a grass cover will help to improve soil structureand water infiltration, reduce run-off and protect against wind erosion. Zero or restrictedinputs of nitrogen fertilisers and organic manures will reduce the risk of nitrate leaching.

Management will include: ameliorating any areas of soil compaction before sowing andestablishing a specified grass mix (before 1 October); cutting the sward at least twice in thefirst year to encourage the tillering of grasses and, from the second year onwards, cuttingonce after mid-July. There should be no overgrazing or poaching and supplementary feedingwill be restricted to mineral supplements.

Option HJ3 does not allow the use of fertilisers or organic manures.

Option HJ4 permits up to 100 kg/ha per year of total nitrogen from livestock manures or nomore than 50 kg/ha per year of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser, which can only be appliedbetween 1 February and 14 August.

In-field grass areas to prevent erosion or run-off HJ5

This option reduces the movement of sediment, nutrients and pesticides by wind and watererosion, both within fields and from field to field, through the careful location of permanentgrass areas.

This option can be used to achieve a number of different objectives depending on the typeof pollution and the pollutant pathway. For example:

● a grass strip adjacent to a watercourse can filter surface run-off to reduce the amount oferoded soil, organic material, nutrients and pesticides reaching the watercourse

● grassing natural drainage pathways (e.g. valley bottoms) will help to reduce thechannelling of run-off water that can produce rills and gullies

● a grass strip angled against the prevailing wind can reduce wind borne soil erosion

This option applies to part fields only, up to a maximum permissible area of 30% per field.Part or whole field arable reversion (HJ3 or HJ4) should be considered for larger areas.

Management will include: removing any areas of soil compaction before establishing aspecified grass mix (before 1 October); cutting the sward at least twice in the first year toencourage the tillering of grasses. You must not use the area for regular access, vehicleturning or storage. Other management, including grazing and/or mowing regimes, fertiliserand supplementary feeding can be tailored to site objectives.

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Preventing erosion or run-off from intensively managed improved grassland HJ6

This option reduces soil compaction and surface run-off on improved grassland by extensivegrazing. Extensive grazing will help to improve soil structure, water infiltration and reducerun-off. Restricting inputs of fertiliser and organic manures will reduce nitrate leaching.

This option is suitable for use on improved grassland that receives in excess of 200 kg N/haand where there is evidence of soil erosion or run-off, or where a soil risk assessment indicatesthat a target feature is under significant threat from erosion or run-off. It may also be used tobuffer sensitive habitats if used in combination with HJ8 Nil fertiliser supplement (see below).This option applies to the whole field.

Management includes: alleviation of severe soil compaction; application of up to 100 kg/haper year of total nitrogen from livestock manures or no more than 50 kg/ha per year asinorganic nitrogen fertiliser. Supplementary feeding is restricted to mineral blocks or licks.Other management including grazing and/or mowing regimes will be tailored to siteobjectives.

Seasonal livestock removal on grasslandwith no input restriction HJ7

This option supports the removal oflivestock at specific times of the year toreduce compaction and run-off. This optionis suitable for use on soils that are prone towater logging, compaction or poachingand applies to the whole field. Soil damageon other fields must not result throughremoving livestock from fields receivingthis supplement.

This option can be located on the sameland as ELS or OELS options D2, D5, K2,K3, K4, K5, L3, L4 and L5 withoutreducing your HLS payment.

Nil fertiliser supplement HJ8

This supplement supports the management of land under option HJ6 (Preventing erosion orrun-off from intensively managed improved grassland) without the use of fertilisers. This willreduce nitrate leaching into ground and surface water. It may be applied to whole fields orpart-fields greater than 1 ha.


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This stream would benefit if cattle were removedduring the winter

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Grassland

Species-rich, semi-natural grassland

Unimproved hay meadows and pastures are important to the character of locally distinctivepastoral or mixed farming landscapes. They support a rich mix of native grasses and flowersincluding meadow foxtail, quaking grass, cowslip and lady’s bedstraw and are valuable forbutterflies and other insects. These grasslands are a precious but threatened habitat. Fragmentssurvive in areas that have not been re-seeded,drained or heavily fertilised. They thereforeoften contain some of our best preservedarchaeology. Active management of thesehabitats will maintain their value for wildlife,contribute to the protection of valuedlandscapes and archaeology, and promotegood soil conditions.

You will need to submit evidence of currentsoil pH and nutrient status (results up tothree years old are acceptable) with yourapplication when creating or restoringspecies-rich grassland.

Grassland options Code Page

Maintenance of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK6 82

Restoration of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK7 82

Creation of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK8 82

Maintenance of wet grassland for breeding waders HK9 83

Maintenance of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK10 84

Restoration of wet grassland for breeding waders. HK11 84

Restoration of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK12 84

Creation of wet grassland for breeding waders HK13 85

Creation of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK14 85

Maintenance of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species HK15 85

Restoration of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species HK16 85

Creation of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species HK17 86

Enhanced buffer strips on intensive grassland HE11 86

Supplements

Hay-making HK18 86

Raised water levels HK19 87

Inundation grassland HQ13 87

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Chalk grassland in good condition

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Maintenance of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK6

This option maintains grasslands that are already species-rich and in good condition bycontinuing with the current management.

Management includes: grazing and/or cutting for hay; no ploughing, re-seeding, orinstallation of new drainage; no heavy poaching. Other management, including fertiliser andsupplementary feeding, will be tailored to each site based on the type of grassland and thefarming system.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 withoutreducing your HLS payment and on ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 butwith a reduction to your HLS payment.

Restoration of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK7

This option restores grasslands that were species-rich in the past, but have suffered frommanagement neglect or have been agriculturally improved. Grasslands that are suitable forthis option will still have some diversity of grasses and flowers. Potential for this option willalso depend on soil type, pH and soil nutrient status (particularly available phosphorus).

This option will be managed as option HK6, but restoration may include scrub clearance,invasive weed control and/or seed introduction by spreading species-rich green hay from asuitable nearby site.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 withoutreducing your HLS payment and on ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 butwith a reduction to your HLS payment.

Creation of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK8

This option creates species-rich grassland on former arable land, ley grassland or set-aside.The creation of species-rich grassland is very demanding and will be feasible only in a fewsituations. Potential for this option will depend on soil type, pH, soil nutrient status(particularly available phosphorus). This option will be targeted at sites close to existingspecies-rich grassland.

Creation of a species-rich grassland will include establishing the sward by naturalregeneration or using a seed source or mix recommended by your RDS adviser. The swardwill need to be cut or grazed in the first year to encourage the grasses to tiller and to controlannual weeds. Once established, management will be the same as for HK6.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option K5 without reducingyour HLS payment.


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Management of wet grassland for waders and wildfowl

Wet grasslands are important and distinctive components of the coastal and river floodplainlandscape. Wet grasslands provide wintering and/or breeding habitat for wading birds andwildfowl. Winter flooding that creates islands of damp grassland surrounded by shallowsurface water (up to knee-deep) provides secure feeding and roosting sites for wildfowl andwaders. The shallow flooding produces an abundance of food in the form of seeds andinsects that can attract large numbers of ducks, geese, swans and lapwing. Waders such assnipe, redshank, curlew and lapwing need damp soil conditions, with some areas of veryshallow standing water in the spring and early summer, to provide an abundant supply ofinsect food for their chicks.

These options can also protect the many features of archaeological interest that arepreserved in wetlands with high water levels, see also Historic Environment option HD8(maintaining high water levels to protect archaeology). For the management of otherwetland habitats including ponds, reedbeds, fens and bogs please see Wetland Options,HQ1-HQ10 on page 103.

When restoring or creating wet grasslands, the ability to control surface water will berequired. In most situations land drainage consent and/or a management plan will also berequired. A range of capital items such as sluices, bunds, scrapes and ditch restoration maybe funded by a Capital Works Plan.

Maintenance of wet grassland for breeding waders HK9

This option maintains wet spring and summer grasslands that already support breedingwaders. In some instances it may be necessary to change the water management regime tocontinue to attract these birds.

Management includes: controlling in-field and ditchwater levels in the spring and early summer;maintaining ditches and existing field drainagesystems; creating a varied sward structure by the endof the growing season by grazing and/or taking a latehay cut; restricting the stocking density in the birdnesting season; avoiding heavy poaching (althoughsmall areas of bare ground are acceptable); andavoiding disturbance of birds by recreational or non-essential activities.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS orOELS options D5 and K5 without reducing your HLS

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Reasonable numbers of snipe over-winter but relatively few stay to breed

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payment and ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction toyour HLS payment.

Maintenance of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK10

This option maintains wet grasslands thatalready support wintering populations ofwildfowl and waders. In some instances itmay be necessary to change the watermanagement regime to continue to attractthese birds.

Management includes: controlling in-fieldand ditch water levels over the wintermonths; maintaining ditches and existingfield drainage systems; creating a variedsward structure by the end of the growingseason by grazing and/or cutting for hay;no grazing over the winter months; noheavy poaching (although small areas ofbare ground are acceptable) and avoiding disturbance of birds by recreational or non-essential activities.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 withoutreducing your HLS payment and ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with areduction to your HLS payment.

Restoration of wet grassland for breeding waders HK11

Restoration of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK12

These options provide habitat for waders and wildfowl and/or breeding habitat for wadingbirds by re-wetting permanent grassland and by managing the grazing to create a mosaic ofgrass structure. These fields will have been wetter in the past but have since been drained orimproved for agriculture. The potential for this option will depend on both the availability ofsurface water and the ability to control it.

Fields under this option will be managed as HK9 or HK10, but for restoration of wetgrassland you may need to: alleviate any areas of soil compaction (except on archaeologicalfeatures); implement a water management regime; excavate scrapes and re-profile ditches;and introduce seed by spreading species-rich green hay from a suitable nearby site.


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Shallow flooding provides good conditions forover-wintering wildfowl

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These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 withoutreducing your HLS payment and ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 butwith a reduction to your HLS payment.

Creation of wet grassland for breeding waders HK13

Creation of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK14

These options create wet grassland habitat for either breeding waders in the spring andsummer or waders and wildfowl in the winter months. Fields suitable for these options arecurrent arable land, set-aside or temporary grassland. These fields will have been wetter inthe past but have since been drained and improved for agriculture. The potential for thisoption will depend on both the availability of surface water and the ability to control it.

Fields under this option will be managed as HK9 or HK10, but additional management forthe creation of the wet grassland habitat includes: establishing a grass sward by naturalregeneration or by sowing a seed mix recommended by your RDS adviser; alleviating areas ofsoil compaction; implementing water level management; restoring the ditch network; andexcavating scrapes and ponds.

These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option K5 without reducingyour HLS payment.

Management of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species

These options manage semi-improved or rough grassland that provides a habitat for targetspecies such as great crested newt, chough, cirl bunting or wintering geese, as well asparticular groups of species such as scarce bumblebees and ground-nesting farmland birds.

These options are only available on land outside Less Favoured Areas (LFA). Upland optionsHL7 and HL8 (maintenance or restoration of rough grazing for birds) may be appropriate forland within the LFA.

Maintenance of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species HK15

Restoration of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species HK16

These options will maintain or restore semi-improved or rough grassland which is known toprovide good conditions for target species. These options can also be used to maintainmoderately species-rich semi-improved grassland but only where this is a local target, andwhere the grassland lacks the potential to be restored to species-rich, semi-natural grassland(option HK7).

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Management will include grazing and/or cutting for hay. Other management includingfertiliser and supplementary feeding will be tailored to each site based on the target speciespresent.

These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 withoutreducing your HLS payment and ELS or OELS options K2, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with areduction to your HLS payment.

Creation of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species HK17

This option creates semi-improved or rough grassland on former arable, set-aside ortemporary grassland.

Fields under this option will be managed as HK15, but creation of the grassland will includeestablishing a grassy sward through natural regeneration or by sowing a seed mixrecommended by your RDS adviser.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option K5 without reducingyour HLS payment.

Enhanced buffer strips on intensive grassland HE11

This option provides additional habitat for invertebrates, birds and small mammals bymanaging buffer strips in intensive grass leys. These strips of wild flowers and grassesprovide nesting habitat and shelter, as well as a food source for a variety of species includingfarmland birds, bats and insects such as bumblebees and butterflies. The strip may berotated within the same field.

Management will include sowing and establishing a specified seed mix of wild flowers andgrasses. The strip will need to be protected from grazing and will need to be re-establishedwhen the cover of wild flowers decreases.Other management such as cutting andfertiliser will be tailored to each site basedon the species targeted.

This option can be located on the sameland as ELS or OELS option D5 withoutreducing your HLS payment.

Haymaking supplement HK18

This supplement supports the continuationor re-introduction of haymaking on sitesthat would normally be managed aspasture, due to the ready availability of


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Haymaking encourages botanical diversity byallowing flowers to set seed

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livestock and/or the climatic difficulty of haymaking. These fields will have high existingenvironmental value as hay meadows, but are at risk from haymaking being discontinued foreconomic reasons.

This supplement is suitable for use with options HK6 - HK8, HK15 - 17 and HD10 & 11.

Raised water levels supplement HK19

This supplement supports the raising ofwater levels in ditches and adjacent land,where exceptional management is neededat key periods of the year. This supplementmay be used to provide feeding andnesting habitats for wetland birds. Inaddition, it will enhance the grasslandhabitat for wetland plants. This supplementcan also be used to manage specialised wetgrassland communities or to maintain thediversity of fauna and flora in importantditches.

The supplement is available on optionsHK6 to HK14. HK9 to HK14 are eligible forthis supplement, but only in exceptional circumstances where specific management isrequired to raise water levels. The payments for HK9 to HK14 include an element for raisedwater level management, so applicants will need to provide evidence to show that extraeffort is needed to raise levels.

Inundation grassland supplement HQ13

This supplement is designed to allow the inundation of areas of the river floodplain that arecurrently protected by flood defence banks. Grassland which is made available for additionalinundation by floodwater can develop as a valuable habitat, complement adjacent habitatsand, in appropriate locations, contribute to flood management. The supplement is used indesigned washlands subject to prolonged and random flooding.

This supplement is only available on options HK10, HK12 and HK14 where there are notsignificant numbers of breeding waders using the site. The site, either alone or as part of agroup application, should form a natural hydrological unit, and there should be nosignificant negative impact on other valuable features.

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Control of water levels is important in managingwet grassland

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Moorland and Upland Rough Grazing

Past management of moorland and upland rough grazing land has created a rich tapestry ofdiverse upland landscapes and habitats. These habitats include open heather moorland,blanket bog and a variety of grasslands. It is important to establish or maintain appropriategrazing and burning regimes to protect the peat, conserve these habitats and associatedwildlife. Moorland and upland rough grazing areas contain important archaeology and someof our most extensive historical landscapes. Use of these options can help protect thesemoorland features and landscapes.

The moorland options aim to maintain andrestore habitats contained within themoorland grazing units. They may also beused in the management of largeenclosures such as allotments, intakes andnewtakes. Habitats include upland heath,blanket bog, upland calcareous grasslandand limestone pavement. The options aretargeted at land in Less Favoured Areaswhich is predominantly above themoorland line.

Capital items such as fencing and gripblocking may be funded by a CapitalWorks Plan.

Moorland and upland rough grazing options Code Page

Maintenance of moorland HL9 89

Restoration of moorland HL10 89

Creation of upland heathland HL11 89

Maintenance of rough grazing for birds HL7 89

Restoration of rough grazing for birds HL8 89

Supplements

Shepherding HL16 90

Seasonal livestock exclusion HL15 90

Moorland re-wetting HL13 90

Management of heather, gorse and grass by burning, cutting or swiping HL12 91


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Western Heath Saddle Tor, Dartmoor

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Maintenance of moorland HL9

Restoration of moorland HL10

These options maintain or restore moorland habitats to benefit upland wildlife, retain historicfeatures and strengthen the landscape character.

Management will include grazing the moorland following an agreed stocking calendar.This calendar will reflect the different habitats within the moorland unit and their presentcondition. It will indicate how many and what type of livestock will be allowed to graze themoorland in each month of the year.

Restoration may also include grip blocking or temporary fencing to reduce or exclude grazing.

These options can be located on the same land as ELS option L6 but with a reduction toyour HLS payment.

Creation of upland heathland HL11

This option creates dwarf shrub communities in upland moorland areas where heathlandplants are rare or absent and their seed banks are depleted. It will strengthen the diversevegetation mosaic characteristic of upland landscapes. It will be targeted at areas adjacent orclose to existing dwarf shrub heath.

Management is likely to include: site preparation using a combination of topping,scarification, ploughing, burning and/or herbicide treatment; establishment of heathlandvegetation by sowing or spreading heather or heathland seed or cuttings; control of grassand weed species. Once established the heathland would be managed as HL9 or HL10.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS option L6 but with a reduction to yourHLS payment.

Maintenance of rough grazing for birds HL7

Restoration of rough grazing for birds HL8

These options provide rough grazinghabitat for upland birds, particularlybreeding waders, and other target species.They are targeted at allotments, intakesand newtakes and semi-improved fieldsthat either presently support populations ofupland birds or have the potential to do so.

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Shallow pools will encourage breeding waders

g Defra (Robert G

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Management will include grazing with sheep at an agreed stocking density (between 0.4and 1.0 Livestock Units/ha depending on site conditions and objective) between 31 Marchand 20 June. At other times stocking densities (cattle and/or sheep) should be managed toachieve the desired sward height.

Restoration will be individually tailored to the site, but may include blocking existing surfacedrains, ditches and grips to create or extend areas of flush or wet, marshy grasslandvegetation.

These options can be located on the same land as ELS and OELS options L2, L3, L4, L5 andELS option L6 but with a reduction to your HLS payment.

Shepherding supplement HL16

This supplement aims to support a grazing regime on moorland and rough grazing land thatwill prevent damage to archaeological sites, peat exposures, other vulnerable soils orvegetation by over or undergrazing and poaching. The supplement requires shepherds toidentify the most vulnerable sites within the grazing unit and manage livestock to ensurethat different habitats are grazed appropriately.

The supplement is available on options HL7, HL8, HL9 and HL10.

Seasonal livestock exclusion supplement HL15

This supplement supports the removal of livestock from moorland for periods of time, toallow moorland restoration or to achieve additional environmental benefits on moorland thatis in good condition. Examples of these benefits include increasing the rate of heatherregeneration and allowing rare plants such as spring gentian to flower, or shrubs such asjuniper to regenerate. The supplement may also be used to help protect archaeological sitesand other historic features.

The supplement is available on options HL7, HL8, HL9 and HL10.

Moorland re-wetting supplement HL13

This supplement supports the re-wetting of moorland to maintain wetland habitats and theirassociated wildlife. Re-wetting may also help to reduce diffuse pollution by reducing run-offfrom the re-wetted area. This should also help to reduce flooding downstream. In addition, thesupplement can help protect archaeological sites and peat exposures.

The supplement is available on options HL7, HL8, HL9, HL10 and HL11.


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Supplement for management of heather, gorse and grass by burning, cuttingor swiping HL12

This supplement supports the establishment of anappropriate programme of rotational vegetationmanagement to maintain or restore the wildlife valueof moorland habitats. It applies to land where asignificant change in management activity is required.

The supplement is available on options HL7 - HL10.

Access

Providing access is an important way of enhancing public enjoyment of the countryside.The open access and linear access options complement the Public Rights of Way (PRoW)network by providing areas of open access or creating new footpaths, cycle and/orbridleways to allow people to enjoy more of the countryside. The educational access optionencourages visits both by schools and by a wide range of other interest groups and providesan opportunity to illustrate the links between farming, conservation and food production.It also allows people to see and enjoy the environmental improvements being made throughEnvironmental Stewardship.

Under these options you will be allowing the public on to your land on a concessionary basisand no new permanent rights of way will be created. Access options may also be consideredwhere the public have, in the past, been allowed informal access or the landowner hastolerated their presence. Defra will promote your access site on the Defra Countrywalkswebsite at http://countrywalks.defra.gov.uk Site maps and waymarks will be provided andkissing gates or other access furniture may be funded by a Capital Works Plan.

Access options Code Page

Permissive open access HN2 92

Permissive footpath access HN3 93

Access for people with reduced mobility HN5 94

Upgrading CRoW access for people with reduced mobility HN7 94

Permissive bridleway/cycle path access HN4 94

Upgrading CRoW access for cyclists/horses HN6 94

Educational access – payment per visit HN9 94

Linear and open access – base payment HN1 95

Educational access – base payment HN8 95

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Heather burning on moorland aboveNidderdale

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There will be occasions when increased access conflicts with other EnvironmentalStewardship objectives. Access will not be appropriate where it may cause potential damageto a feature such as erosion of an archaeological feature or of a vulnerable habitat, or whereit may cause disturbance to wildlife. However, in many cases it is possible to locate the accessto run alongside these areas.

It will be your responsibility to ensure that your public liability insurance is sufficient tocover additional access by members of the public. This is particularly important if you areorganising school visits under the Educational Access option, HN9, so please discuss thiswith your insurance company.

Access payments are classified as ‘deminimis State Aid’. Under European rules,individual businesses are not allowed toreceive more than £70,000 (100,000 euros)from this type of aid over a three yearrolling period. You will need to keep arecord of all such payments that yourbusiness has received, including those fromother Government Departments orAgencies, for the duration of youragreement. Details must be submitted toDefra annually to ensure that the maximumaid level is not exceeded.

Access provided under HLS must conformto the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 which came into force on 1 October 2004. Underthis Act, providers of services to the public have to make reasonable adjustments to theirphysical premises where this is needed to provide reasonable access for disabled people. Theextent to which this requirement might apply to you will depend on the nature of yourparticular access site. Further information can be obtained from the Disability RightsCommission at www.drc.org.uk. Your RDS adviser should be able to provide some generaladvice, for instance, about using gates rather than stiles to facilitate access by disabledpeople.

Permissive open access HN2

This option allows the public access to whole fields or other open areas to enjoy a viewpoint,historic feature, riverbank or other feature of interest. It can be located on any land that canbe reached by the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) network, permissive paths or other openland. Open access is not as manageable as a footpath and you will need to take care whensiting it adjacent to or on features.


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Coastal path, Cornwall

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This option is not available on land that has been designated as open country under theCountryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000.

Management will include: installing site maps and waymarks; erecting any additional accessfurniture and maintaining all gates and stiles in a good useable condition; keeping the areasafe for users and free from litter; and excluding animals which are known to be, or are likelyto be, dangerous from the area (e.g. dairy bulls and aggressive suckler cows or beef bulls).

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E7, K2, K3,K4, K5, L2, L3, L4, L5 and ELS Option L6 without reducing your HLS payment.

Permissive linear access

These options create new linear routes tolink or extend the Public Rights of Way(PRoW) footpath and bridleway network;create circular routes; or provide access tofeatures such as riverbanks, historicfeatures and areas of wildlife or landscapeinterest. These options can also providelinks to, and between, land-locked opencountry designated under the CRoW Act.Options can be located on any land thatcan be reached by road, the PRoW networkor other open land.

Permissive footpath access HN3

This option creates new linear footpaths forthe public to walk on and enjoy thecountryside.

Management includes: maintaining a safeand even grassed surface of at least 2 m inwidth; installing site maps and waymarks; erecting any additional access furniture andmaintaining all gates and stiles in a good useable condition; keeping the area safe for usersand free from litter; and excluding animals which are known to be, or are likely to be,dangerous from land crossed by a permissive path.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E7, F1, K1,K2, K3, K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and ELS option L6 without reducing your HLS payment.

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The start of a permissive footpath with a site mapdescribing the route

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Access for people with reduced mobility HN5

Upgrading CRoW access for people with reduced mobility HN7

These options create new permissive routes for people with restricted or reduced mobility,such as wheelchair users or those with pushchairs. The intended route should be across flator gently sloping ground and there should be parking close to the start of the route.

The management will be the same as HN3 but will also require you to: maintain a hardsurface 1.2 m in width along the route; install access furniture such as gates, benches andperches; and ensure that there are no barriers along the route other than gates.

These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E7, F1,K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and ELS option L6 without reducing your HLSpayment.

Permissive bridleway/cycle path access HN4

This option provides a new linear route for the public to ride horses or bicycles in thecountryside. This option can also be used to provide an alternative safe off-road route.

Management will be the same as for HN3 above but will require that a 3m wide safe andeven grassed surface is maintained.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E7, F1, K1,K2, K3, K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and ELS option L6 without reducing your HLS payment.

Upgrading CRoW access for cyclists/horses HN6

This option provides new permissive paths for horses and/or cyclists across open countrydesignated under the CRoW Act, provided that the land will not be damaged by such use.

Management will be the same as HN4 above.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E7, F1, K1,K2, K3, K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and L6 without reducing your HLS payment.

Educational access – payment per visit HN9

This option aims to encourage visits by schools and colleges for curriculum studies at alllevels or by a wide range of other interest groups. It provides the opportunity to explain thelinks between farming, conservation and food production. It is suitable for any farm wherethe farmer or other person is enthusiastic, willing and able to take groups around and wherethere is likely to be a demand for such a service. You will be expected to provide evidence ofthis demand to your RDS adviser during the initial site visit. There is scope for interpretationof sensitive features and this option may be used where other forms of permissive accessmight not be appropriate.


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You will need to prepare a Teachers’ Information Pack (using a Defra template) where youplan to encourage visits by local schools and also provide information about your farm forinclusion in a Farm Facts Leaflet, which will be produced by Defra. Both documents would bemade available to visitors.

You will be required to arrange between four and 25 visits per year and you will be paid foreach visit up to the maximum of 25. If you do not achieve four visits, we cannot pay you forthis option.

You will also be required to undertake a health and safety check and to prepare a riskassessment. You will also agree to Defra promoting your site on the Defra Countrywalkswebsite (http://countrywalks.defra.gov.uk) and the Growing Schools website(www.teachernet.gov.uk/growingschools) run by the Department for Education and Skills.You will be encouraged to undertake an accreditation course, financed mainly by Defra, inthe first year of your agreement.

Linear and open access – base payment HN1

Educational access – base payment HN8

In addition to the payments related to the length or area of access provided, as describedabove, you will also receive an annual base payment to cover the costs associated withsetting up linear, open or educational access and managing visitors.

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Farm visits provide an opportunity to raise awareness of rural issues

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Lowland Heathland

Formed and maintained by traditional agricultural practices, lowland heathlands are ancientwild landscapes on nutrient-poor acid, sandy and peaty soils below 300 m in altitude.They are often found on common land with a tradition of public access. The vegetation oflowland heathland is a mixture of dwarf shrubs, particularly heathers and gorses, providing arefuge for rare species such as the marsh gentian, dartford warbler and sand lizard. In thepast, heathlands were managed by burning, grazing, and/or cutting. Many heathlands havebeen lost or become fragmented due to ploughing, development or forestry planting.Those that remain are often neglected and dominated by scrub and bracken or havereturned to woodland.

Management of lowland heathland under these options will protect and enhance thevaluable plant communities and associated wildlife, protect archaeological features andmaintain and strengthen the vegetation mosaics characteristic of lowland landscapes.

The management of lowland mires within the heathland should be considered under theseoptions.

Soil type, management history and location in relation to existing heathland sites, will besignificant factors in determining the suitability of a site for restoration or heathland creation.Heathlands vary in character and complexity and therefore a management plan may berequired. A range of capital works including fencing, bunds, sluices and ditch restorationmay be funded by a Capital Works Plan.

Maintenance of lowland heathland HO1

This option maintains the valuable plant communities and associated wildlife of lowlandheathland by appropriate active management.

Management will require you to: burn, or cut and remove, small patches of heathland eachyear to sustain a varied and balanced age range and structure of dwarf shrubs; maintain firebreaks; graze to control scrub and grasses; bracken and tree cover. No supplementaryfeeding is allowed.

Lowland heathland options Code Page

Maintenance of lowland heathland HO1 96

Restoration of lowland heathland on neglected sites HO2 97

Restoration of forestry areas to lowland heathland HO3 97

Creation of lowland heathland from arable or improved grassland HO4 97

Creation of lowland heathland on worked mineral sites HO5 97


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Restoration of lowland heathland on neglected sites HO2

This option restores lowland heathland on sites that have become degraded by scrub,bracken or woodland encroachment. Fragments of heathland vegetation will still be evident.

Areas under this option will be managed as HO1, but restoring the heathland may requireyou to: exclude winter grazing; remove areas of scrub, trees and bracken; burn, or cut andremove, small areas of heathland to restore a varied and balanced age range and structure ofdwarf shrubs; and restore the original drainage system to areas of wet heathland and mire.

Restoration of forestry areas to lowland heathland HO3

This option restores lowland heathland by clear-felling and re-introducing traditional grazingon sites that were heathland in the past, but have since been forested. Evidence ofheathland vegetation will often still remain.

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Heathland in good condition

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Areas under this option will be managed as HO1, but restoring the heathland may include:clear-felling trees; removal of accumulated organic litter where it is deeper than 5 cm;restoration of the original drainage system to areas that historically were wet heathland.

Creation of lowland heathland from arable or improved grassland HO4

This option creates lowland heathland on arable or improved grassland sites that werehistorically heathland but have been improved for agricultural production. It will usually onlybe possible to restore heathland on sites that have been in intensive agricultural productionfor only a few years and on which the soil nutrient status is low.

Areas under this option will be managed as HO1, but creating the heathland habitat mayinclude: spreading dwarf shrub cuttings or seed sourced from a local site; excluding livestockover the first winter to allow germination; and grazing from late spring to control competingweeds and grasses.

Creation of lowland heathland on worked mineral sites HO5

This option creates lowland heathland on worked mineral-extraction (quarry) sites. Thesesites are likely to have good potential for heathland creation, as they will be very low innutrients. However, former chalk or limestone quarries are not suitable for this option.

Areas under this option will be managed as HO1, but creating the heathland habitat mayalso include: preparing the mineral substrate by light surface cultivation; spreading dwarfshrub cuttings or seed sourced from a local site; excluding livestock in the first winterfollowing seeding; and grazing from late spring following seeding.


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Inter-tidal and Coastal

These options are targeted at managed sand dunes, coastal heaths and inter-tidal habitatssuch as saltmarsh, vegetated shingle ridges and saline lagoons. They are valued for their wildlandscapes and historical features. Many of these habitats are nationally and internationallyimportant for their plant, animal and bird interest. For management of cliff tops see theoptions for grassland, upland and moorland or the lowland heathland management. Coastalgrazing marshes can be managed using the grassland options and coastal heathlandsmanaged by the lowland heathland options.

Where saltmarsh, sand dunes or vegetated shingle ridges require active annual managementsuch as grazing, or a change in management practice is required, they are eligible forpayment under the following options.

Saltmarsh, mudflats and saline lagoons

These are important coastal habitats which support many plants and invertebrates that arespecially adapted to survive high salinities and/or regular flooding by the tide. Saltmarshes alsoprovide breeding sites for wildfowl and high-water roosting sites for both wildfowl and waders.Exposed mudflats at low tide provide an abundant food source for large numbers of wadingbirds. Saline lagoons are a rare habitat that support some of our rarest plants and animals andare particularly important for birds such as avocet, little tern and common tern.

Coastal land that is currently arable or grass and is protected by a sea wall may be suitablefor creating new saltmarsh, mudflat or saline lagoon habitat by breaching the sea wall orconstructing a water inlet and outlet system. Ideally, the site would be located close toexisting inter-tidal habitat and would naturally rise to higher land. Each site is unique and will

Inter-tidal and coastal options Code Page

Maintenance of coastal saltmarsh HP5 100

Restoration of coastal saltmarsh HP6 100

Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on arable land HP7 100

Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on grassland HP8 100

Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat by unmanaged breach or regular inundation HP9 101

Maintenance of sand dunes HP1 101

Restoration of sand dunes HP2 101

Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on arable land HP3 101

Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on grassland HP4 101

Supplements

Extensive grazing on saltmarsh HP10 102

Saltmarsh livestock exclusion supplement HP11 102

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require detailed feasibility and planning studies. If you think you have suitable land youshould apply for a one-year Inter-tidal Habitat Creation and Management Plan. Pleasecontact your RDS office for further advice.

Maintenance of coastal saltmarsh HP5

Restoration of coastal saltmarsh HP6

These options will maintain or restore coastal saltmarsh habitat by traditional grazingmanagement. A site suitable for restoration may be one that is currently being grazed in atraditionally un-grazed area, or it may be over-grazed or grazed at an inappropriate time ofyear. Alternatively, it may be a site that is difficult to graze and has become dominated by afew coarse species.

The extensive grazing supplement (HP10)may be used with the maintenance option(HP5). Both the extensive grazing (HP10) andlivestock exclusion supplements (HP11) maybe used with the restoration option (HP6).

Management includes: extensive grazingwith no supplementary feeding or fertiliserinputs; retaining wood debris andaccumulations of seaweed. Restorativemanagement will be tailored to each site,based on the existing and traditionalpractices in the area, and may involveintroducing or removing grazing.

Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on arable land HP7

Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on grassland HP8

These options create inter-tidal and saline habitats such as saltmarsh, mudflats and salinelagoons on former arable land, set-aside or grassland by a managed breach in the seadefences or, for a saline lagoon, constructing a water inlet and outlet system.

A one year Inter-tidal Habitat Creation and Management Plan will be required. Please contactyour RDS office for further advice.

Once the Plan is completed and accepted, the creation of saltmarsh and mudflat habitat mayinclude: site preparation by spraying off existing vegetation; breaching the sea wall andexcavating creeks; and allowing the site to flood regularly with the tide. Saline lagooncreation may involve the excavation of the lagoon; constructing a water inlet and outletsystem; and implementing a water flow regime.


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Abbotts Hall Saltings, Essex

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Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat by unmanaged breach orregular inundation HP9

This option maintains inter-tidal and transitional habitats on former arable land, set-aside orley grassland of low conservation value where an unmanaged breach in the sea defences hasalready occurred.

Management of the site may be informed by the completion of a management plan and willrequire you to continue to allow all tides to flood the site. Under this option you should not:plough; re-seed; roll or chain harrow; fertilise; introduce grazing without prior agreement; orremove accumulations of seaweed or wood debris.

Sand dune and vegetated gravel systems

Sand dunes and grazed shingle systems support many unusual plants and animals. Flowerssuch as wild thyme, dog violets and rest harrows grow in grassy areas on sand dunes, whilstyellow horned poppy and sea pea grow on the vegetated areas of shingle. These habitats arealso very important for breeding waders and often contain valuable ponds.

Land that lies behind a sand dune or shingle ridge and is currently arable land, set-aside orgrassland may be suitable to allow the roll-back of these systems inland. Each site is uniqueand will require detailed feasibility and planning studies. Please contact your RDS office forfurther advice.

Maintenance of sand dunes HP1

Restoration of sand dunes HP2

These options maintain or restore areas of grazed sand dune and shingle systems.

Management includes: extensive grazing with no fertiliser or supplementary feeding;maintaining the existing drainage and seasonal flooding pattern; restricting vehicular access;retaining accumulations of seaweed and wood debris; no ploughing, re-seeding, rolling orchain harrowing.

Restorative management may be informed by a management plan, but may involveintroducing or changing the grazing regime or undertaking erosion control activities.

Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on arable land HP3

Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on grassland HP4

These options provide an area of land to allow the migration of coastal shingle and sanddune systems inland. Very sandy or shingle soils may indicate where this habitat has occurredfurther inland in the past.

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Management will be informed by a Habitat Creation and Management Plan and should notinclude: ploughing, cultivation, re-seeding, rolling or chain harrowing; fertiliser, supplementaryfeeding, removal of wood debris or accumulations of seaweed; and access by vehicles isrestricted. This option may include flexible grazing or cutting to control excessive growth ofvegetation.

Supplement for extensive grazing on saltmarsh HP10

This supplement supports the management of grazing on saltmarshes where grazing istraditional, or on newly created saltmarsh where grazing is appropriate. It is available onoptions HP5, HP6, HP7, HP8 and HP9.

Saltmarsh livestock exclusion supplement HP11

This supplement removes livestock from saltmarshes where grazing is either not traditional,or is damaging the environmental value of the site. This may be where the site is over-grazedor supports breeding wildfowl or other birds. It is available on options HP6 or HP9.


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Wetland

Wetlands come in many different forms and are one our greatest natural assets. Wetlandhabitats include ponds, reedbeds, fens, bogs and coastal and floodplain grazing marsh.For wetland coastal and floodplain grazing marsh please see pages 83-85 and for coastalsaltmarsh options, see page 100. They are home to a wide diversity of wildlife and they areoften important and distinctive features of the local landscape. The following options aredesigned to maintain, restore or create these wetland habitats.

Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value < 100 sq m HQ1

Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value > 100 sq m HQ2

These options are targeted at ponds which are of particular value to wildlife, e.g. becausethey support rare or threatened species or because of the diversity of wildlife which ispresent.

Management will be tailored to the individual pond, but will require you to: retain thepresent pond profile; retain submerged or partially submerged dead wood; allow naturaldraw-down to occur. You must not: top-up the water level; alter the drainage of the pond oradjoining land in any way; use any pesticides or fertilisers within 6 m of the pond; introduceany plants, animals or waterfowl or feed any waterfowl.

Wetland options Code Page

Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value < 100 sq m HQ1 103

Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value > 100 sq m HQ2 103

Maintenance of reedbeds HQ3 104

Restoration of reedbeds HQ4 104

Creation of reedbeds HQ5 104

Maintenance of fen HQ6 105

Restoration of fen HQ7 105

Creation of fen HQ8 105

Maintenance of lowland raised bog HQ9 106

Restoration of lowland raised bog HQ10 106

Supplements

Wetland cutting HQ11 106

Wetland grazing HQ12 106

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Reedbeds

Reedbeds are an important part of thewetland landscape mosaic. They provide avaluable habitat for plants, insects and birds,including the rare and secretive bittern.Many sites are small and neglected, whilstsome of the larger sites are threatened bydrainage and other land improvements.Reedbeds can also be harvested to providetraditional material for purposes such asthatching.

Maintenance of reedbeds HQ3

Restoration of reedbeds HQ4

These options maintain or restore reedbeds to provide a valuable habitat for birds, insectsand small mammals. Sites suitable for these options should usually be over 0.5 ha with agood cover of reeds.

Management includes: maintaining water control structures in good working order;controlling scrub cover and retaining some open water; cleaning ditches and foot-drains nomore than once in every five years; cutting ditch banks in rotation; no fertiliser. You must notuse poor quality water to top-up the water levels.

Restoration may include: clearing scrub; cutting reeds in the summer; implementing a watermanagement regime; restoring the ditch network. Restoration or installation of water controlstructures and restoration of ditches may be funded under a Capital Works Plan.

Where mowing is appropriate, supplement HQ11 is available.

Creation of reedbeds HQ5

This option creates new reedbeds on land of existing low conservation interest. It is suitablefor use on arable, ley grassland or permanent improved grassland. The site should be flatand have a reliable summer water supply. It will be necessary to maintain up to 30 cm depthof water over part of the site in the summer months. Reedbed creation would not beallowed on archaeological features.

Reedbed creation and establishment will be informed by a management plan. This plan willdetail the design and construction of the reedbed and will include: creating a variety of landforms with areas of higher ground and areas of shallow open water; excavating ditches,installing bunds and sluices; and establishing reeds. Once established, the reedbed will bemanaged as HQ3.


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Rotational management is important inmaintaining the wildlife value of reedbeds

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Fens

Fens range from wetlands that are typically dominated by rushes, sedges, wetland grassesand characteristic flowering plants, to others that are moss covered. Fens can be easilydamaged by additional inputs of nutrients or by scrub encroachment. In addition to highbotanical diversity, many of these sites will support a variety of birds and insects. Theseoptions can also help protect archaeological sites, particularly organic remains.

Maintenance of fen HQ6

Restoration of fen HQ7

These options maintain or restore fens to provide a valuable habitat for birds, insects andsmall mammals. They are applicable to fens of all sizes, from the smallest around springs orin small depressions, to large areas on floodplains.

Management will include: maintaining water control structures and gateways in goodworking order; maintaining fens in an open condition with just a few scattered trees orshrubs. You must not allow water containing high levels of nutrients to empty into fens oruse poor quality water to top-up water levels.

Restoration may include: scrub clearance and implementation of a water managementregime. Restoration or installation of water control structures and restoration of ditches maybe funded by a Capital Works Plan.

Where mowing and/or grazing is appropriate, supplements HQ11 and HQ12 are available.

Creation of fen HQ8

This option creates new fens on land of low conservation interest especially around existingwetlands. Suitable sites will be arable, ley grassland or permanent improved grassland onpeaty soils that are over 0.5 ha; or less, if part of a wider wetland mosaic. The potential forthis option will depend on the availability of a reliable summer water supply. Fen creation willnot be allowed on archaeological sites.

Lowland raised bogs

These rare and fragile ecosystems occur on acid peat deposits and only survive inwaterlogged conditions. Historically they often formed part of a larger wetland mosaic.Management of adjacent areas is likely to influence the condition of the bog, and they areeasily damaged by drainage, peat digging or scrub encroachment.

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Maintenance of lowland raised bog HQ9

Restoration of lowland raised bog HQ10

These options maintain or restore lowland raised bog to provide habitat for the specialistplants and wildlife that are associated with them. Sites suitable for restoration will usuallyoccur on acid peat deposits, be part of a wider wetland habitat and have at least sometypical bog plants.

Management will include: retaining rainfall to maintain a high water table throughout theyear; maintaining water control structures in good working order; not digging or turningover peat; and no fertilisers. Restoration may include removing scrub and tree cover to below10% cover of the site area and/or filling or blocking ditches.

Where grazing is appropriate, supplement HQ12 is available.

Wetland cutting supplement HQ11

This supplement supports a cutting regime where this is the most appropriate form ofmanagement for the habitat. In addition, this option may help maintain local techniques andtraditions that may otherwise disappear.

It is only available on the maintenance, restoration and creation options for reedbed or fen,options options HQ3 - HQ8.

Wetland grazing supplement HQ12

This supplement supports agrazing regime on fens orlowland raised bogs where thisis the most appropriate form ofmanagement for the habitat.

It is only available withmaintenance, restoration andcreation of fens andmaintenance and restoration oflowland raised bog optionsHQ6 - HQ10.


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Cutting reeds at Hickling Broad

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Additional Supplements

HLS supplements may be available on the same land as certain HLS options (but not withELS or OELS options). Their use will be discussed at the post-application visit, and is at thediscretion of RDS. Where appropriate and agreed, however, the use of more than onesupplement on a single parcel is possible.

Supplement for the control of invasive plant species HR4

This supplement supports the regularmanagement of particularly severeinfestations of invasive species, such asrhododendron, Himalayan balsam, Japaneseknotweed and rushes, which are damaging afeature of interest.

It is eligible on all habitat managementoptions, except arable. This supplementcannot be used for controlling weeds listedin the Weeds Act 1959, for the control ofbracken or gorse (for which there are otherspecific options), or for complying with thecross-compliance conditions of the SinglePayment Scheme.

Bracken control supplement HR5

Bracken control may be necessary to maintain or restore wildlife value or protect archaeologicalsites. It can also help maintain and conserve the vegetation mosaics characteristic of upland andheathland landscapes. This supplement supports control of the spread, or removal, of existingstands of bracken where it is desirable to do so. It is paid in addition to the capital payments forbracken control to cover the costs of follow-up management. Care must be taken not to causeareas of bare soil in areas vulnerable to soil erosion.

Additional supplements Code Page

Supplement for the control of invasive plant species HR4 107

Bracken control supplement HR5 107

Supplement for small fields HR6 108

Supplement for difficult sites HR7 108

Supplement for group applications HR8 108

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This supplement is mainly intended for use with lowland heathland and upland options, butcould also be used where bracken control is necessary on dry grassland, in woodland and onsand dunes. Wherever possible, the primary method of control should be by mechanical means.

Supplement for small fields HR6

Small fields, their boundaries and their margins are important features of the local landscape,the historic environment and also have wildlife value. Some examples represent the earliestenclosed land used for agriculture, dating back to prehistoric times. Small fields are oftenproportionately more expensive to manage. For example, the higher ratio of headland,reduced yields, increased unproductive fieldwork, and the higher labour cost per unit of landarea and per head of stock.

Fields of less than 2 ha are eligible for this supplement at the discretion of RDS.

Supplement for difficult sites HR7

Some sites are very difficult to access or may contain hazards to livestock that require ahigher level of management. This supplement aims to compensate for the increased costs ofmanaging particularly difficult sites, where there is a risk of abandonment. Examples mayinclude very steep slopes, cliffs, islands or bogs, as well as grazing sites that are isolated fromthe rest of the land.

The use of this supplement may be considered on all relevant options (not arable optionsand HE11, HC5 or HC6), but is at Defra’s discretion. You will be required to justify the needfor this supplement (e.g. associated extra costs) in discussion with your RDS adviser. Thisoption is not available in addition to supplement HR6.

Supplement for group applications HR8

This supplement contributes towards the costs of facilitating communal agreements. It isparticularly targeted at common land and areas of shared grazing that have two or moreactive graziers. It may also be applied to applications for agreements covering areas undermore than one ownership that are to be managed for resource protection, inter-tidal floodmanagement and/or wetland management. It may also be used to facilitate applications inlandscapes with extensive archaeological or historic features.


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Adding extra ELS and OELS options to your HLS application

Within HLS it is possible to apply for some ELS and OELS options over and above thoserequired to meet your points target. If the following options are chosen, they will contributeto your HLS payment. Further information is provided at section 4.1.

When choosing additional ELS or OELS options, as part of your HLS application, the relevantcodes need to use the prefix ’H’.

ELS /HLS Codes ELS/OELS Options OELS/HLS Codes

HC1 Protection of in-field trees - arable (conventional)/ rotational (organic) OHC1

HC2 Protection of in-field trees - grassland OHC2

HC4 Management of woodland edges OHC4

HD2 Take archaeological features out of cultivation OHD2

HD3 Reduce cultivation depth OHD3

HD4 Management of scrub on archaeological sites OHD4

HD5 Archaeological features on grassland OHD5

HE1 2 m buffer strips on cultivated land (conventional)/rotational (organic) OHE1



HE4 2 m buffer strips on intensive grassland/organic grassland OHE4



HE7 Buffering in-field ponds in improved grassland (conventional)/ OHE7organic grassland (organic)

HE8 Buffering in-field ponds in arable land (conventional)/ OHE8rotational land (organic)

HF1 Management of field corners OHF1

HF2 Wild bird seed mixture OHF2

HF3 Wild bird seed mixture on set-aside land –

HF4 Pollen and nectar flower mixture OHF4

HF5 Pollen and nectar flower mixture on set-aside land –

HF6 Over-wintered stubbles OHF6

HF7 Beetle banks OHF7

HF8 Skylark plots OHF8

HF9 Conservation headlands in cereal fields –

HF10 Conservation headlands in cereal fields with no fertilisers or manure –

HF11 6 m uncropped, cultivated margins on arable land –

HG1 Under sown spring cereals OHG1

HG2 Wild bird seed mixture (conventional)/grassland areas (organic) OHG2

HG3 Pollen and nectar seed mixtures in grassland areas OHG3

HG4 Cereals for whole crop silage followed by over-wintered stubbles OHG4

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HG5 Brassica fodder crops followed by over-wintered stubbles OHG5

HJ1 Management of high erosion risk cultivated land OHJ1

HJ2 Management of maize crops to reduce soil erosion OHJ2

HK1 Take field corners out of management outside the LFA OHK1

HK2 Permanent grassland with low inputs outside the LFA OHK2

HK3 Permanent grassland with very low inputs outside the LFA OHK3

HK4 Management of rush pastures outside the LFA OHK4

HK5 Mixed stocking outside the LFA OHK5

HL1 Field corner management (LFA land) OHL1

HL2 Manage in-bye grassland with low inputs (LFA land) OHL2

HL3 Manage in-bye pasture and meadows with very low inputs (LFA land) OHL3

HL4 Management of rush pastures (LFA land) OHL4

HL5 Enclosed rough grazing (LFA land) OHL5

HL6 Moorland rough grazing (LFA land) –

HM1 Soil management plan OHM1

HM2 Nutrient management plan OHM2

HM3 Manure management plan OHM3

HM4 Crop protection management plan –


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RDS offices are open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.

Contact details for RDS offices.

RDS region Contact details

South EastGreater London, Berkshire,Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire,Hampshire, Surrey, East Sussex,West Sussex, Kent and Isle of Wight

RDS South EastPO Box 2423ReadingRG1 6WYTel: 08456 024092Fax 0118 939 2263e-mail: [email protected]

North WestCheshire, Greater Manchester,Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria

RDS North WestPO Box 380CreweCW1 6YHTel: 08456 024093Fax 01270 754280e-mail: [email protected]

North EastNorthumberland, Tyne and Wear,Durham and the former county ofCleveland

RDS North EastPO Box 578Newcastle upon TyneNE15 8WWTel: 08456 024097Fax 0191 229 5508e-mail: [email protected]

East MidlandsDerbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire,Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshireand Rutland

RDS East MidlandsPO Box 8296NottinghamNG8 3WZTel: 08456 024091Fax 0115 9294886e-mail: [email protected]

East of EnglandBedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk,Suffolk, Essex and Hertfordshire

RDS EastPO Box 247CambridgeCB2 2WWTel: 08456 024094Fax 01223 533777e-mail: [email protected]

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Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 2RDS contact details

RDS region Contact details

The contact details for the RPA’sCustomer Service Centre inNewcastle are:

Customer Service CentreRural Payments AgencyLancaster HouseHampshire CourtNewcastle-upon-TyneNE4 7YH

E-mail:[email protected]: 0845 6037777

Yorkshire & HumbersideNorth Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, WestYorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire andNorth Lincolnshire

RDS Yorkshire & The HumberPO Box 213LeedsLS16 5WNTel: 08456 024096Fax 0113 230 3790e-mail: [email protected]

West MidlandsHerefordshire, Worcestershire,Warwickshire, Shropshire, Staffordshireand West Midlands

RDS West MidlandsPO Box 530WorcesterWR5 2WZTel: 08456 024095Fax 01905 362888 e-mail: [email protected]

South WestThe Scilly Isles, Cornwall, Devon,Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire,Wiltshire and the former county ofAvon

RDS South WestPO Box 277BristolBS10 6WWTel: 08456 024098Fax 0117 9505392e-mail: [email protected]

Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 2RDS contact details

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Agreement land All land on which Entry Level or Organic Entry Level and Higher Level Stewardshipmanagement prescriptions apply, including items within a Capital Works Plan.

Agri-environment schemesSchemes under EC Regulation 1257/99 which offer grants for measures to conserve andenhance the countryside. The main schemes are Environmental Stewardship, EnvironmentallySensitive Areas, Countryside Stewardship and Organic Farming.

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Action plans to conserve and enhance biological diversity within the UK for our mostthreatened species and wildlife habitats.

Capital worksWorks in an agreement attracting one-off payments - for example, hedge laying. Usually partof a Capital Works Plan.

Capital Works Plan (CWP)The capital works to be carried out during specified periods of your agreement. CapitalWorks Plans will usually be for two to three years.

Common landLand where management rights are vested in a number of individuals.

CRoW Act The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Strengthens the legislation on the protectionof SSSIs (see below) and introduces new rights of access on foot to open countryside(mountain, moor, heath, downland) and commons.

DefraDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

DerogationAgreed temporary relaxation from the specified requirements in an agreement.

EIA RegulationsThe Environmental Impact Assessment (Uncultivated Land and Semi-Natural Areas) (England)Regulations 2001.The Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999.

Environmental Information mapThe map which Defra will send to you, with your personalised application form, showingdesignations on your land such as SSSIs, Scheduled Monuments and Less Favoured Areas.


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Environmental StewardshipReplaces Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Countryside Stewardship Schemes from 2005.Has three elements - Entry Level Stewardship, Organic Entry Level Stewardship and HigherLevel Stewardship.

Farm Environment Plan (FEP)Records features identified on your land together with a statement on their condition.Suitable HLS management options may also be suggested. Must accompany an applicationfor HLS.

FER/FEP mapThe map of your land, sent to you by RDS, which is used as a basis for your combined FarmEnvironment Record and Farm Environment Plan map, which you return to RDS with yourcompleted application form.

Farm Environment Record (FER)A simple record of the features on your land, required as part of the ELS or OELS element ofyour agreement. As a condition of your agreement, you agree to retain the features identified.

Field Data SheetAnnex 2 of the HLS application form, on which you have entered your ELS and HLS non-rotational in-field options. (Rotational options and management plan options are entered onannex 3 of the application form.)

‘Force majeure’A breach of your agreement caused by unusual or unforeseeable circumstances or becauseof events beyond your control and which could not have been avoided by reasonable action.

Historic parklandA designed landscape, usually with mature trees set in pasture.

‘Indicators of success’Agreed between you and your RDS adviser, these will help you judge whether particularmanagement is achieving the desired results and, where necessary, help you to fine-tuneyour management to allow for variations in conditions between years and between differentareas of your land.

Joint Character AreaOne of 150 areas of the English countryside, each with a characteristic association of wildlifeand natural features. In each of these areas there will be priority targets (see below) for themanagement of a variety of features. Your HLS application will be scored against thesetargets.

Higher Level Stewardship Handbook APPENDIX 3Glossary

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LeachingThe process by which percolating water removes nutrients from the soil.

LFAsLess Favoured Areas - where the natural characteristics (geology, altitude, climate, etc.) makefarming difficult.

Livestock unit (LU)A measure of grazing pressure, allowing stocking rate comparison between livestock types.Grazing livestock units are calculated according to conversion factors which vary accordingto the type of animal.

MosaicA number of vegetation types within a given area, often having increased value throughassociation with each other.

Non-rotational optionsManagement options which remain in the same place on your land for the duration of youragreement.

Options mapThe maps of your land which you send back to RDS, with your completed application form,on which you have marked the options you wish to enter into ELS or OELS and HLS. Thesewill usually include both land management options and capital works.

OvergrazingGrazing of land which significantly reduces the growth, quality or species composition ofvegetation (other than vegetation normally grazed to destruction) on that land.

PoachingSevere damage to the sward caused by concentrations of livestock.

PollardingThe traditional practice of cutting all the branches from a tree, usually willow, at about sixfeet above ground so that the re-growth cannot be eaten by stock. The harvested timberwas used for a variety of purposes.

PlantationWoodland where most of the trees have been planted.

Priority targetsThe targets against which your application will be scored. Details of the targets applying toyour land will be included with your application form. If your application does not addressany of the targets for your area, it will be rejected.

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Rotational optionsOptions which can be moved around your land during the course of your agreement, e.g.skylark plots, wild bird seed mix plots, conservation headlands.

RDSRural Development Service.

RDS adviser Adviser responsible for giving advice on Environmental Stewardship to applicants, agreementholders and other organisations.

RLRRural Land Register, a database of land parcels and areas within England, managed by theRPA. For land to be eligible for HLS, it must be registered on the Rural Land Register.

RPARural Payments Agency, an executive agency of Defra responsible for the CAP paymentfunctions, formerly delivered by Defra and the Intervention Board.

SPSThe Single Payment Scheme. A decoupled subsidy payment replacing the ten majorCommon Agricultural Policy (CAP) payment schemes, one of the major reforms of the CAPwhich comes into effect in 2005.

SSSISite of Special Scientific Interest.

SupplementsAnnual payments, to cover additional work needed for the management of specific habitats.

Targeting statementA statement, agreed with local organisations, setting out the priority targets in your area.Part of your application pack. Your application will be scored against these targets.

Traditional buildingFarm buildings of historic landscape value.

UndergrazingWhere annual growth is not being fully utilised, or where scrub or coarse vegetation isbecoming evident, and this is detrimental to the environmental interests of the site.


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Access 91Adding Land 57Additional requirements 53Advice 42Agents 12Agreement – changes/amendments 57

– start date 12Allotments 89Ancient trees 62Annual management payments 7Appeals 59Applying for an agreement 12Arable farmland 71Arable options on set-aside 74Arable reversion 82Archaeology 68Assessment of applications 13

B

Bogs 105Bracken control 107Breaches of agreement 59Breeding waders 83Buffer strips 86

C

Capital Gains Tax exemption 51Capital works 44Changes to agreements 57Claims for payment 7Cliff tops 99Combinations of ELS and HLS options 41Commons management 10Consents 14Conservation Areas 16

Conservation headlands 73Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW)

Act 2000 94Countryside Stewardship (CSS) 49Cross compliance 48Crown land 11

D

Declarations and undertakings 35Derogations 57Difficult sites 108Direct drilling 69Disability Discrimination Act 1995 92Disagreements with Defra decisions 59Disclosure of agreement information

to the public 8Disclosure of application details to

other bodies 17

E

Educational access 94Eligibility 9ELS/OELS 6, 41, 49Energy Crops Scheme 50English Woodland Grant Scheme 51English Heritage 15English Nature 15Environment Agency 15Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Regulations 17Environmental Information Map 23Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) 49Erosion 78Estimate of costs (capital works) 45Existing access 54, 91

Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 4Index

F

Fallow plots 73, 75, 77Farm Facts leaflet 95Farm Woodland Premium Scheme and

Farm Woodland Scheme 51Felling Licences 16Fens 105FEP 19FER 23FER/FEP map 23Field data sheet 26Fodder crop management 74Footpaths 93‘Force Majeure’ 59Forestry Commission 16

G

Glossary 113Good Farming Practice 53Grassland management 81Grassland supplements 86Group application supplement 108

H

Habitat Scheme 50Hay-making supplement 86Heathland 96Heather and Grass Burning Regulations

and Code 53Heather and gorse management

supplement 91Hedgerow management 60Heritage lottery funding 52Hides 46Hill Farm Allowance 51Historic environment options 68

I

Indicators of success 39Inheritance Tax exemption 51Internal Drainage Board consent 15Insurance (access) 92Inter-tidal habitats 99Interpretation Boards/Information

Leaflets 46Inundation grassland supplement 87Invasive plant species 107

J

Joint Character Areas 13

L

Land, ownership 9, 10rights held by others 11

Less Favoured Areas 88Listed buildings 16Livestock Units 32Livestock removal supplement 80Low input spring cereals 76

M

Management plans 34Manure Management Plan 78Maps 23Margins 72Metal detecting on agreement land 54Moorland options 88

N

National Park Authority 16Nitrate Vulnerable Zones 52Nutrient Management Plan 78

Higher Level Stewardship Handbook APPENDIX 4Index

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Objectives of Environmental Stewardship 6Options map 23OELS/ELS 6, 41, 49Orchards 66Organic Aid/Organic Farming Schemes 50Organic Inspection Body 5Other funding 56Other obligations 52Overpayments 59Over-wintered stubbles 73

P

Parkland 62Parkland trees 63Partnerships/trusts 10Payments 7Penalties 59Planning permission 16Ponds 103Priority targets 13Public bodies 11Public liability insurance 92Public Rights of Way (PRoW) 54Publicity 56

R

Raised water level supplement 87Reedbeds 104Resource protection 78Rotational arable options 72Rough grazing 89Run-off 79Rural Land Register 9

S

Saltmarsh 99Sand dunes 101Scheduled Monuments 15Scoring 13Scrub management 65Seasonal livestock removal 80Section 28G authorities 15Set-aside 48Selling land 57Shepherding Supplement 90Single Payment Scheme (SPS) 48Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) 15Small field supplement 108Soil management plan 78Special projects 46Specialist advice 35Spring crop 73Stocking density calculation 32Stubbles 73Supplements – generic 107

T

Targeting 13Teachers’ information pack 95Technical Advice Notes 37Tenants 10Traditional buildings 46Trees 16Tree Preservation Orders 16Trusts/partnerships 10

U

Unsuccessful applications 14Uplands 88

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Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 4Index

V

Variation of agreements by Secretary of State 59

VAT 45

W

Water meadows 70Wet grassland 83Wetland options 103Wild bird seed mix 72Wildlife Enhancement Scheme 51Wintering waders/wildfowl 84Wood pasture 62Woodland management 64Work affecting water 15


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RDS is part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

If you enter into an Environmental Stewardship agreement,it will be with the Secretary of State acting through RDS

and Defra, and this handbook will form part of it.

Environmental Stewardship

Higher Level StewardshipHandbookTerms and conditions and how to apply

Produced by the Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs

© Crown copyright 2005

PB10382. February 2005

Printed on recycled paper containing 80% post consumer wasteand 20% totally chlorine free virgin pulp

www.defra.gov.uk

Chalk grass, W

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