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Entry Level Scheme

The new Environmental Stewardship scheme

The new English scheme from DEFRA comprises:

  • Entry Level Stewardship.
  • Organic Entry Level Stewardship.
  • Higher Level Stewardship.

For the first time Entry Level Stewardship is open to all farmers Full details about ELS are provided in the scheme handbook. (Click on link for details)

The Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS) is for farms that are all or part organic. It differs from ELS in that a few options are missing and others have different point allocations.

The Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) is available to farmers with particular features or species for which the scheme is targeted. You will normally require advice from a conservation adviser to join this scheme. Under this scheme, you can also undertake more of the ELS options.
Bats Need Homes

 Bats need homes!

The ELS scheme is designed to produce habitat for Insects, Wild Birds and Small Mammals which have become less common with the onset of intensive farming practices. Pictured above is one of the many species the scheme is going to help. The Bat.
Corn Bunting

Wild Birds need habitat for themselves and the insects and seed they feed on
Bumblebee

Aid your pollination... encourage the humble bumblebee, Nice Honey too!

It is vitally important to remember any ELS mixtures sown are in addition to your Cross Compliance obligations. Please check with your local scheme officer if in any doubt. Make sure your plans are accepted before sowing any areas for inclusion in the Entry Level Scheme

Why bother with Entry Level Stewardship?

Whilst the Single Farm Payment (SFP) slowly diminishes the ELS payments will remain

  • Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) is open to all farmers and land managers and you can apply at any time - you can choose to start your agreement on 1st May, 1st August, 1st November or (from 2006 onwards) 1st February. Details about closing dates for each agreement start date are provided in the ELS handbook.
  • Applying to join ELS is voluntary.
  • Joining the ELS is worth £30 per hectare per year* paid in six-monthly instalments.
  • If you can score the required number of points and agree to meet the scheme conditions, then you will be accepted into the scheme.
  • Existing features (e.g. hedges and dry-stone walls) score points provided that the management prescription is adopted.
  • ELS is designed to be easy to apply, without the need for external advice.

* For blocks of Less Favoured Area (LFA) land more than 15 hectares in size, the payment is £8 per hectare per year. For organic land under the Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS), the payment is £60 per hectare per year.

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