Transition Penwith

The new ES handbooks have been published by Natural England. The new handbook, which covers every available ES scheme, provides farmers with a comprehensive guide to ES, and how to apply.

The handbook applies to all agreements starting on or after 1 October 2008 and has been re-designed. It includes information on new options and changes to the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), bringing farmers up to date on how ES can help their farm business. 

Printed versions of the new handbook for scheme applicants and their agents can be obtained from their regional Natural England office, the details of which can be found in the Environmental Stewardship section of the Natural England website.  Existing agreement holders must keep their old handbooks as the terms and conditions remain part of the legal basis of their agreement.

There is a dedicated telephone number, 0300 060 1115, and for the first time, applications for Entry Level Stewardship schemes (ELS) can be made online.  Full details of how to download the software and make the application are on the Natural England website. 

There is no limit to how many ELS applications a customer can submit, once they have downloaded the software and have the system up and running.