Entry Level Stewardship (ELS)
| Quick links |
 ELS Handbook - online versionELS Handbook to download [PDF] (1.15 MB)]New Environmental Stewardshipoptions guidance [PDF] (263 KB) Agreement start dates [PDF]Making the most of your ELS optionsExample options map [PDF] (2 MB) Example Farm Environment Record [PDF] (1.98 MB)
Forms to download ELS Online update
Joint Character Area – Making the Most of your Agreement |
What are the key features of ELS?
- The aim is to encourage a large number of farmers across a wide area of farmland to deliver simple yet effective environmental management.
- Requires a basic level of environmental management.
- Payment of £30 per hectare, per year across the whole farm (except in extensively grazed upland areas).
- There is a wide range of over 50 options to choose from (e.g. hedgerow management, stone wall maintenance, low input grassland, buffer strips, and arable options), to cover all farming types.
- Five year agreements with automatic payments sent out every six months.
- Straightforward application procedure by completing a Farm Environmental Record (FER).
- Monthly start dates for agreements. Our target is to provide an agreement within three months of receipt of a valid application.
- ELS is administered by Natural England from their regional offices.
Page last modified:
8 October, 2008
Page published: 3 March, 2005