Rural Practice - Environmental Stewardship Schemes

The Environmental Stewardship Scheme is now nearing the end of its first 5 years in operation.  This scheme operates as three individual schemes:

• The Entry Level Scheme
• The Organic Entry Level Scheme
• The Higher Level Scheme

Rural Land Register

The Rural Land Register is currently in the process of being updated.  This is as a result of changes to parcels over the last 5 years, as well as more accurate mapping data.

The new maps should be closely scrutinised to confirm the boundaries are correct.  If the maps are accepted without change this could affect the 2010 and future SPS claims.

There is a 28 day deadline for responding to draft maps.

More information: Rural Land Register & Rural Payments Agency

The Campaign for the Farmed Environment

The Campaign is the farming industry’s response to the Government's regulatory approach to retain the environmental benefits that arose from set-aside.  It is a trial which if not successful is likely to result in the statutory imposition of a set-aside regime – possibly at 5-8% of the farm holding.

Kirkby & Diamond fully support the aims of the Campaign For the Farmed Environment.  We encourage all our farming clients and contacts to support the Campaign.

For more information on the Campaign for the Farmed Environment go to Rural Practice - The Campaign for the Farmed Environment.