New Stewardship Approved

Jan 12, 2005

The Environmental Stewardship Scheme (ESS) has been approved by the European Union and will be launched this March. Further details are available on the DEFRA web site. The new scheme, also known as the 'Higher Level Scheme', or HLS, is complex, and incorporates the previous CSS and ESA Schemes. A major factor for us is that large payments are available to applicants in order for them to employ consultants to do all the work. A Farm Environment Plan is required for all applications, and this is quite a major piece of work. Fortunately, a payment is made to the applicant for us to complete this work. Furthermore, increased payments are available to the applicant to allow us to prepare the application, and all necessary management plans. MAB are preferred consultants for completion of the FEP, and are being trained by DEFRA in all aspects of the new scheme. Most of this help to the applicant should not cost them a penny. Using MAB will greatly enhance the chances of any application being accepted.
A further major change is to the application 'window': previously this was set annually, but now applications will be processed throughout the year. This will allow us to complete surveys at a better time of year, and will (hopefully) allow DEFRA Stewardship Advisors to improve management of work flows.

MAB Environment & Ecology Ltd. The Old Chapel, Knayton, Thirsk YO7 4AZ. Limited company no. 6504129.