Environmental Stewardship

From March 1st 2005 Environmental Stewardship (ES) has replaced Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Schemes. The Scheme comprises three elements:

Entry Level Stewardship (ELS)

This scheme is open to all farmers and land managers who want to deliver a basic level of environmental management. Historic Environment sites on the land can result in more points being scored. Information concerning archaeological sites for consideration in ELS will be automatically supplied by DEFRA. Additional information can be sought from the Historic Environment Record (HER) at no charge, and will be treated as a normal enquiry.

Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS)

This scheme is open to all farmers with organic land who are not already receiving aid from either the Organic Aid Scheme (OAS) or the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS). Historic Environment sites on the land can result in more points being scored. Information concerning archaeological sites for consideration in OELS will be automatically supplied by DEFRA. Additional information can be sought from the Historic Environment Record (HER) at no charge, and will be treated as a normal enquiry.

Higher Level Stewardship (HLS)

This scheme is open to all farmers and land managers after, or in conjunction with, ELS or OELS who to deliver a higher level of environmental management. Entry to this scheme requires the production of a Farm Environmental Plan (FEP). Historic environment data forms an important part of the FEP and a consultation with the HER is essential. Charges apply for this service:

Rates:

Holdings up to 50ha - £75

Holdings of 50ha plus - £150

Rates have been set at a national level and are fixed, however they are not inclusive of VAT. Payment will be requested through an invoice, cheques should be made payable to 'Somerset County Council'.

How to consult the HER for HLS

In order to consult the HER for historic environment data for use in a FEP the following documents should be supplied:

A consultation letter requesting data and indicating whether any of the land is owned by the National Trust or Defense Estates.
A map showing the holding boundary and field numbers at 1:10,000 scale or larger, with 6 figure national grid reference. Ownership boundaries of any National Trust or Defence estate land should be indicated.
A copy of the holding ELS agreement map and/or Farm Environmental Record (FER) map where there is an existing ELS agreement on the holding.
Clear indication of the holding hectarage, in order that the correct rate should be charged.
Brief details of any land management agreements that are known to exist.

All HLS consulation requests should be sent to Environmental Stewardship, Historic Environment Service, Somerset County Council, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY. Tel: 01823 5426, email: heritage@somerset.gov.uk

The HER will provide the information within 15 working days of receipt of a written request.

Informing the HER of Additional Sites

Applicants may submit new sites for inclusion on the HER. Please supply an accurate location map/plan and full details of the site as well as any accompanying documentation such as photographs. This should be sent to Historic Environment Record Officer, Historic Environment Service, Somerset County Council, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY. Tel: 01823 5426, email: heritage@somerset.gov.uk

If applicants wish to inform of an artefact find the local Finds Liaison Officer from the Portable Antiquities Scheme should be notified: Ciorstaidh Hayward-Trevarthen, Dorset and Somerset FLO, Somerset County Museum, Taunton Castle, Taunton. Tel: 01823 320200, email: chtrevarthen@somerset.gov.uk

Further Information:

All applicants should consult the relevant handbook, available from DEFRA.

Rural Development Service (2005) Entry Level Stewardship Handbook: Terms and Conditions and How to Apply.

Rural Development Service (2005) Organic Entry Level Stewardship Handbook: Terms and Conditions and How to Apply.

Rural Development Service (2005) Higher Level Stewardship: Terms and Conditions and How to Apply.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/es/default.htm