Natural England - e-FEP: Guidance for customers and FEP surveyors

e-FEP: Guidance for customers and FEP surveyors

The e-FEP is designed to help in the selection and use of reference data and provide some basic checking of the information entered.

Please note - we have updated our forms: new versions of the eFEP templates are now available for download below.  We have also updated 3 feature codes.

Summary of changes:

  • a revised FEP form and Environmental Features data sheet replaces the previous FEP form, data sheet and Farm Overview and Opportunities form.

  • the FO2 feature code will no longer be used. Boundaries of high environmental value should be coded FO9.

  • The TO6* feature code will no longer be used. Plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) should be coded T16.

  • The VO5* feature code will no longer be used. High environmental value bracken should be coded VO7.

We have updated the e-FEP: Frequently Asked Questions with questions about the revised forms.

Please make sure you submit your FEP on the new forms.

Please download the updated eFEP forms below.  You will find advice on how to transfer data from the old forms to the new templates in the guidance on completing the forms below. 

The e-FEP form is in two parts, which have been created using both Excel and Adobe Acrobat software. You must complete both parts of the e-FEP form. Instructions for completing the forms are provided in the HLS Handbookexternal link and FEP Features Manualexternal link, with additional information on the e-FEP FAQs page.

Users who currently have Adobe 7 or 8 should update to Adobe Reader 9 which is available as a free download form the Adobe websiteexternal link.

How do I download and save the e-FEP forms?

The e-FEP forms should be completed on a PC using Microsoft Excel and Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.

 Excel form part 3.4 - Access. Please note, we are no longer able to offer access revenue payments (HN1 to HN9), although access capital items are still available. Highlight opportunites for access in section 3.4 (a), or (b) for Educational Access, and list any capital items that support this.

Download the two parts of the e-FEP files as master copies:

Alternatively, download the eFEP zip file: (610kb)compressed zip file containing both templates and the associated guidance.

Once you have downloaded the files, you should choose ‘Save as…’ or equivalent. A suggested directory structure for agents with many forms to complete would be ‘master’, ‘working’ and ’sent’.

For both parts of the e-FEP, copy the master form to the name of the HLS application supplied by Natural England (ie AG00003896.pdf and AG00003896.xls). Always ensure you open a blank copy of the e-FEP forms for each new FEP you complete.

Make sure you have at least 10MB free disk space for each e-FEP you prepare.

How do I complete the e-FEP forms?

Complete all the necessary information on both of the e-FEP forms, to ensure a successful electronic transfer into the Natural England computer system. Omissions or errors are likely to cause delays to processing, as we will need to contact you to confirm or clarify information.

Please read the following guidance to minimise the likelihood of queries:

How do I submit the e-FEP to Natural England?

You should send both parts of the completed e-FEP form to Natural England using Guidance for submitting a completed e-FEP to Natural England: (10kb)pdf document.

How do I report problems?

Details and advice about a number of known issues can be found on the e-FEP FAQ page. If you encounter any other problems please contact your Natural England office.