Natural England

Natural England is calling on farmers attending the Cereals 2008 event in Lincolnshire next week (11-12 June), to find out about how they can access financial support for protecting and enhancing the natural environments on their farms.

Natural England specialists will be on hand at Stand 351 to talk about its Environmental Stewardship and Energy Crops schemes. Environmental Stewardship is an agri-environment scheme which provides funding to farmers and other land managers in England who deliver effective environmental management on their land. The scheme's primary objectives are to conserve wildlife, maintain and enhance landscape quality and character, protect the historic environment and natural resources, promote public access and understanding of the countryside and protect natural resources.

The Energy Crops Scheme offers grants to farmers in England for the establishment of miscanthus and short rotation coppice in order to increase the amount of energy crops grown in England, in appropriate locations. Energy crops are used as a substitute for fossil fuels, can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and help to combat climate change.

Farmers will also be able to access information on Sites of Special Scientific Interest, carbon management and organic farming, as well as the Future of Farming Award.

The Future of Farming Award recognises the most innovative farmers who have successfully integrated the management of biodiversity, landscape and access with their main farming business. The award aims to give recognition to land managers who achieve sustainable management of the natural environment ensuring a secure and economically viable future for the countryside.

Geoff Sansome, East Midlands Regional Director for Natural England commented “Environmental Stewardship and the Energy Crops Scheme highlight the significant contribution farmers can make to the conservation and protection of some of England’s most important landscapes and habitats. Drop in and see our advisers at the show for some free advice about the schemes available to you or find out how you may participate in our Future of Farming Award.”

Cereals 2008 takes place at Heath Farm, Leadenham, Lincolnshire, and is the leading technical event for the UK arable industry. The event has over 64ha of stands and live demonstrations including crop plots, working demonstrations, the Sprays and Sprayers arena, and Arable Outlook, a new area dedicated to renewable energy, bio fuel and non-food crops. Opening times are Wednesday 8am – 6pm and Thursday 8am – 5pm.

Issued on behalf of Natural England by COI News & PR East Midlands. Media enquiries to Gaby Hateley on 0115 971 2797

Notes to Editors:

• Environmental Stewardship has three elements:

Entry Level Stewardship (ELS):
Open to all farmers and landowners
Simple and effective land management.

Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS):
Organic strand of ELS
Open to all farmers not receiving Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) aid.

Higher Level Stewardship (HLS):
Targeted environmental management.
Capital work plans.

• More than 4,200 farmers in the East Midlands who have signed up for Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) and Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS) since March 2005 are receiving more than £20 million funding per year.
• Funding is not restricted and is available now to all eligible farmers and land managers in the East Midlands. A variety of 50 options are available and farmers can choose those which suit their farm and business.
• More information on the Future of Farming Awards can be found at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/campaigns/landmanagement/farmingaward.htm
• More information on the Energy Crops Scheme is available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/planning/grants-funding/energy-crops/default.htm
• Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.