Natural England

Environmental prizes donated by Natural England to a live auction organised by the Lincolnshire Rural Stress Network in aid of the Lincolnshire Farmers Support Group have been purchased by two generous bidders.

The prizes auctioned included a visit to the Wash National Nature Reserve for a bird count with a warden and another included a visit to a Natural England demonstration farm to learn how to get the best out of Environmental Stewardship OR to receive one-to-one training for application to Entry Level Stewardship Scheme.

The event to raise funds for the Network was kindly hosted by Mr and Mrs P Clarke, owners of Nocton Estates, near Lincoln and it raised over £5000. The funds will be used to support the very valuable work of the Lincolnshire Rural Stress Network with which Natural England works in partnership.

Vanessa Lindley, Manager of LRSN said “ the evening was a tremendous success and we are grateful to Natural England for supporting the event. Environmental Stewardship scheme payments make a valuable contribution to many farming families incomes.”

The prizes also highlight the contribution that Environmental Stewardship makes to the wildlife, landscape and historic environment of the East Midlands Region.

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 £20million funding per year.

Natural England is currently promoting the Entry Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme. 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.

Notes to Editors:

1. Natural England has a Rural Support Team which develops, manages and implements the delivery of a referral process for dealing with farmers perceived as suffering from stress. Rural support activities are delivered through a network of regionally-based rural support contacts.

2. The Lincolnshire Rural Stress Network was formed in response to the widespread experience of stress in the rural community. If you would like to hear about their charitable work or make a donation: contact Vanessa Lindley - Tel: 01522 550674.

3. Information about Entry Level Stewardship and an application pack can be obtained by calling 08456 024091.

4. 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.

Issued on behalf of Natural England by Government News Network East Midlands Media enquiries to Gaby Hateley on 0115 971 2797 or gabrielle.hateley@gnn.gsi.gov.uk