Natural England

Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn, is today (Wednesday 6th August) joining local people and Natural England on a tour of Environmental Stewardship Schemes in the Yorkshire Dales. Natural England organised the visit so that participants can showcase the environmental benefits achieved through managing moorland under the Schemes.

Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, accompanied the Minister on the tour. Speaking about Environmental Stewardship in the uplands, Sir Martin said: "The English uplands provide essential resources for both wildlife and people. They act as giant sponges to reduce the risk of flooding and, as natural carbon stores, have a major role to play in tackling climate change.

"Environmental Stewardship is helping local people managing our moorlands to be recognised for the role they play in delivering vital environmental services".

In the morning, the Minister will tour Grinton Estate grouse moor in Swaledale to see how landowners are working with Natural England to maintain the moorland and meet the challenges faced by climate change. The land is under Higher Level Stewardship, which throughout the Dales has resulted in an increase in breeding birds like the distinctive curlew, the protection of upland heritage, including iron age Hill forts and the rebuilding of iconic features like dry stone walls.

In the afternoon the party will visit Hazel Brow Farm which has close links with local schools and the community. The farm has diversified and has created a visitor centre, café and several nature trails. The Minister will be presented with some delicious organic Swaledale cheese produced on site using milk from the farm’s organic dairy herd.

Natural England will also be introducing an uplands strand to the Entry Level Stewardship scheme from 2010, as part of Environmental Stewardship and replacing the Hill Farm Allowance.

The aim of this will be to maintain and improve the biodiversity, natural resources, and historical landscape of England’s uplands. The shape of the scheme will be finalised later this year, after further discussion and testing with hill farmers.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

The press are invited to attend for photo opportunity at 14.30 at Hazel Brow Farm (Low Row, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 6NE) when the Minister and Sir Martin Doughty will be presented with the Hazel Brow cheese.

For further information, please contact Emma MacDonald on 0113 2303533 07900 608073 or Lyndon Marquis on 0113 2303534 07786277223 in Natural England’s regional press office.

1. 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.

2. Upland landscape and habitat:
The hills and mountains of England are some of our greatest natural assets, widely recognised as being nationally and internationally important for a wide range of wildlife and habitats, such as black grouse, hen harrier, oak woodlands, juniper scrub, blanket bog and heaths.