Natural England report underlines farmers’ good environmental work, says the CLA

The CLA says that Natural England's report, 'Agri-Environment Schemes in England 2009' published today (Wednesday 4 November), is proof that that farmers and land managers work hard to protect the environment.

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: "We welcome this report from Natural England. It is full of evidence and examples which show the true contribution farmers and land managers make to enhance the environment through agri-environment schemes.

"The large numbers of farmers participating in schemes, particularly the Entry Level Stewardship - ELS - scheme, demonstrates how environmental management is working alongside productive farm businesses.

"However, there is still more that needs to be done as we face an increasing number of challenges such as declines in some of our iconic wildlife species as well as water quality and climate change.

"Due to the lack of free advice when ELS was introduced, agreements have been criticised for not delivering enough against some of the scheme objectives.

"With the introduction of the Campaign for the Farmed Environment, led by the CLA and the NFU with other partner organisations, farmers and their advisers will be able to access advice that will allow them to build on their existing agreements and choose new options to boost environmental outcomes while still maintaining productive, profitable businesses."

The CLA President added: "Agri-environment schemes are crucial to today's farming and land managing industry. They demonstrate the industry's commitment to environmental management. Similarly they are able to assist the industry in moving towards the emission reduction goals set by the Government on climate change.

"There is always more to be done and the CLA would ask Natural England to consider a scheme between Entry and Higher Level Stewardship that includes funding to safeguard our traditional rural features such as hedgerows and stone walls while paying higher grants to reward farmers and land managers for excellent work in being custodians of the countryside."

Angus Collingwood-Cameron, Director CLA North East said:  "This report celebrating the contribution of landowners to our glorious environment will surprise few in the North East. This region, with its sumptuous landscapes and high quality environment, leads the way in agri-environment scheme delivery. 84% of all the available farmland in the North East is currently covered by such a scheme – way ahead of Defra's national target of 70%. Our farmers really should be congratulated on their commitment to environmental land management.

"However, there is no room for complacency. Next year will see many historic agri-environment schemes come to a close, as well as the first round of ELS agreements, plus the introduction of the Upland Entry Level Scheme. Natural England has a significant challenge ahead just to maintain the current level of environmental land management, let alone expand it with further ELS and Higher Level Scheme agreements.

"It is interesting to note that the Report acknowledges that if agri-environment schemes are too uniform, some species can actually suffer. We do need to retain flexibility in our approach to environmental land management. A management regime which works well in one location may not be ideal for a similar habitat in a different location.

"The role of sheep and cattle in managing our landscapes and sustaining remote communities should not be underestimated. Already, in some areas, there are fears that the drive to remove livestock from the hills has gone too far, resulting in less than ideal habitat management and threatening the livelihoods of people involved. Hefted sheep, hill farming skills and upland communities are all precious commodities that, once lost, are nearly impossible to restore."