If you`re a landowner in England looking to improve your land`s environmental status, you may want to consider enrolling in a Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement with Natural England. HLS agreements are a government scheme that offer payments to farmers, land managers, and other rural businesses for taking environmental measures on their land. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at what the Natural England HLS agreements are, how they work, and what benefits they can provide.
What are Natural England HLS agreements?
The Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) schemes are designed to support farmers and land managers who commit to taking environmental measures on their land. These agreements are offered by Natural England, which works with landowners to provide funding and advice on sustainable land management practices.
HLS agreements support a range of activities, from wildlife habitat management to cultural heritage conservation. Participants are expected to deliver a range of environmental outcomes, such as improving biodiversity, reducing soil erosion, and protecting historic sites. They can also receive financial support for maintaining traditional farming practices, such as low-intensity grazing and hay meadow management.
How do Natural England HLS agreements work?
To qualify for a Natural England HLS agreement, landowners must submit a management plan that outlines the environmental outcomes they intend to achieve on their land. This plan is reviewed by Natural England to ensure it meets the criteria for the scheme.
Once a plan is approved, the landowner will receive payments from the scheme for implementing the agreed-upon measures. The amount of funding awarded will depend on the extent and complexity of the environmental measures being taken. The agreement will typically last for a period of 10 years, during which the landowner will receive regular payments to support their work.
What are the benefits of Natural England HLS agreements?
There are many benefits to participating in an HLS agreement with Natural England. For landowners who are committed to environmental stewardship, HLS agreements offer a valuable source of income to support their work. The scheme can also provide a range of benefits to the wider environment, such as:
– Improving biodiversity: HLS agreements support the creation and management of habitats for a range of species, from birds and mammals to insects and wildflowers.
– Reducing soil erosion: Measures such as planting hedgerows and maintaining field margins can help to reduce soil erosion, protecting the health of the land.
– Supporting traditional farming practices: Many HLS agreements support the continuation of traditional farming practices, which can help to maintain the character and cultural heritage of the landscape.
– Protecting historic sites: HLS agreements can provide funding for the conservation of historic sites and buildings, helping to preserve the local heritage.
Overall, Natural England HLS agreements offer a valuable source of funding and support for landowners who are committed to environmental stewardship. By enrolling in an HLS agreement, landowners can help to create a more sustainable and biodiverse landscape for future generations to enjoy.