Countryside stewardship
Water for life and livelihoods, River basin management plans, Glossary, Published by the Environment Agency in 2016, defines countryside stewardship as: ‘…a scheme that is open to all eligible farmers, woodland owners, foresters and other land managers through a competitive application process. It is entirely voluntary and is part of a wider investment of £3.5 billion in England under the Common Agricultural Policy for 2016 to 2020.’
NB The National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England, Glossary, published by the Environment Agency in 2020, states the Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs) is: ‘A scheme which will replace countryside stewardship and the basic payment scheme after we leave the European Union. Those who are awarded ELM agreements will be paid public money in return for providing environmental benefits.’
The Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report (1995–1999) Volume 1 and Volume 2 accessed via the Joint Nature Conservation Committee describes countryside stewardship as "an agri-environment scheme which enables farmers and land managers to enter 10 year management agreements to maintain or enhance certain landscapes and features including chalk and limestone grassland; lowland heath; waterside land; coast; uplands; historic landscapes; old traditional orchards; old meadows and pastures; community forests; the countryside around towns and throughout England hedgerows and field boundaries which need restoring. The scheme which was set up and administered by the Countryside Commission completes its five year pilot phase in April 1996 when administration will transfer to MAFF."
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