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."
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.


















