Scheme monitoring and evaluation
Regular monitoring and evaluation programmes are in place to assess the success of the schemes and individual options. The output from these programmes informs scheme development, ensuring that it is evidence-based. A review of these programmes, and relevantResearch and Development (by a consortium led by Ecoscope) concluded that the existingschemes have largely been successful in achieving their primary objectives of maintainingbiodiversity, landscape and historic interest. An accompanying economic evaluation of agri-environmental schemes (by Cambridge University and CJC Consultancy) concluded thatthe objectives of both CS and ESA are largely being met and that agreement holders aregenerally supportive of the schemes and their aims. Recommendations from both evaluations have been fed into the Review of Agri-environment Schemes.
Monitoring and evaluation has also shown that existing schemes have had significant benefits for some species, particularly when the option management has been developed for specific habitats. For example, monitoring of the Arable Stewardship Pilot Scheme by the Game Conservancy Trust revealed that the grey partridge and brown hare have both benefited from the introduction of an extended range of options for arable land.
Page last modified:
17 August, 2005
Page published: 19 May, 2004