ELS Online Wider Launch
The Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) Scheme has been operating an Online Pilot Scheme for the past two years; in which applicants to the ELS scheme can opt to submit their application over the internet, rather than the original method of being sent a paper application pack.
This Pilot has proved very successful and we have already received over 1000 applications from agents and farmers using the online system. Following on from this success, we are now taking the Online System to a wider launch and from Summer 2008 will be promoting it across the country.
There is no limit to how many ELS applications a customer can submit, once they have downloaded the software and have the system up and running. This means that is of particular benefit to Land Agents who deal with many different ELS applicants. The speed of each application is also greatly increased; making it easier for the customer to add in land, choose ELS options and measure features.
The Benefits of ELS Online:
- Cuts down the time and effort it takes for agents/farmers to complete the application process
- Cuts down NE processing times greatly, reducing inputting times and allowing the team to focus on customer support
- Reduces our carbon footprint by cutting down on paper and printer usage
- An Online Team who provide dedicated customer support and work to form strong communication links
- User friendly software with time-saving devices, such as the boundary measurement tool, the automatic points calculator and scribble map facility
- Online handbook and help manual for continual guidance throughout the application process
- No limit to the number of Online applications the customer can submit or work on, which is of particular benefit to agents who deal with multiple applications
- Improves the accuracy of ELS applications, as it allows the customer to check the fields entered; and to measure and input option amounts more accurately.
What do I need to do?
If you are interested in submitting your ELS application using the Online System or would like to find out more, please contact the Online Team:
By email:
els.online@naturalengland.org.uk
By Telephone:
Phil Maston: 01905 362 700
Misia Zytynska: 01905 362 711
Ben Green: 01905 362 709
Please be aware that unfortunately, the online system cannot currently support applications over 100km². If your farm exceeds 100km² then I’m afraid you will need to use the paper application system.
Because of the recent Moorland Line/ LFA changes impacting the ELS Scheme payments on disadvantaged land; any land classed as LFA is not currently available for download using the ELS Online software. A paper ELS application will need to be requested instead.
Page last modified:
9 July, 2008
Page published: 13 December, 2006