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ELS Online - Hints and Tips

Top Tips for using the software

  1. Email Addresses: When registering to use the software, you will be asked to provide the ELS Online Support Team with an e-mail address. Please ensure that this is one which you use frequently, messages will be sent to your email address to inform you of possible system down times and software upgrades.
  2. User ID and Password: When accessing the system, you will be asked to enter your Customer User ID and password. Please enter the Government Gateway User ID (i.e. the PIN number, in capital letters) which was provided to you in the letter we sent you; and the password you chose when you initially registered.
  3. 3. Less Favoured Area (LFA) land: LFA Land is no longer available to be downloaded in ELS Online applications; this is because of a recent change to the Environmental Stewardship points calculations affecting LFA land. If any land parcels are classed as LFA in your Online Application, you will need to request a paper application from your local NE Office.
  4. Error messages when downloading or submitting applications: Some users have reported experiencing '1200 error' messages when attempting to download or submit applications. This is often due to upgrades to internal IT security checks and the problem can be overcome by rebooting your PC and re-attempting the download / submit. If the error message continues to be generated please contact the ELS Online Team.
  5. Multiple Holding Numbers: If you have more than one CPH, then ELS Online will not automatically update all land registered under your other CPHs. To add other registered land to your application you need to do this in the Details Screen, and each CPH needs to be added in separately.
  6. SSSI Land: Natural England must consider consent on SSSI designated land before an ELS Agreement can be offered. When viewing your application maps we recommend that you view all the map layers available on the right hand side of the map screen, including the SSSI layer. If the application includes SSSI designated land you should contact the ELS Online Team who can arrange for a SSSI Case Officer to discuss your proposed land management options with you before you submit your application. Inappropriate options applied for on SSSI designated land could delay application processing or result in you having to submit a new application.
  7. Joint Character Areas: You can view which Joint Character Area your land falls into via a hyperlink on the Details Screen. This should help you to determine which Options would be most suitable.
  8. ELS Handbook: Ensure you read the ELS Handbook before completing you application. This is available as a hard copy, via the Internet at http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/pdfs/es/els-handbook.pdf [Click to download Adobe Acrobat Reader][1.2 MB] or through a link in the ELS Online software. Guidance booklet button
  9. Downloading Land Parcels: Ensure you download all land parcels before you start adding any Features or Options to the maps. After entering any Features or Options, any attempt to add any further land parcels will result in the loss of ALL Features or Options already entered.
  10. Accurate Measurements: It is your responsibility to ensure the measurements entered on the application accurately relate to the area entered under each option (including measuring in the field if necessary). The value of measurements can be amended manually by clicking on the Value Column inside the Options Tab. Options button
  11. Exceeding your Points Limit: To allow for a margin for error, it is recommended that you consider delivering options slightly in excess of your target (e.g. 10%) in case any issues arise over the eligibility of your options or your compliance with the option prescription on inspection. Evidence has shown that this minimises the risk of penalties being applied at a later date.
  12. Boundary Options: When you zoom in on a Field Parcel there may be two boundaries for a parcel: one is red and one is black. This is because the information from the RLR is on a slightly different scale. Please follow the red line when adding boundary Options as this is the correct line.
  13. National Heritage Data: This data is currently not available on ELS Online maps. It is recommended that you use information available via www.magic.gov.uk to identify features like historical monuments.
  14. Mixed Stocking Option (EK5): This option has now been extended to LFA's. However, if the Option is not listed in the LFA Options list, you can select it from the first Options list Add Option button and place it on a LFA parcel.
  15. Map Colours: If a Feature or Option is not very clear you can change the colour of the boundary and background to make it easier to view. This can be done in the 'Parcels' tab Parcels tabin the Map Details Screen above your Parcel numbers.
    Line Style and Colour selectors
  16. Time lapse between Download and Submit: As the RPA's Rural Land Register (RLR) is regularly updated, you should download your application as close as possible to when you intend to submit it to minimise the risk of RLR field numbers changes causing delays to the processing of your application.
  17. Supporting Documentation: Supporting documentation should be sent promptly by post to the address below as applications cannot be processed until these are received. Agents Authorisation Forms are now no longer required, please check our Downloads and supporting information page for instructions, forms and other useful guidance.
  18. Receipt of ELS Agreement: You should receive your ELS Agreement within 90 days of submitting all the necessary documentation. If you have not received any correspondence within this timescale please contact the ELS Online Support Team to ensure the submitted application has been received.

PC Specification

Minimum PC specification should be:

  • Windows 98, 2000, NT or XP
  • Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape 3.0 or above
  • Pentium II or faster processor
  • 256MB memory
  • 100MB free hard disk space
  • Internet access

Apple Macintosh computers are not compatible with ELS Online.

A low screen resolution size on your PC is not recommended for using ELS Online as this can stop you viewing all the available buttons. (Please contact the ELS Support Team if you need assistance).

Current limitations on using ELS Online

  • The ELS Online does not support applications where the land to be entered exceeds 100km2. This area is based on a grid constructed around all the land. A message will be displayed saying the area size has been exceeded.
  • The ELS Online has certain limitations with regards to the number, size and relative location of fields. All fields need to be able to clearly print at a readable scale on an A3 sheet of paper.
  • The ELS Online system does not print out Environmental Information Maps, however the information can be viewed via the software.
  • LFA land is no longer available for download using ELS Online, please complete a paper application.

ELS Online Team contact details

If you encounter any problems with the ELS Online software, please contact:

Graham Ellery, Phil Maston, Misia Zytynska on 01905 362700 or 01905 362709.

ELS Online Team,
Natural England
Block B,
Government Buildings,
Whittington Road,
Worcester,
WR5 2LQ.

Page last modified: 9 July, 2008
Page published: 20 November, 2006

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs