Higher Level Stewardship handbook
The online version of this handbook is provided for reference purposes. When you join Higher Level Stewardship, the handbook will form part of your legal agreement with Defra. You should either download the latest printed version of the handbook, or request a paper copy or CD Rom from your local RDS office.
What to do if you are considering applying for HLS
There has been a change in the application process for HLS which means that farmers have to from the 1 April 2007 apply for a pre-Farm Environmental Plan consultation from Natural England. The consultation aims to give prospective applicants a realistic assessment of whether or not their holding have any potential for the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme before they commit to the expense of commissioning a Farm Environmental Plan. Please see the Addendum (pdf) to the Higher Level Stewardship Handbook and the Higher Level Stewardship Fram Environment Plan Guidance Handbook. In addition please see the pre-FEP Question and Answer page.
Environmental Stewardship in the wider context
2005 sees the introduction of major changes to the financial support mechanisms available to farmers in England. Defra expects that most farmers will register an interest in the Single Payment Scheme and that many will apply for Entry Level Stewardship or Organic Entry Level Stewardship, which go beyond cross compliance in helping to tackle countrywide environmental issues. Higher Level Stewardship will be appropriate for those who are able to deliver significant environmental benefits in high priority situations and areas.
- Section 1 - Introduction and general information
- Section 2 - The Farm Environment Plan
- Section 3 - How to complete your application form - Step by step summary of the HLS application process
- Section 4 - Choosing your Land Management options
- Section 5 - Choosing your Capital Works
- Section 6 - What should I do if I have another scheme or obligation on my land?
- Section 7 - Additional requirements that you must agree to
- Section 8 - Changes to your agreement
- Section 9 - Breaches and appeals
- Appendix 1 - Land management options
- Appendix 2 - Rural Development Service contact details
- Appendix 3 - Glossary
- Alternatively, download the Higher Level Stewardship handbook in PDF format
![[Click to download Adobe Acrobat Reader]](/graphics/buttons/pdf.gif)
[1.2MB] - Higher Level Stewardship Payment Rates [67KB] booklet.
Page last modified:
26 March, 2007
Page published: 3 March, 2005