Defra

Uplands projects

Uptake of Uplands ELS and the Upland Transitional Payment

In 2010 Defra fundamentally changed the way in which upland farmers in England were supported, replacing the area based Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) with a new strand of entry level Environmental Stewardship (ES) aimed specifically at the uplands, ‘Uplands ELS’. Transitional payments are available to those receiving HFA in 2010 but not immediately eligible for Uplands ELS.

These papers provide an assessment of uptake position in mid-January 2011 after the first 6 months of Uplands ELS and in July 2011 after the first full year. They compare the characteristics of these farms with those that did not have an Uplands ELS agreement or receive the Uplands Transitional Payment (UTP) in 2011. Applications for Uplands ELS are ongoing and continuous. The analysis will be updated when information becomes available after the second full year.

6 month report published 29th June 2011

1 year report published 14th December 2011

Public attitudes and preferences for upland landscapes

Hill farming shapes the management of the uplands and has considerable wider cultural and ecosystem impacts. Recognising the value of these impacts for different groups – upland communities, visitors and the wider public – is a key consideration in the context of defining future policies for uplands land management. This short paper draws on a range of existing studies to explore public attitudes to different features of upland landscapes, the public’s preferences for the future of the uplands and how the public value typical upland landscapes.

Report published 8th March 2011

Economic and environmental impacts of changes in support measures for the English uplands – an in-depth forward look from the farmer’s perspective

This research project improves our understanding of how upland farming in England is likely to be affected by potential changes in income resulting from policy changes. The contractors (CCRI & FERA) have undertaken a mix of economic analysis and ecological modelling based on 80 in-depth farm visits using a range of policy scenarios. The study specifically sought insights from farmers with an objective to view issues from a farm business and practice perspective. The key objective for this research was to build on Defra’s 2009 Uplands Farm Practices Survey (Uplands FPS) and add depth to the understanding of attitudes and likely responses to policy changes.

Report published 8th October 2010

Farming in the English uplands

The uplands are nationally and internationally important areas for biodiversity as well as being of landscape, archaeological, recreational, heritage and natural resource value. Agricultural activity has largely shaped the upland landscape, but these are areas where the natural characteristics such as geology, altitude and climate make it more difficult for farmers to compete. This paper draws together the available information on agriculture and the environment in the uplands.

The full report was published on 28th May 2010. A summary was published on 28th April 2010.

The Farm Practice Survey of upland farmers

Information has been gathered on attitudes, opinions and farming practices in the uplands. The information collected will help to fill the gaps in current survey data and improve Defra’s understanding of a range of issues affecting farming in the uplands.

Results published 28 June 2009
Detailed report published 13 October 2009

Quantitative approaches to assessment of farm level changes and implications for the environment (OBS03)

This project provides a systematic review of the scientific evidence linking agricultural and farm level change to the environment.

It draws upon this review to highlight specific areas where further analysis on farm level changes could be targeted. It then undertakes a number of case studies in these areas. The project has helped in developing the work of the Observatory Programme in subsequent years.

Results published 8 January 2007

Page last modified: December 14, 2011