Indicator description
There are two main types of agri-environment scheme in the UK:
Entry-level type, whole farm schemes that have a simple set of
prescriptions providing basic environmental protection and
enhancement, where the whole farm area contributes to the
indicator; and higher-level or targeted schemes that protect or
restore land, focusing on parts of the farm or land-holding that
are of high environmental / biodiversity value or potential.
It is possible for land to be in both an entry-level type and a
higher-level scheme (although not in Wales, where the two schemes
do not overlap). Since the mid-1990s there has been a steady
increase in UK land under agri-environment scheme management.
Assessment is based on a three-year average from the baseline,
using the three earliest consecutive years available.
In 1992, there were 0.3 million hectares of land in the UK in
higher level agreements or targeted schemes, by 2010 this had risen
to just over 3.0 million hectares. During this period some of the
original schemes (such as Countryside Stewardship in England)
closed to new applicants. The area within these schemes fell
between 2006 and 2010 as losses from the original schemes
outstripped gains from the new ones (although the uptake of
entry-level schemes did exceed the losses). This effect has been
particularly acute in Scotland, where no new agreements were set up
in 2006 and there has been a subsequent lag in securing agreements
on land coming out of older schemes. The total in 2010 of 3.0
million hectares is nonetheless considerably higher than the extent
of 2.1 million hectares in 2000. The higher level scheme measure is
therefore assessed as increasing since 1992 and between 2000 and
2010.
Entry level schemes were introduced as a pilot in England in 2003,
with 0.3 million hectares under agreement, and then rolled out in
2005. Similar entry-type schemes were also introduced in 2005 in
Scotland, and in Wales (as Tir Cynnal), and the area in these whole
farm agreements has risen rapidly to 6.2 million hectares in
2010. The entry level scheme measure is therefore assessed as
increasing between 2000 and 2010.
Relevance
Since 1987 a number of voluntary
agri-environment schemes have been introduced that provide payments
to farmers to protect and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and
historic features and to promote public access.
Background
The United Kingdom was one of the first countries in the
European Union to introduce agri-environment schemes:
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) in the UK, Countryside
Stewardship Scheme (CSS) in England; Tir Cymen (becoming Tir Gofal)
in Wales; Countryside Premium Scheme in Scotland (CPS) becoming the
Rural Stewardship Scheme (RSS) in 2001; and the Countryside
Management Scheme in Northern Ireland.
In England, Environmental Stewardship (ES) has been developed to
replace the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) and
Environmentally Sensitive Areas Schemes (ESAs). There is both an
Entry Level (ELS) and a Higher Level (HLS) element to ES. ELS is a
voluntary and non-competitive scheme which aims for a high level of
uptake across the Country. ELS requires simple and effective
environmental management, designed to address environmental issues
across the wider countryside such as diffuse pollution, loss of
biodiversity and deterioration of landscape character. These
schemes are designed to cover the majority of farmland. HLS has an
increased focus on environmental outcomes, particularly for
Priority Habitats (see indicator 4). HLS target environmental
management to conserve wildlife, maintain and enhance landscape
quality and character, promote public access and understanding of
the countryside, and protect the historic environment and natural
resources.
In Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government introduced an entry-level
agri-environment scheme known as Tir Cynnal in 2005. Tir Cynnal
supplemented Tir Gofal, a higher level agri-environment scheme
which had been available throughout Wales since April 1999.
Tir Gofal aimed to encourage agricultural practices
which protect and enhance the landscapes of Wales, their
cultural features and associated wildlife, and replaced the
previous Environmentally Sensitive Area and Tir Cymen
schemes. In 2010 the development of Glastir, a new
sustainable land management scheme was announced. This scheme
will supersede Tir Cynnal, Tir Gofal, the Organic Farming Scheme
and Tir Mynydd, which are now closed to new entrants. The
scheme will have entry level components – the Glastir All Wales
Element and the Glastir Common Land Element – and a higher level
component – the Glastir Targeted Element. The first agreements for
the entry level components will commence on Jan 1st 2012 with the
first higher level scheme agreements beginning on Jan 1st
2013.
In Scotland, schemes are designed to encourage farmers, crofters
and common grazing committees to adopt environmentally friendly
practices and to maintain and enhance particular habitats and
landscape features. The Land Management Contract Menu Scheme
was introduced as an entry-level scheme under which land managers
chose from a menu of options to put together a package for their
farm. With the introduction of the Scotland Rural Development
Programme (2007–2013), this became Rural Development Contracts
(RDC) – Land Managers Options, sitting alongside RDC
– Rural Priorities. They provide contracts between land
managers and the government to implement measures designed to
deliver environmental, social and economic benefits from farming
and crofting. The current update to Figure 8(i) includes
changes to 2008 and 2009 in order to add the area under RDC – Rural
Priorities Options. RDC – Rural Priorities is also included in the
2010 figure.
In Northern Ireland, the Countryside Management and Environmentally
Sensitive Areas Schemes are now closed to new applicants. Two
schemes are open to new applicants: the Northern Ireland
Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) and the Organic Farming
Scheme.