A number of schemes are operated under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) that offer payments to farmers and land managers to improve the natural beauty and diversity of the countryside.

The Environmental Stewardship Scheme was launched on the 3^rd March 2005. It is made up of three tiers Entry Level Stewardship (ELS), Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS) and Higher Level Stewardship (HLS). ELS  is a whole farm scheme which aims to encourage farmers and land managers across England to deliver simple but effective environmental management.  OELS is open to farmers who manage all or part of their land organically and HLS, when combined with ELS or OELS options, aims to deliver significant environmental benefits in high priority areas. Primary objectives of ES:

• Conserve wildlife
• Maintain and enhance landscape quality and character
• Protect the historic environment
• Promote public access and understanding of the countryside Natural resource protection

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is England’s mechanism for delivering funds allocated to England from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and from the Exchequer and replaced the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP). More information about the Programme can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/rural/rdpe/index.htm.

Natural England and the Forestry Commission are responsible for delivery of the Agri Environment and English Woodland Grants Schemes alongside the RDA’s delivery of the socio-economic schemes. More information can be found on Natural England’s website about delivery of these schemes both nationally and regionally. Regional delivery of One North East’s element of the programme can be found at www.rdpenortheast.co.uk.