UPLANDS ENTRY LEVEL STEWARDSHIP (UELS)

The application window for UELS is now open and the first agreements will commence in July this year. UELS replaces Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) which ceases in 2010, and rewards hill farmers in Severely Disadvantaged Areas (SDAs) for environmental management. UELS is similar to ELS in structure: a points target for the holding is calculated on the hectareage after which management options are chosen to meet the points requirement. UELS can run alongside ELS and HLS but those in ESA or Countryside Stewardship Agreements will need to wait till these expire. However, those in these latter agreements may be eligible for the Upland Transitional Payment. UELS payments build on ELS and offers £23 per hectare for moorland parcels over 15 Ha; £62 per Ha for moorland parcels under 15 Ha and £62 per Ha for SDA land below the moorland line. There is no cap or taper on the payments, nor a minimum farm size.