Upland areas: Farmers urged to apply for grants under new scheme

Upland farmers from the North York Moors National Park were reminded about the new funding available to them under the Upland Entry Level Scheme (UELS).

Until this year, farmers with land in so-called "severely disadvantaged areas" have been able to claim a Hill Farm Allowance but this has now ended.

The North York Moors National Park Authority and Natural England are keen that upland farmers do not miss out on the new funding which gives annual payments of up to 62/ha.

The grants are designed to recognise the contribution upland farmers make to preserving some of the country's most rugged and beautiful landscapes.

Tracy Harland, Natural England Upland ELS Adviser, said: "If farmers have land in the Severely Disadvantaged Area and have not already applied to be in the new scheme then they may be missing out on funding.

"The first agreements started on July 1 2010, with the first payment due six months after that. Applications are accepted at any time with monthly start dates. We encourage farmers to apply and can provide help and advice."

Rachel Pickering, the National Park Authority's Farm and Moorland Officer, added: "Farmers play a big part in maintaining the much-loved landscape of the North York Moors National Park and under UELS they can receive support for the work they do.

"We understand that farmers are busy people and may not have time to fill in the paperwork themselves so to help, Natural England has compiled a list of agents that farmers can employ to help fill in their forms."

The UELS is run by Natural England which is offering one-to-one farm visits to help explain the new scheme. Farmers interested in booking a farm visit should call Natural England on 0300 060 1695. Application forms for UELS can be obtained by calling 0300 060 1116.

This list of agents is available from the National Park Office on 01439 770657 or at www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/farming/funding/es/agents/register.aspx