HLS

Higher Level Stewardship

Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) is a key component of the Environmental Stewardship scheme in England, aimed at promoting significant environmental management practices on agricultural land. 

Objectives

• Wildlife Conservation: Enhancing habitats for various species.
• Landscape Quality: Maintaining and improving the character of the landscape.
• Natural Resource Protection: Safeguarding water, soil, and biodiversity.
• Historic Environment: Preserving cultural heritage sites.
• Public Access: Promoting understanding and enjoyment of the countryside.

Features

• Complex Management: HLS requires more intensive management practices than Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) and Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS), often necessitating advice from Rural Development Advisors.
• Agreements: Typically last for 10 years, with payments made biannually based on the type of management practices implemented.
• Application Process: Involves preparing a Farm Environmental Plan to assess the environmental value of farmland and its potential for delivering additional benefits.
• Current Status: here are approximately 8,500 HLS agreements still active, contributing to environmental outcomes on valuable habitats like Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).