ELMs landscape scale tests and trials update

Defra is looking for volunteers to take part in the landscape recovery component of their tests and trials.

Tests and trials are an important part of the way Defra is working to build the new Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs) which will replace the Basic Payment Scheme and Countryside Stewardship scheme we had pre-Brexit under the Common Agricultural Policy. You can find out more about ELMs development and the transition to the new scheme in this blog.

The landscape recovery component of ELMs is the most ambitious element from an environmental perspective and will look to restore and enhance ecosystem function over the long term.

The aims of tests and trials in this area are to develop transferable approaches to:

• incentivising land manager participation and collaboration
• constructing long term agreements (30+ years)
• balancing delivery of national and local environmental priorities
• linking ELMs delivery with wider Defra initiatives to give a joined up approach, and
• blending public and private finance.

Ten landscape recovery projects will be established through the national pilot over the next four years.

If you think you could help with these, please watch this space for more information on when nominations will be invited and how Defra will choose the pilot projects.

Sarah Anderton - Policy Adviser, CIWEM

01/02/2021.