Natural England - e-FEP: Guidance for customers and FEP surveyors

e-FEP: Guidance for customers and FEP surveyors

The e-FEP is designed to help in the selection and use of reference data and provide some basic checking of the information entered.

The e-FEP form is in two parts, which have been created using both Excel and Adobe Acrobat software. You must complete both parts of the e-FEP form. Instructions for completing the forms are provided in the HLS Handbook and FEP Features Manual, with additional information on the e-FEP FAQs page.

Important note for users

The e-FEP forms released on 1 September 2008 (version 5.01) have now been updated in line with feedback from users. The amended versions (version 5.02, released on 21 October 2008) are on this page and include the changes recommended under the Environmental Stewardship Review of Progress.

Please see updated information in sections ‘f – Notes Column’ and ‘i – Pasting Data’ in the Guidance Note for completing the Excel Environmental Features Datasheet.

How do I download and save the e-FEP forms?

The e-FEP forms should be completed on a PC using Microsoft Excel and Adobe Acrobat Reader 7. Please note that the e-FEP is not fully compatible with later versions of Adobe Acrobat (Adobe 8 or 9).

Download the two parts of the e-FEP files as master copies (this should take around five minutes using a 56k :

Once you have downloaded the files, you should choose ‘Save as…’ or equivalent. A suggested directory structure for agents with many forms to complete would be ‘master’, ‘working’ and ’sent’.

For both parts of the e-FEP, copy the master form to the name of the HLS application supplied by Natural England (ie AG00003896.pdf and AG00003896.xls). Always ensure you open a blank copy of the e-FEP forms for each new FEP you complete.

Make sure you have at least 10MB free disk space for each e-FEP you prepare.

How do I complete the e-FEP forms?

Complete all the necessary information on both of the e-FEP forms, to ensure a successful electronic transfer into the Natural England computer system. Omissions or errors are likely to cause delays to processing, as we will need to contact you to confirm or clarify information.

Please read the following guidance to minimise the likelihood of queries:

How do I submit the e-FEP to Natural England?

You should send both parts of the completed e-FEP form to Natural England using Guidance for submitting a completed e-FEP to Natural England pdf document.

How do I report problems?

Details and advice about a number of known issues can be found on the e-FEP FAQ page. If you encounter any other problems please contact your Natural England office.

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