Natural England plays a key role in encouraging farming to have a positive effect on wildlife. Through the Environmental Stewardship schemes - both Entry Level and Higher Level - farmers and land managers can gain access to advice and funding to implement wildlife-friendly farming.
We provide advice on land management practices including grazing and management, minerals and waste planning, catchment-sensitive farming methods and Environmental Impact Assessments. Natural England works to influence national and European policy on sustainable land management, to improve the quality of the environment for current and future generations.
The Organic Conversion Information Service (OCIS) provides free organic conversion advice to help farmers and land managers in England consider the practical implications of converting their business to organic production.
We also deal with applications for heather and grass burning licences which are required at all times outside the periods 1 October - 15 April in uplands and 1 November - 31 March in lowlands.
Note: Higher Level Stewardship: A Spatial Approach has moved - see HLS Targeting.