Natural England on 22 November 2008 annouced additional land conservation funds that will coordinate work. Over 4.8 million hectares are being targetted for the intiative.
England's landscape will benefit from funding earmarked for 'Higher Level Stewardship' scheme between 2007 - 2013
Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, explained that if land managers undertook similar activities within the same area, it would help speed up the recovery of landscapes and wildlife. Activities could include wetland restoration, creation of skylark plots or maintaining traditional orchards.
‘We need to reverse the decline in vulnerable species, making them more resilient to climate change, increase the protection for some of our ancient monuments and ensure that farming enterprises can be appropriately supported in their valued work,' he said.
Although Natural England will focus significant resource on target areas, it will also have a role outside the areas where environmental stewardship agreements have a role.
About 63% of Engalnds farmland is currently under Natural England's Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) scheme that supports a basic level of good environmental practice. Full details can be found naturalengland.co.uk