Topical Tips

For Hill Farmers

Since the last update, more information has come through on UELS from the RPA/Natural England. In my view, this has made things more complicated rather than simpler.

I therefore wrote to Richard Andrews at Natural England and asked him to clarify the situation for various categories. I think the best thing I can do is reproduce his reply to me dated 16th February 2010 which you will find below.

Richard Andrews

Please click here for a printable version.

Farm Maps

Most will by now have received their "updated" RLR farm maps. Despite spending at least the last five years getting those maps right, frustratingly 75% at least are now wrong! Fields, and in some cases whole blocks of land, are missed off, boundaries appear where none exist and consequently new fields are created and field boundaries change.

To everyone's surprise and amazement you will probably find that most of your fields are now a different size. Bearing in mind that most fields are bounded by hedge banks more than 200 years old which have not changed, this is more than a little surprising. I have written to the RPA for an explanation but doubt that I shall receive a reply!

All I can suggest is that you check EVERY field boundary, alter anything which is wrong and send the maps back for amendment. If you have a problem, please contact me.

Single Payment Claims

DEFRA have now announced that the minimum holding size on which SPS claims can be made is to be one hectare (c.2.5 acres). This is likely to affect very few but some will no longer be able to claim in 2010.

For Coastal Farmers

For those owning or farming coastal land, your next problem will be coastal access. Most of you will already have the South West Coast Path so you will be familiar with public access but two points to watch:-

  1. Watch carefully how Natural England map the route across your land. Hopefully they will allow you some input to that.
  2. Look out for the "spreading room" allowed. This is the space to be allowed for public access in-land from the coast and, depending on fences, etc., could have a considerable impact.

Again, keep an eye on the farming press or contact me if you would like to know more.