Our statement on new Government ELM announcement on funding for farmers

Today, Steve Barclay, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, made an announcement at the Oxford Conference regarding ELM (Environmental Land Management) payments to encourage farmers to adopt nature on their land. Here is our response.

Andy Egan, head of conservation policy at the Woodland Trust said:

“After a long period of uncertainty for all concerned, we welcome the Government’s announcement on ELM 2024, in particular the roll out of support for agroforestry. Trees integrated into farming systems are an important tool in helping to create resilient farming systems whilst tackling the nature and climate crises. In response to our concern that ELM was lacking ambition we are also pleased to see new premium payments for actions with the biggest environmental impact which will hopefully incentivise farmers to adopt some wide-reaching nature friendly farming practices on their land. We also welcome the boosted payment rates which we hope will increase the take up of the scheme. The announcements, on paper, will enable farmers to have greater ambition to prioritise and work alongside nature on their land.

“However, we are cautious that there is still uncertainty over the future of ELM budgets and there needs to be greater ongoing funding with a robust and effective regulatory baseline. ELM is becoming increasingly complex too and it will be even more vital that we all work with farmers to provide advice and guidance to ensure they genuinely take up what is on offer and ensure their actions make a tangible difference. Bringing farmers on board with such a scheme will be hugely important as the country works to build resilience to climate change.”

Notes to editors

For more details on this release and for interviews, contact Andy Bond in the Woodland Trust press office on 07725 480434.

About the Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK. It has over 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.

The Trust has three key aims:

• protect ancient woodland, which is rare, unique and irreplaceable
• restore damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life
• plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares. Access to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees.