THE confirmation by Farming Minister Lord Rooker of two new options for new entrants to Environmental Schemes, for maintenance of traditional farm buildings and for using grazing cattle or native breeds at risk for conservation purposes, have been welcomed by landowners.

Ben Underwood, conservation adviser at the Country Land and Business Association, said: "We have lobbied hard for the last two years to develop these new options. Keeping the traditional farm buildings open and the points for mixed stocking allows greater flexibility in the ELS. The native breeds at risk supplement and cattle grazing supplement in the HLS will be both of value to the environment and for those farm businesses running local breeds and grazing conservation sites."

But he pointed out: "Land managers are continuously experiencing difficulties in entering the schemes and the overall success of Environmental Stewardship is still marred by the complications associated with Rural Land Registry mapping and the general feeling from the industry is still one of caution."