Insight User Guide: Agricultural designations

Agricultural Land Classification

The Agricultural Land Classification scheme classifies farmland into grades which indicate the versatility and suitability of the land for growing crops. Classification of the quality of agricultural land taking into consideration multiple factors including climate, physical geography and soil properties. It should be noted that the categories for the grading of agricultural land are not consistent across England, Wales and Scotland.

Tree Felling Licences

Felling Licence Application (FLA) areas approved by Forestry Commission England. Anyone wishing to fell trees must ensure that a licence or permission under a grant scheme has been issued by the Forestry Commission before any felling is carried out or that one of the exceptions apply.

Environmental Stewardship Scheme Agreements

Environmental Stewardship covers a range of schemes that provide financial incentives to farmers, foresters and land managers to look after and improve the environment.

Countryside Stewardship Scheme Agreements

Countryside Stewardship covers a range of schemes that provide financial incentives to farmers, foresters and land managers to look after and improve the environment. Main objectives are to improve the farmed environment for wildlife and to reduce diffuse water pollution.