Cumulus Consultants continues its strong involvement in the design and development of the government’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme due to be fully introduced by 2024.
We are working at the forefront of these changes through our involvement in:
- ELM Payment Methodologies – we were an integral part of a research team developing new payment methodologies on behalf of DEFRA;
- ELM Tests & Trials – undertaking projects as part of a number of DEFRA co-ordinated ‘test and trials’ around the country.
Recently, we have been delighted to undertake a couple of ELM Test and Trial projects focused on modelling the economic impact of ELM. With our strong track record in policy, scheme development and economic analysis, and our practical knowledge and understanding of farming, forestry and the environment across the UK, we are well placed to bring valuable insights to these pilot projects.
Peak District National Park Authority – Budget Ready Reckoner
- This project involved working with 3D Rural, the National Park Authority and its partners to create a budget ready reckoner for farmers and land managers in the White Peak. It enables them to explore how they can increase their public goods delivery and understand what impact this would have on their farm enterprises and budget.
- The budget ready reckoner allows farmers and land managers to enter their own farm data and consider potential ELM options. The results are shown in terms of gross margin and livestock units on a ‘before and after’ basis.
- Following testing with a number of farmers and land managers, the budget ready reckoner has been rolled to participants in the White Peak ELM Test and has been well received.
North York Moors National Park Authority – Economic Modelling Tool
- The aim of this project was to develop and test a tool that models how attaching different payments for the delivery of a range of public goods, via ELM, would impact on the farming sectors active within the North York Moors National Park.
- The tool enables different participation and payment scenarios to be modelled by farm type and scale, and provides a means by which the Authority can demonstrate to DEFRA what variations in payments will mean to farmers and land managers.
- Farmers, land managers and stakeholders were involved through a series of workshops, helping to refine the model and gaining a better understanding of potential impacts and responses.
If you are interested in exploring the impacts of ELM in your area and/or need support in delivering projects linked to your ELM Test and Trial, please contact us.
“At a time when the UK is facing enormous challenges and farmers and landowners are struggling to keep their businesses afloat, we are really pleased to be contributing to the development of a practical and economically viable ELM scheme that will support farmers and land managers deliver public goods for future generations.”
Paul Silcock