SERIOUS concerns about future stocking levels in the uplands have been raised.

The Tenant Farmers’ Association (TFA) fears English Nature’s Upland Level Entry Stewardship Scheme (UELS) could see levels fall by up to 75 per cent in some areas.

It would hit home-produced beef and lamb supplies and could lead to skills shortages if farmers go for higher environmental payments.

Ken Lumley, TFA North- East regional chairman, said: “Hill farming land management has created the uplands we have today, including the biodiversity that everyone values so highly.

“To reduce stocking levels – with debatable short-term environmental benefit – as the main qualification for stewardship schemes, is dangerous, as it disrupts the sustainable balance that has existed in the uplands over many generations.”

The UELS will replace the Hill Farm Allowance from next year, but the TFA fears many tenant farmers and graziers will not be eligible.

The five-year agreements will rule out those with less than that left on their tenancy – and tenants whose landlords are receiving environmental payments from the Government under the standard Entry Level Stewardship Scheme will also be barred.

George Dunn, TFA chief executive, said: “The scheme should have been able to accommodate short duration agreements.

“Landlords who have let their land out for others to farm should never have had access to these schemes in the first place.”

The TFA is working with the Tenancy Reform Industry Group to produce guidelines for landowners, tenants and graziers to minimise the problems that could occur.