asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Phil Woolas, on 5 February (Official Report, Commons 976W), whether ditch and watercourse clearance can be covered under the entry-level stewardship scheme. [HL3011]

There are ditch and half ditch management options available as part of entry-level stewardship (ELS) which include some provision for clearance. However, these would need to be adopted with other options from the scheme to achieve the necessary points total. Ditches managed by third parties, such as internal drainage boards, are not eligible. Moorland Grips are also ineligible. There is not a specific ditch and watercourse clearance option. The scheme's aim is primarily to secure widespread environmental benefits.

Ditches in ELS may be cleaned only once during the agreement period, and then only half the length of the ditch may be cleaned. The exception is where vegetation needs to be removed from the bottom of a ditch for flood prevention. This may be cut annually between September and February. Any dredging or spoil must be levelled along the bank and vegetation allowed naturally to regenerate.