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Anenvironmentally sensitive area (ESA) is a type of designation for anagricultural area which needs special protection because of itslandscape,wildlife or historical value.[1] The scheme was introduced in 1987. Originally it was administered byMinistry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, then theRural Development Service for theUnited KingdomGovernmentsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and currentlyNatural England following successive re-organisation of the departments. In 2005 the scheme was superseded byEnvironmental Stewardship and closed to new entrants. Existing agreements remain active until they expire, meaning the designation will remain active until 2014.
Farmers entered into a 10-year contract with the government and received an annual payment for the area that is part of the scheme. Farmers were expected to adoptenvironmentally friendly agricultural practices.
There are 22 ESAs in England:
There are 10 ESAs in Scotland