Landwise or land foolish? Free conservation advice for farmers in the wider english countryside

Abstract This paper examines the development of a policy for the provision of free conservation advice to farmers in England by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and ADAS. It explores the nature and extent of current advisory provision. Drawing on a policy evaluation of advice provision undertaken for MAFF, the paper examines the effectiveness of advice from three perspectives: the quality of written advice, the extent to which advice is accepted and acted upon by farmers, the evidence of conservation practice from on‐site assessments. The paper concludes with a consideration of some of the policy issues that emerge, particularly the need for an improved system of co‐ordination and delivery.