In message , brian mitchell
writes
The message
from robert contains these words:

A holding number is the county/parish/holding number (CPH) given to all
agricultural holdings registered with Defra or one of its agencies.

They are based on nine digits, county x2/parish x3/holding x4, eg
10/301/1111

Whilst they are not as important for involvement is subsidy schemes as
they used to be they are still useful as a tool for identifying the
location of farming businesses.

If you have a smallholding or land that could be classed as part of the
farmed environment you can apply for a CPH.

Many thanks. Interesting wording "classed as part of the farmed
environment"; would that mean it doesn't necessarily have to be a
commercial enterprise?

Land that is part of the farmed environment but not actually used for
commercial activities can be eligible for a CPH as the land may be
eligible for entry into environmental management schemes run by Natural
England or the Forestry commission. You may want to contact the RPA
(0845 603 7777) as they deal with CPH allocation on behalf of Defra.

--
Robert