The scheme is designed to protect the habitat of the historic Wiltshire sites for wildlife.

Burial mounds should be protected from damage by changing arable land to grassland.

Environment minister Michael Meacher met the first farmer to sign up for the government scheme, called Countryside Stewardship, in Wiltshire on Tuesday.

We can continue to have an income from farming through diversification whilst protecting the environment and unique archaeological landscape

Rachel Hosier, farmer

Mr Meacher visited Boreland Farm, near Stonehenge to see one of the areas to benefit from the scheme.

He said: "It will play a huge role in establishing a fitting landscape for the Stonehenge and Avebury stone circles, as well as protecting lesser known historical monuments and landscape features."

He added the scheme would provide extra income for farmers to protect the landscape.

Farmer Rachel Hosier said: "We can continue to have an income from farming through diversification whilst protecting the environment and unique archaeological landscape."

The scheme should encourage wildlife such as lapwings, stone curlews and plants such as Devil's Bit Scabious and wild thyme.

It is part of a �500m environmental plan to regenerate traditional grassland - but in Wiltshire payments are only offered to landowners and farmers within the World Heritage site.

Farmers enter into a 10 year agreement and payments range from �20 to �555 per hectare depending on the type of land management agreed on.