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| New body for countryside created = Natural England http://lbcarchive.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=3784 |
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| Author: | Chris Monk [ Mon Oct 02, 2006 11:13 am ] |
| Post subject: | New body for countryside created = Natural England |
New body for countryside created The new body will aim to deliver recommendations by Lord Haskins A new government agency for the countryside will be created when three existing organisations are merged. Natural England will take over responsibility for resource management, conservation, biodiversity, landscape, access and recreation in rural areas. From Sunday, English Nature will combine with parts of the Countryside Agency and Rural Development Service. A report by Lord Haskins in 2003 said the current number of rural agencies was confusing and too bureaucratic. 'Environmental champion' He recommended merging some of the many different agencies for the countryside into a new integrated rural body. Natural England is designed to be a "strong, independent and powerful environmental champion". A spokesman for Natural England said: "The aim is to meet the priorities as highlighted in the Haskins Report in rural delivery, wildlife conservation and countryside access." The three bodies have been working together as a "confederation of partners" since April 2005. Proposals to set up Natural England were contained in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill. The handover of powers takes place on Sunday and the Sheffield-based agency will be formally launched on 11 October. |
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| Author: | Chris Monk [ Mon Oct 02, 2006 11:16 am ] |
| Post subject: | Preserve our natural world |
The Times September 30, 2006 Preserve our natural world Sir, Natural England comes into being tomorrow as an amalgam of the Government's wildlife watchdog English Nature, the Rural Development Service and the Countryside Agency. Its creation is welcome and constitutes the biggest shake-up in conservation in England since the Second World War. The new body faces many demanding tasks, not least tackling threats to sites of special scientific interest, reversing declines of wildlife and preventing damage to our environment. It will need to ensure an economically viable countryside, promote greater access to the natural world and help to establish a network of protected areas in British seas as part of a marine Act, which conservation groups are working hard to achieve. Equally important will be its responsibility for the management of the countryside through schemes that reward farmers for encouraging wildlife, reducing water pollution and enhancing landscapes and public access. Last year's EU budget, brokered by the UK, jeopardises funding for these schemes. It is time to better protect and restore our countryside, urban greenspaces and seas for the benefit of both people and wildlife. This will not be achieved unless the Government commits adequate funding over the long term. Arlin Rickard Director, Association of Rivers Trusts Amy Coyte Chief Executive, Bat Conservation Trust Martin Warren Chief Executive, Butterfly Conservation Shaun Spiers Chief Executive, Campaign to Protect Rural England Dr Mike Heyworth Director, Council for British Archaeology Ruth Chambers Acting Chief Executive, Council for National Parks Tony Juniper Executive Director, Friends of the Earth Tony Gent Chief Executive, Herpetological Conservation Trust Sam Fanshawe Director of Conservation, Marine Conservation Society Kate Ashbrook General Secretary, Open Spaces Society Dr Jayne Manley Director of UK Operations, Plantlife International Dr Stephen Head Chief Executive, Ponds Conservation: The Water Habitats Trust Christine Elliott Chief Executive, The Ramblers' Association Graham Wynne Chief Executive, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Stephanie Hilborne Chief Executive, The Wildlife Trusts Chris Butler-Stroud Chief Executive, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Martin Spray Chief Executive, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Sue Holden Chief Executive, The Woodland Trust Paul King Campaign Director, WWF-UK |
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