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tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/government/announcements Announcements on GOV.UK HM Government 2017-02-23T10:00:07+00:00 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/351901 2017-02-23T10:00:07+00:00 2017-02-23T10:00:07+00:00 Press release: Protection extended for mid Cornwall's wildlife-rich landscape Protection for rare birds and butterflies across mid Cornwall has increased.

Rare butterflies and birds will benefit from a much larger area of protected land in mid Cornwall from today, says Government wildlife adviser Natural England.

The new Mid Cornwall Moors site of special scientific interest (SSSI) merges the six original SSSIs which previously dotted the landscape either side of the A30 and east of Indian Queens, extending their boundaries and protecting around 50% more of the countryside. The SSSI includes several closely located patches of land, connecting important habitats and helping wildlife to withstand pressures from climate change in the future, creating a stronger refuge and network for rare plants and animals.

The countryside across the Mid Cornwall Moors is a rich and varied mix of heathland, woodland, and wildflower meadows; a vital sanctuary for wildlife, as well as an important asset for local people, visitors, and businesses. Fens and mires in the headwaters of the Fal and Par catchments also help to provide clean water and have the potential to reduce flood risk to homes and properties located further downstream.

Natural England has joined forces with landowners, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation, building on the successes of the Mid Cornwall Moors LIFE project to create the perfect conditions for the rare marsh fritillary butterfly, which should see its fortune improve as a result. The wet woodlands throughout the area are important for the diminutive willow tit, which has virtually disappeared from large parts of the UK and declined by an estimated 81% since the mid-1990s. The new areas added to the SSSI include important breeding sites for both of these special species.

The former A30 at Goss Moor was downgraded to recreational use for cyclists, horseriders and walkers in 2008. Natural England has been working with Highways England, the Eden Project and Butterfly Conservation to create new habitat areas for butterflies and other wildlife on land alongside the new A30 corridor, several of which have now also been included within the new SSSI boundary. With help from the Eden Project, swathes of devil's-bit scabious flowers – the main food plant for the marsh fritillary butterfly – have been grown and planted alongside the A30.

Speaking at an event at the Eden Project today, Natural England's Chief Executive James Cross said:

The Mid Cornwall Moors are incredibly important areas for wildlife as well as people, and balancing the needs of both are critical to their conservation. Today's notification builds on the success of the LIFE project, providing protection for the much-improved breeding habitats for marsh fritillary butterflies along the A30 corridor - making it a valuable asset, not just for businesses and visitors – but also for wildlife. Mid Cornwall Moors is now one of our top wildlife sites and we are able to give it the protection it deserves.

Seán O'Hea, Mid Cornwall Reserves Manager, Cornwall Wildlife Trust said:

The Mid Cornwall Moors are special because of all of the patches of good quality wildlife habitat scattered across the landscape. This designation is very well thought out because it looks beyond the previous SSSI boundaries to consider what the wildlife really needs to thrive. It extends the protection given by SSSI status to many more important pieces of land, creating a wider network of protected sites.

Philip Hambly, Chairman of Cornwall Butterfly Conservation said:

The marsh fritillary is threatened, not only in the UK but across Europe. It is therefore essential that this rare butterfly is managed carefully and on a landscape scale so colonies remain connected. Mid Cornwall Moors protection as an SSSI will target conservation to help this butterfly's survival across this very important area. Cornwall Butterfly Conservation's volunteers have already worked in partnership with Natural England carrying out surveys and conservation work and very much look forward to continuing this together.

Dr Caroline Bulman, Head of Species Ecology at Butterfly Conservation, said:

Like many specialist butterflies, the threatened marsh fritillary can only survive when colonies are able to move between areas of suitable wet grassland - which provide the host plant and conditions for them to thrive. We welcome the expansion and changes to the new designation of the Mid Cornwall Moors SSSI, as this will help to protect this and other important species at a landscape-scale and help to reverse the decline, for such rapidly declining species.

The previous SSSIs now included within the Mid Cornwall Moors SSSI include Goss and Tregoss Moors, Red Moor, Retire Common, Breney Common, Tregonetha and Belowda Downs and Belowda Beacon. The area protected as a SSSI has increased by over two square miles and now covers areas totalling six and a half square miles across the wider Mid Cornwall Moors landscape.

The Mid Cornwall Moors SSSI comes into immediate effect from today, 23 February. Landowners, occupiers and interested parties have 4 months in which to make representations or objections to Natural England, who will then decide whether or not to confirm the notification.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/350707 2017-02-08T10:52:52+00:00 2017-02-08T10:52:52+00:00 Press release: Bats and churches to benefit thanks to National Lottery The future of bats and the historic churches they can inhabit is looking brighter thanks to National Lottery support of £3.8m.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has approved the development stage and initial funding of £3.8million for the 5 year "Bats in Churches" partnership project, bringing together wildlife and heritage conservation and church organisations to save bats and protect churches.

The ground-breaking project will:

trial and perfect new techniques to enable bats and church congregations to live together

build up professional expertise and volunteer skill to share the best solutions with hundreds more churches

bring together church communities and bat enthusiasts to create a shared understanding and appreciation of England's historic places of worship and our rare flying mammals

Natural England's Chairman, Andrew Sells, said:

This is a splendid result for both congregations and bats, who have shared churches for centuries but not always happily. We've been working very hard for a number of years with our partners to find ways to help bats and people coexist peacefully in these beautiful, historic buildings. This funding will allow us to capitalise on that good work and find innovative new ways of resolving the conflict. It will provide a lasting legacy for these wonderful churches and the people and bats that rely on them.

The project will provide help and support to places of worship across England where large bat populations can sometimes have a negative impact on historic buildings and the communities who use them.

HLF's CEO, Ros Kerslake, said:

We welcome this unprecedented co-operation between church leaders and bat conservationists. It's a positive move forward and should provide a practical solution to what has become a national problem.

Bats in Churches' is being made possible thanks to National Lottery players' money. The legacy of our £3.8m investment will be a major step change in how this issue is approached in the future. Local communities who work hard to look after and use their churches, precious bat populations and historic church buildings are all set to benefit. The most immediate outcome is developing proposals for 100 churches in England to put in place solutions to protect resident bat populations whilst preventing further damage to the buildings.

The UK has internationally important populations of bats, which are at risk, because of decreases in woodland where some species hunt for insects, conversion of barns, loss of natural roosting sites and changes in farming practices. Due to significant historical declines in bat populations in the UK, all bats have been protected under British law since 1981. Churches can be important sanctuaries for bats for maternity roosts and hibernation.

Whilst small bat populations can occupy parts of a church without disturbance, in other cases bats can pose severe financial and social problems for congregations. At a time when churches are increasingly becoming community hubs with a diversity of events and uses, bat droppings can restrict activities, damage historic artefacts, cause hygiene issues and put strain on the volunteers who look after these beautiful buildings. In rare cases large bat roosts have even caused churches to close.

Rt Hon Sir Tony Baldry, Chair of the Church Buildings Council, said:

This grant should help us better manage bats in churches. We are not opposed to bats, they are intriguing creatures and part of God's creation, but they can do enormous damage in churches. I am delighted that this innovative project can now go ahead.

The partnership includes Natural England, Church of England, Bat Conservation Trust, Historic England and the Churches Conservation Trust.

Julia Hanmer, Joint Chief Executive of the Bat Conservation Trust said:

Bats have suffered massive population declines and churches provide important safe spaces for nine species to shelter. We are delighted that with this funding from HLF, church communities and bat workers can together play a significant role in supporting these vulnerable and fascinating species, whilst at the same time protecting historic medieval church buildings and opening church doors to wider communities.

Deborah Lamb, Deputy Chief Executive of Historic England said:

We welcome every opportunity to help congregations that work hard to care for church buildings, providing public space for community activity and a wonderful treasury of historic monuments, brasses, woodwork and craftsmanship. This project will offer practical help to those coping with the additional challenge of living with bats and encourage volunteers who are interested in bats to discover more about local churches.

Crispin Truman OBE, Chief Executive of the Churches Conservation Trust said:

Our national collection of 350 churches is home not only to great architecture, history and exquisite medieval art, but also to important natural resources including precious species of bats. The relationship between the two has not always been harmonious so we are delighted this project which celebrates both, has been awarded funding from the Heritage Lottery. It will enable us to better protect churches and their inhabitants, as well as supporting the communities who care for historic churches so that both can thrive.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/350700 2017-02-07T13:23:00+00:00 2017-02-07T13:23:00+00:00 Press release: National roll-out of new approach to great crested newt licensing Natural England is to implement an innovative new approach to the conservation of great crested newts across the country.

An improved approach to the conservation of great crested newts is to be rolled out across England.

The new approach has been piloted in partnership with Woking Borough Council in Surrey. It has focused on bringing the greatest benefits to the amphibians while streamlining the licensing process for housing developers. The approach will now start to be introduced across the country after its roll-out was announced in the Department for Communities and Local Government's Housing White Paper today.

This new 3 year programme will survey areas where newts are most prevalent, map the potential impacts of development and propose local conservation strategies for the species in partnership. As part of the project, great crested newt habitat is enhanced or created prior to any development taking place, saving developers time and money, and making newt populations more healthy and resilient.

In May 2016, Woking borough council was awarded an organisational licence, allowing it to authorise operations that may affect great crested newts on development sites at the same time as planning permission, removing the need for expensive surveys prior to building works and individual licences to disturb newts if they are present. As part of the project, great crested newt habitat is enhanced or created prior to any development taking place, saving developers time and money, and making newt populations more healthy and resilient.

Natural England's Chairman, Andrew Sells, said:

We are grateful to DCLG for funding the national roll-out of this ambitious new approach to the licensing of great crested newts. It is a ringing endorsement of Natural England's work to modernise the licensing of protected species.

Populations of great crested newts can struggle when they become isolated. Creating connected habitats across the country is the single most positive thing we can do for their survival, by allowing them to spread naturally.

At the same time, the strategic approach to licensing helps developers to avoid costs and delays to their projects. This roll-out is key to helping us ensure that regulation better serves both the natural environment and the economy.

Housing and Planning Minister Gavin Barwell said:

We are taking decisive action to support developers to build out more quickly so that we can deliver the homes this country needs.

This new approach to managing great crested newts will not only ensure the continued protection of this rare species and its habitat, but will safeguard developers from the delays, costs and uncertainty which have so often restricted the job of building new homes.

Great crested newts are rare across Europe, although can be locally abundant in the UK. They are protected by law, meaning that disturbance or damage to the newts or their habitat requires a European protected species licence. Currently, licences for this striking amphibian are issued on a site-by-site basis. National implementation of the new approach will benefit newts at population level across the landscape.

Dr Tony Gent, CEO of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, said:

The regulations and planning processes that have been put in place to help conserve the great crested newt have too often failed to provide the long term conservation outcomes that they need to reverse the historic and continuing declines of its populations.

This new initiative provides an opportunity for real gains for great crested newts, by improving the way that regulations are applied. We are keen to work with Natural England on this initiative to ensure that real, sustainable benefits can be achieved for the species.

Stephen Trotter, Director, The Wildlife Trusts England, said:

I welcome the announcement of this funding – it's potentially great news for newts. Natural England has listened to concerns about how the new system will be rolled-out and this funding gives some reassurance that the Government's commitment to the conservation and recovery of this declining amphibian is genuine. The Wildlife Trusts support the aims and objectives of the new approach. We strongly agree that everyone's priority should be to create new, joined-up habitats which will help the population of this fantastic species to recover. The Wildlife Trusts will work closely with Natural England to ensure the roll-out of the new approach is a success.

President of the Country Land and Business Association, Ross Murray, said:

The licensing process is one of the most cited sources of frustration and cost for our members seeking to invest in building homes or business premises in the countryside. The harm is particularly felt by those pursuing small scale developments.

This initiative has the potential to transform habitat preservation for important species, while at the same time reducing costs and uncertainty for landowners considering development across England.

We welcome the proactive way that Natural England has sought to address this problem and to Ministers for having the confidence to provide the necessary investment to roll this out.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/350683 2017-02-07T13:01:00+00:00 2017-02-07T13:01:00+00:00 Press release: Appeal after hen harrier disappears on North Yorkshire moorland North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information following the loss of a hen harrier in Upper Swaledale.

A hen harrier has been lost in Upper Swaledale.

Mick, a young male, fledged in Northumberland last summer. He was fitted with a satellite tag in July by a hen harrier expert from Natural England. His tag stopped transmitting on 21 December 2016 in the Thwaite area of North Yorkshire. A search of the area has been carried out but no trace of the bird or equipment has been found.

Natural England reported Mick's disappearance to North Yorkshire Police and is working closely with wildlife crime officers, local landowners, the Moorland Association and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

The loss of another juvenile hen harrier brings the total to five within four months across northern England – and is a serious blow to the small English hen harrier population. Interference with hen harriers is a criminal offence.

Rob Cooke, a Director at Natural England, said:

The disappearance of a hen harrier is deeply concerning to all who appreciate these rare and impressive birds. Any information that can shed light on what has happened to Mick will be gratefully received by North Yorkshire Police.

David Butterworth, Chief Executive at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said:

It's incredibly disappointing that the Yorkshire Dales' reputation as a wonderful place to visit is being damaged by incidents like this. We have pledged to provide whatever support we can to help the Police and Natural England find out what happened in this particular case.

Anyone with any information which could help police with their enquiries should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote reference number 12170014975 when passing information.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/350176 2017-02-01T00:15:07+00:00 2017-02-01T00:15:07+00:00 Press release: Natural England backs hedges and boundaries for wildlife and people We are inviting applications for the Countryside Stewardship hedgerows and boundaries grant which opens on 1 February 2017.

The hedgerows and boundaries grant, individually worth up to £5,000, is designed to help farmers and other land managers improve important farmland boundaries.

The application window for the £5 million scheme closes on 28 April. Farmers can apply for a one-off grant towards the restoration of a range of traditional boundaries including hedgerows, dry stone walls, stone-faced banks and earth banks. Nearly 800 applicants were successful last year.

Guy Thompson, Chief Operating Officer of Natural England, said:

Hedgerows, dry stone walls and earth banks are a quintessential part of the English countryside. Not only do they perform a vital agricultural role in protecting crops and livestock from the elements, they help support a variety of wildlife. Increasingly farmland boundaries also play a major role in preventing soil loss as well as reducing pollution and flooding. I'm pleased that this grant will help to support these traditional boundaries and the wider benefits that they bring.

Payment rates are fixed for each item. These include hedge-laying or coppicing, hedgerow restoration through gapping-up, stone-faced bank repair and stone wall restoration, which can include a top wiring supplement.

Like the rest of the Countryside Stewardship scheme, the application process is competitive. Applications score more highly if the business has been in a previous Environmental Stewardship agreement or England Woodland Grant Scheme. Priority is given to smaller holdings and restoring hedges or walls is preferred to stone-faced or earth banks. More points are awarded if the application is for more than £1,000, and if the holding is part of a group receiving Facilitation Fund payments.

Grants are not available on land parcels already within Mid or Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship, a live 2016 Hedgerow and Boundary Grant, Higher Level Stewardship or Uplands Entry Level Stewardship on 31 July 2017. Land parcels in Entry Level Stewardship can be included in applications, as long as other eligibility criteria are met.

Grant offers will be made to successful applicants from July 2017. The deadline for submitting claims to Natural England is 31 December 2018.

Customers can apply by downloading an application form or by using the new online application process which is expected to be available on the Rural Payments service from early March 2017.

For enquiries (media only) contact: Mary Tomlinson, Senior Press Officer, Natural England. Email: email@example.com Telephone: 07771 834 975.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/348914 2017-01-16T11:15:03+00:00 2017-01-16T11:15:03+00:00 Press release: Appointments to the Board of Natural England Andrew Sells has been reappointed as Chairman of the Board of Natural England until 2020.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Andrea Leadsom, has reappointed Andrew Sells as Chairman of the Board of Natural England.

The appointment has been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Andrew Sells was first appointed Chairman of Natural England in January 2014. He also sits on the Defra Board.

In confirming the reappointment, Secretary of State Andrea Leadsom said:

I value highly the advice Natural England provides and the vital work it carries out to safeguard our environment, which benefits every one of us and supports a modern, sustainable economy.

I am very grateful for Andrew's leadership, hard work and achievements over his first term and very much look forward to continuing to work with him. As Chairman of Natural England he will have a central role to play in delivering Defra's strategy, in particular the 25 Year Plan for the Environment.

Andrew Sells said:

I am delighted to be reappointed to a role which I regard as exceptionally important in fulfilling our responsibility to protect and enhance the natural environment. I look forward to ensuring Natural England realises the ambitions of its conservation strategy - Conservation 21 - which supports the government's aspirations for the environment.

Andrew Sells' appointment will run from 20 January 2017 until 19 January 2020. He will receive £61,698 per annum based on a time commitment of 113 days.

Further information

Natural England is a Non-Departmental Public Body created under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, sponsored by Defra.

The Board for Natural England comprises a Chairman and 10 members.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

Biographical details of Mr Sells can be found on GOV.UK.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/348411 2017-01-11T10:17:16+00:00 2017-01-11T10:17:16+00:00 News story: Rampisham Down: a wonderful outcome for conservation Work to save a rare example of ancient acid grassland is hailed today as a "wonderful outcome for conservation" by Natural England.

Rampisham Down in Dorset is a surviving fragment of a once extensive area of marginal common land associated with medieval grazing.

In 2013 there were plans to create a solar farm on the site, which would have caused significant damage to the mosaic of nationally-important acid grassland and heath plant communities.

Natural England notified the grassland as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) in 2014, giving it vital legal protection through the planning process, and lodged an objection to the proposed development of the site.

Local staff have since worked closely with British Solar Renewables (BSR), West Dorset District Council and other partners, such as the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Team and the Dorset Wildlife Trust, to find a solution. This resulted in BSR submitting alternative plans to create a solar farm on less sensitive land nearby, approved last month by West Dorset District Council.

Natural England's Chairman, Andrew Sells, said:

This great success demonstrates the power of our outcomes approach, where we work in partnership with local people and businesses to solve problems and achieve significant benefits for the natural environment.

Natural England intervened in the case to save this site from development and has recently worked productively with all partners to find an alternative site. This is a wonderful outcome for conservation, in particular for Rampisham Down and the wildlife it supports.

The grasslands on Rampisham Down are a rare example of the marginal common land associated with medieval grazing systems. Its modern day survival was helped by its use as a BBC transmitter site for 70 years. It is the largest expanse of unimproved lowland acid grassland in Dorset and one of the largest in the country.

The mosaic of plants includes birds-foot trefoil, heath bedstraw, mouse-ear hawkweed, slender St John's wort, tormentil and dwarf thistle. This rare habitat is home to declining farmland birds such as skylarks and is considered important for its fungi and insect communities.

The new solar farm proposals will result in the long-term management of a scheduled ancient monument, the medieval park pale earthwork, and the enhancement of wildlife associated with the alternative site, as well as the restoration and management of the special interests of the Rampisham Down SSSI.

Fran Davies, Natural England's Area Manager, added:

The recent planning permission will deliver major energy benefits while taking full account of the environmental sensitivities of this incredibly important site for nature.

We welcome the long-term environmental management plans of the developer and would like to thank the Dorset AONB Team, Historic England, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Dorset Environment Records Centre and West Dorset Planners for working with us in the ongoing protection of this special site.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/347110 2016-12-16T14:18:26+00:00 2016-12-16T14:18:26+00:00 Press release: TB strategy ahead of schedule as England set to apply for officially TB-free status for half the country Government's strategy to tackle bovine TB continues to deliver results

England is set to apply for Officially TB-Free (OTF) status for more than half of the country next year - two years ahead of schedule - as the Government's strategy to tackle bovine TB (bTB) continues to deliver results.

Dealing with Bovine TB in England costs taxpayers over £100 million a year, required the culling of 28,000 cattle in 2015 and causes devastation and distress for rural communities.

Gaining OTF status for the low risk area, covering the north and east of England, would boost trade opportunities and mean some herds require less regular TB testing, reducing costs for farmers.

This would be the first time anywhere in England has enjoyed this status, making beef exports from the UK more attractive for trade partners around the world. Achieving this status for the low risk area is a key step in the government's 25-year plan for the whole of the UK to be TB-free by 2038.

Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said:

Gaining global recognition that more than half of England is TB-free will be a significant milestone in our long-term plan to eradicate this devastating disease, and will open up new trading opportunities for farmers.

We have much still to do in the worst affected parts of the country, but this shows that our strategy - combining practical biosecurity measures, a robust cattle movement and testing regime, and badger control in areas where the disease is rife - is right and is working.

Results published today confirm all ten licensed badger control operations achieved successful outcomes. A consultation opens today on next steps for badger control in areas that have completed the first four years of intensive culling. This will mean the disease reduction benefits we anticipate are prolonged for many years to come.

Other measures announced today as part of the government's 25-year strategy to eradicate bovine TB are:

Wider use of blood tests alongside the current skin test in the high risk area to provide a more sensitive testing regime in TB affected herds, minimising the risk of leaving infected animals in herds.

A plan to introduce new, more coherent powers to manage the TB risk in pigs, sheep, goats, deer and camelids, to bring them more in line with cattle controls. This will include new statutory compensation arrangements for these species.

More frequent updates to the ibTB online tool which allows farmers to view TB outbreaks close to their farm. From early in 2017 the data will be refreshed every fortnight rather than every month.

Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said:

This year we have seen that badger control can be delivered successfully on a wider scale. Further expansion in the coming years, alongside our robust cattle movement and testing regime, will allow us to achieve and maintain long term reductions in the level of TB across the South West and Midlands where the disease is currently widespread.

The government is taking robust action to beat the disease, with a strategy including stronger cattle testing and movement controls, good biosecurity, badger control in areas where TB is rife and vaccination when possible. The strategy sets out how we plan to achieve TB-freedom across the country by 2038.

Vaccinating healthy badgers is part of the government's long-term plan and could play an important role in preventing bovine TB spreading to new areas of the country. Defra plans to resume the Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme, which offers support for private badger vaccination projects in edge area counties, in 2018 when we expect vaccine supplies to be available once more following the current global shortage.

The government is also supporting farmers to take practical action to reduce the risk of infection onto their farm. This includes support for a new CHeCS TB cattle herd accreditation scheme, on-farm biosecurity demonstrations for farmers, and training for vets delivered by APHA jointly with the private sector. Farmers can also access practical guidance on the TB Hub, which brings advice from farming experts, vets and government together in one place.

Background

Summary of responses to a consultation on bovine TB: controls in the High Risk and Edge Areas of England

Summary of responses to a consultation on bovine TB: improving testing in the High Risk Area of England

Summary of responses to a consultation on bovine TB: controlling bovine TB in non-bovine animals

For more information, please contact the Defra press office on 020 8026 3663 and 020 8225 7618.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/346777 2016-12-13T17:00:00+00:00 2016-12-13T17:00:00+00:00 Press release: Countryside Stewardship 2017 update The latest round of Countryside Stewardship funding will include grants for woodland creation and reduction of flood risk.

Nearly £20 million will soon be made available for agri-environment agreements to help farmers and land managers protect wildlife, create new habitats and reduce flood risk.

In October, the Chancellor guaranteed funding for new Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) projects agreed before we leave the EU, providing they are good value for money and are in line with domestic strategic priorities. This is in addition to guarantees for existing projects and those due to start in 2017.

Today, Farming Minister George Eustice confirmed details of Countryside Stewardship elements opening shortly, which includes woodland creation and woodland planning grants, and a new flood action facilitation fund to help land owners create natural flood management solutions. He said:

The Countryside Stewardship scheme plays a crucial role in enhancing our environment – conserving and restoring habitats to help wildlife recover, creating woodlands to improve air quality and reduce flood risk, and improving our landscapes to increase productivity and resilience.

I'm pleased today to confirm details for next year for these elements of Countryside Stewardship, and I encourage farmers and land owners across the country to apply.

Woodland creation and planning grants

Farmers and land managers are encouraged to apply for funding to support woodland creation and the long-term management of forests.

Around £17 million will be made available for the Woodland Creation Grant and the Woodland Planning Grant, which will be used to expand and manage woodland – working towards the shared government and sector ambition to achieve 12% woodland cover in England by 2060.

The fund opens on 3 January and Woodland Creation applications are available for download. Woodland Planning application forms will be available shortly.

Flood action facilitation fund

Up to £720,000 will be made available to encourage groups of farmers, foresters and other land managers to develop natural flood management projects on their land.

The new funding will help groups of farmers and other land managers in areas hit by last winter's flooding to work together to reduce flood risk and apply for funding to plant trees, create water meadows and restore rivers to their natural meanders.

This fund builds on the government's commitment to using natural flood management techniques to better protect communities from flooding, with £15 million pledged for natural defences in the Autumn Statement. Previous government-funded schemes have already proven successful – such as the use of 'leaky dams' that slow the flow of floodwater used in Pickering in Yorkshire, or better land management upstream in Holnicote in Somerset.

More information is available here on the Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/344299 2016-12-12T11:00:00+00:00 2016-12-12T11:00:00+00:00 News story: New licensing policies: great for wildlife - great for business Ground-breaking licensing policies will free up money for long-lasting nature conservation.

Natural England is revolutionising the way it issues licences to provide significant benefits for both wildlife and licence applicants.

Four innovative new policies have been created that will smooth the process for businesses who require a wildlife licence for their project, saving them time and money. In return, they will fund an unprecedented level of investment in the creation and enhancement of wildlife habitat. This will provide greater security for populations of European protected species such as dormice, bats and great crested newts.

The need for change

Animals such as these, whose future is under threat, receive legal protection to ensure their survival. The current licensing approach sometimes focuses on individual species at locations where there is little chance of them thriving in the long term. There is a real risk of applicants spending considerable time and money surveying and moving small numbers of animals. This causes frustration for the applicants with little or no benefit for the conservation status of the animals.

What's new?

Together, the 4 new policies will encourage planners and conservationists to think on a wider, landscape scale – channelling investment into bigger, better, more joined-up habitat for wildlife. In short, the changes will mean the application of the law is focused on the measures which are most effective at protecting populations.

The policies will lead to:

greater flexibility in relocating European protected species from development sites

creation of new habitats away from development sites where it is environmentally most beneficial

wildlife benefiting from habitat that is found on development sites, such as where quarrying has created ponds suitable for great crested newts

flexibility in exceptional circumstances to reduce surveying where the impacts of development can be predicted confidently

How might the changes work?

Until now, if someone wanted to build on a site where great crested newts were present, in order to protect the newts they might need to spend money moving them or building fences to exclude them from the site. The first new policy will remove the need for this relocation or exclusion, providing there is a programme in place to enhance or create sufficient habitat. This works in tandem with the second policy, which enables the creation of new habitat away from the development site if this will provide greater benefit. Together these two policies will result in money being spent on "more, bigger, better, joined-up" habitat (as recommended in The Lawton Report 2010 (PDF)), ensuring a better future for the protected species in the long term.

The third policy will allow protected wildlife access to brownfield and mineral working sites, such as quarries, provided there is a management plan in place. This habitat is often very attractive to wildlife and provides a benefit which can last for many years. Until now policy has incentivised licence applicants to keep wildlife out, by installing fencing or by destroying the habitat. The new policy guarantees that as long as an overall benefit to protected species is assured developers will not be prevented from using this type of land.

Surveys can cause expensive delays for licence applicants if protected species are discovered unexpectedly. The fourth and final policy offers greater flexibility in the level of survey needed, where the impact of the development on the protected species can be predicted with sufficient certainty.

Natural England consulted on the proposed policies and received helpful feedback from ecologists, environmental organisations and developers on how these policies should be implemented. Following approval by Defra ministers, the new licensing policies are being formally adopted. The consultation report can be found online.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/344429 2016-11-18T12:37:47+00:00 2016-11-18T12:37:47+00:00 Press release: West Pennine Moors becomes largest protected wildlife site in a decade One of the country's most precious landscapes has been given special legal protection for its nationally important wildlife and habitats.

The West Pennine Moors is the largest new site of special scientific interest (SSSI) notified by Natural England since 2004, covering a total of 76 square kilometres between Chorley, Blackburn, Bolton and Haslingden in Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

This move reflects the national significance of the area and its combination of upland habitats, moorland fringe grasslands and woodland, which support an impressive array of breeding birds. Merlin, curlew, snipe, lapwing and redshank nest in the area and there are large breeding colonies of both black-headed and Mediterranean Gulls.

Natural England's Chief Executive, James Cross, said:

This is a significant moment for the protection of wildlife across a wild and beautiful expanse of north-west England.

Our upland landscapes provide vital wildlife habitats and clean water, reduce flood risk and bring enjoyment and a sense of well-being to millions of people.

The West Pennine Moors provide a dramatic backdrop to the surrounding towns and the wild, open spaces have been enjoyed by generations of locals and visitors alike. The hills also provide clean drinking water for thousands of households and their ability to store water plays a vital role in reducing flood risk in urban areas downstream.

Natural England will work with owners and land managers to continue to protect and enhance the wildlife importance of the area, whilst maximising the other benefits from the moors. This includes sensitive management of blanket bogs through careful grazing by cattle or sheep, and maintaining water levels at or around the surface of the peat to make sure the habitat is at its healthiest.

Bogs in good condition provide many benefits including increased water storage in the upper catchments to reduce flood risk downstream, creating long-term carbon storage, as well as providing a unique habitat for wildlife. Other traditional management activity, such as cutting meadows for hay rather than silage and sensitive grazing of species-rich grasslands, supports a greater variety of wildlife and creates a more diverse landscape. SSSI status will help secure the widest possible commitment to the conservation of the West Pennines and lead to further action to secure the future of this moorland landscape.

Mike Burke, Natural England's Area Manager for Cheshire to Lancashire said:

The West Pennine Moors are truly special and wholly warrant this SSSI status. It confers special legal protection and recognises the national scientific importance of its mosaic of upland habitats and populations of breeding birds.

We will continue to work with all farmers, landowners and conservation groups across the area over the coming weeks and months to explain the importance of this designation and agree how we can work together to protect the area now and in the future.

Explaining the relevance of this designation, James Cross added:

Conservation is not about holding things back, but about moving them forward. The outcome Natural England wishes to achieve with this designation is sustainably conserving a wonderful upland landscape and safeguarding the services it offers for the benefit of both people and the environment.

Landowners, occupiers and interested parties now have 4 months in which to make representations or objections to Natural England, who will then decide whether or not to confirm the notification.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/338572 2016-09-07T15:35:00+01:00 2016-11-17T13:30:02+00:00 News story: Buzzard licensing applications Natural England recently issued a licence permitting the control of up to 10 buzzards to prevent serious damage to young pheasants.
Updated: Update 17 November with details of further 3 licences.

Natural England is committed to being as open and transparent about its licensing decisions as it can be and the documents relating to that decision are published below. Certain information has to be withheld in accordance with our legal obligations under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

Where appropriate applications are made, Natural England issues wildlife licences to prevent damage to agriculture, livestock and fisheries. So far this year, we have received over 5,500 applications, covering a variety of species and purposes.

In deciding whether a licence should be granted, all applications have to be assessed in the same way against the evidence, relevant policy and guidance - and within the legal framework of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. When, and only when, all the relevant criteria are met, Natural England is legally obliged to issue a licence.

Specifically regarding the control of buzzards, the High Court recently considered the issues surrounding the granting of a licence in order to protect livestock - and gave clear legal direction on that decision making process. This includes the need to balance the protection of wild birds against the requirement to prevent serious damage to livestock and the need to adopt a consistent approach to the interpretation of policy. Natural England revised its guidance to take account of the High Court ruling – and consulted stakeholders on the revised guidance at the time.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 defines livestock as any animal which is "kept for the provision or improvement of shooting or fishing". The guidance says that where birds are either in pens or are significantly dependent on people they are classed as livestock.

Natural England is currently considering 4 further applications for a licence to control buzzards to prevent damage to livestock. Overall, the number of applications for buzzard control licences is in keeping with recent previous years. Each application will be assessed within the framework described above. When a decision has been reached on all of the applications we'll provide a further public update.

One further application has been withdrawn by the applicant as they wish to further explore alternative methods to resolve the issue. Full exploration of alternative methods is a key test in our consideration of licence applications.

We would not consider licensing any activity which would adversely affect the conservation status of a species. It is illegal to kill wild birds without a licence from Natural England and anyone who suspects a wildlife crime should report details to the Police.

Supporting documents for active buzzard licence:

 Licence application (PDF, 5.74MB, 11 pages)

 Technical assessment (PDF, 1.12MB, 11 pages)

 Summary of decision (PDF, 20KB, 2 pages)

 Licence cover letter (PDF, 20.3KB, 2 pages)

 Licence (PDF, 196KB, 5 pages)

 Lethal control Internal Guidance Note (PDF, 324KB, 8 pages)

Update 17 November

Natural England received a total of 6 applications to control buzzards to prevent serious damage to livestock during the summer and autumn of 2016.

Four of the applications resulted in licences being issued. The details of the further 3 licences are below.

The total number of buzzards licenced for control was for up to 26 buzzards. All licences have now expired and the total number of buzzards controlled was 11.

The other 2 applications were withdrawn by the applicants as they wished to further explore alternative methods to resolve the issues. This is a key licensing test that we apply to all applications.

As outlined above, all licence applications are assessed in the same way against the evidence, relevant policy and guidance - and within the legal framework of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. When all the relevant criteria are met, Natural England is legally obliged to issue a licence.

8 September 2016

 Licence application (PDF, 3.4MB, 13 pages)

 Licence (PDF, 257KB, 5 pages)

 Technical assessment (PDF, 1.61MB, 13 pages)

26 September 2016

 Licence application (PDF, 5.42MB, 11 pages)

 Licence (PDF, 254KB, 6 pages)

 Technical assessment (PDF, 949KB, 11 pages)

29 September 2016

 Licence application (PDF, 2.32MB, 12 pages)

 Licence (PDF, 182KB, 6 pages)

 Technical assessment (PDF, 564KB, 14 pages)

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/342526 2016-10-27T11:16:55+01:00 2016-10-27T11:16:55+01:00 Press release: Unlocking the River Severn for people and wildlife Funding announced for major new wildlife project to reopen the River Severn for fish and wildlife.

A major new wildlife project to reopen the mighty River Severn has secured almost £20 million of funding – £10.8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £6 million from the European Union LIFE programme.

The scheme will re-open the mighty River Severn and its major tributary for fish and wildlife whilst reconnecting millions of people and local communities with the lost natural, cultural and industrial heritage of this magical river.

This is the largest project of its kind ever attempted in Europe and will reopen the UK's longest river to all fish species, many of which became extinct in the upper reaches following the installation of weirs required to power the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s. The work will remove blockages and secure the long-term future of many of the UK's declining and protected fish species by substantially increasing access to important spawning grounds.

This includes historically economically vital species such as the now threatened twaite and allis shad – a species favoured in the court of Henry III, once abundant and famed all across Europe for its taste and quality. The project will also benefit other critically declining species such as salmon and the European eel – all species on which the communities along the banks of the River Severn were historically built.

The project was developed as part of a 3 year long collaborative partnership between the Severn Rivers Trust, the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency and Natural England.

Sir James Bevan, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said:

After considerable investment, rivers in England are the healthiest for 20 years. This is down to more than a decade of hard work. But there is more to do and ambitious projects, such as the Unlocking the River Severn, to remove weirs and help fish migrate are a crucial part of this. But this isn't just about fish – we want this project to reconnect millions of people with this beautiful river. This is a great example of working with partners in order to play to different organisations' strengths, make our money go further and deliver more.

James Cross, chief executive officer of Natural England, said:

This is a really exciting example of what partnership working can achieve. The ambition and scale of this project, to restore over 250 km of historic spawning and nursery ground and support 2 species of shad, as well as a whole range of other fish such as salmon, eels, lamprey and sea trout, in the River Severn, River Teme SSSI and Severn Estuary, is great testament to the passion we share with our partners for the natural environment and the hard work the project team have put in. I am thrilled to hear that the project has been successful, and I'm looking forward to visiting the viewing gallery in the Diglis fish pass and seeing the migrating fish for myself.

Today, more than 6 million people live within close proximity of the River Severn, and the project will build upon the wide economic and social benefits to local communities the river brings. Recreational and commercial fishing activities contribute £15 million to the river each year with a further £4.4 million per annum from recreational activities, such as walking and cycling along the Severn Way. The project will build on this by restoring the fish populations to bring additional economic benefits, as well as enhancing the recreational and tourism opportunities along the river.

The exciting project will also work closely with local communities and schools in order to reconnect millions of people with the natural, cultural and industrial heritage on the rivers. Along with the UK's first Shad Fest and England's only fish viewing gallery at Diglis Weir in Worcester, a major citizen science program will also get people involved in the preservation of this lesser-known UK fish.

In reconnecting people with the river, the project will raise awareness of the value of UK rivers, not only for enhancing biodiversity, tourism and fishing, but ensuring the River Severn system is protected for our future generations to enjoy as part of our natural and historic heritage, and an important piece of what made Britain the economic powerhouse it is today.

Tony Bostock, chief executive officer of the Severn Rivers Trust, said:

This exciting project meets the aims of the Severn Rivers Trust and our partners in protecting and enhancing the Severn catchment. It will deliver multiple benefits to fisheries interests, anglers and a great many local communities along the Severn and Teme. The state-of-the-art fish passes will truly unlock the UK's longest river and together with proposed habitat improvements provide greater resilience to climate change and other pressures in the future.

Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, said:

We are delighted to receive this very significant funding to help us restore this important fish stock to the upper River Severn, and we are very grateful to the HLF and the European LIFE fund. Whilst the weirs have played a vital role in enabling boats to use the river for over 200 years, it is fantastic that we can now introduce the fish passes that will open up the river for fish and wildlife once again.

Work to install the first of seven state-of-the-art fish passes will begin in 2017, and the project will take approximately 5 years to complete.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/342142 2016-10-24T00:15:00+01:00 2016-10-24T09:34:35+01:00 Press release: Walkers to enjoy new stretch of coast path in Norfolk A stretch of England Coast Path opens in Norfolk as new figures reveal people make over 300 million visits a year to England's coast.
Updated: Video with drone view of stretch added.

With walking found to be the most popular activity at the coast, the opening of the route in Great Yarmouth by Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Natural England Chairman Andrew Sells means many more people can enjoy our stunning coastlines.

The 21 mile route between Hopton-on-Sea and Sea Palling includes 3 new miles of access between Horsey and Sea Palling, where walkers and wildlife watchers will enjoy a beautiful and quieter section of Norfolk's coastline, some of it for the first time. They will also be able to explore towns and villages along the way, including Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Caister-on-Sea and Hemsby, benefiting local economies.

Natural England's Chairman, Andrew Sells, speaking at the opening in Great Yarmouth today, said:

The England Coast Path is a fabulous legacy for our great island nation.

The latest section opening here today is a wonderful showcase for Norfolk's varied coastline, from historic towns and villages to stunning wildlife and beautiful beaches.

Opening up the route will also bring huge benefits to the regional economy - our evidence shows walking is the most popular activity at the coast and we spend more time and money when we visit.

Set to visit the coastal stretch today, Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Defra, said:

With this section of coast path opening in Norfolk today, I am delighted even more miles of our beautiful coastline will be open for people to enjoy, giving everyone a chance to take in even more of our breath-taking scenery.

The England Coast Path is a stunning location for people to visit, and has many benefits, including improving our physical and mental wellbeing.

Natural England worked with Norfolk County Council to establish the route. Also speaking at the event, Norfolk County Council Chairman David Collis said:

This 21-mile path opens up a new route taking in varied views such as the spectacular wide golden sands of Great Yarmouth and the wildlife rich dunes at Horsey so I'd urge people to visit and discover more of our beautiful county.

Whether you are ambitious enough to complete the whole new stretch in a day, or simply want to get out and walk off a hearty lunch, it's a perfect excuse to explore the stunning Norfolk coast.

Jonathan Stratford, General Manager at Haven's Hopton Holiday Village said:

We are delighted to hear of the opening of the England Coast Path between Hopton-on-Sea and Sea Palling as it is a project that we have been actively supporting over the last couple of years.

We encourage all our guests to explore the local area and this coastal path gives everyone the chance to discover more of this picturesque and unique coastline with ease.

The opening of new trail coincides with the publication of Natural England's latest evidence report Monitoring of Engagement with the Natural Environment – Visits to coastal England. It shows visitors travel from further afield to reach the coast and visit for relaxation and well-being. They spend up to 3 times more money at a coastal destination than an inland one (£18 compared with £6).

This is the second stretch of the England Coast Path to open in Norfolk following the 26 miles established between Weybourne and Sea Palling in December 2014. It also marks 30 years since the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, from Cromer to Hunstanton, was opened by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Taken together, the paths cover 83 miles around the Norfolk coast as far as Hunstanton, creating the longest section of coast path in the east of England.

Natural England is currently establishing a 2,700-mile path around the entire English coastline by 2020 and work is already under way on over 60 per cent of the route. When completed, it will be the longest continuous coastal walking route in the world. It will also become a National Trail – the nation's finest and most popular long-distance paths.

See the video with an aerial view of the stretch between Hopton-on-Sea and Sea Palling taken from a drone.

Aerial view of England Coast Path between Hopton-on-Sea and Sea Palling

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/340386 2016-09-30T15:55:00+01:00 2016-09-30T15:55:00+01:00 News story: New otter class licence issued Natural England has issued a class licence permitting those registered to capture and transport otters trapped inside fisheries.

Only people who can demonstrate knowledge, ability and experience with trapping otters may be registered to act under this licence.

The class licence will enable individuals to deal with trapped otters as they are found – without having to apply for an individual licence for each otter. This streamlined approach will help speed up the safe relocation of otters when they have been trapped inside fenced fisheries.

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a European Protected Species and also fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is illegal to kill an otter or take it by certain methods without a licence from Natural England.

James Cross, Chief Executive of Natural England said:

The new class licence is a common sense approach that will benefit both otters and fisheries - and embodies Natural England's commitment to working with partners and safeguarding our wildlife for everyone.

What benefits will the licence bring?

The licence will speed up the process for capturing and relocating otters that manage to get in to fisheries that have been fenced to exclude them. Having a group of trained people who can operate under the licence will avoid the need for individual licence applications. The process ensures the protection of otters.

Who can operate under the licence?

We will only register people who can demonstrate that they are skilled and knowledgeable about otter trapping. While Natural England runs a training course, we will consider applicants who haven't taken it but can prove they have the necessary skills and experience.

Where will the otters be relocated to?

It is a requirement that otters are released at the nearest suitable location on the outside of the otter-proof fencing where they can resume activity in their home range.

What checks will be in place?

The registered persons must notify Natural England so the local wildlife adviser is aware and has the opportunity to undertake a compliance visit. A licence return must be submitted 14 days after using the licence. If a registered user does not use the licence they must still submit an annual 'nil' return in order to stay registered.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/339094 2016-09-13T12:08:00+01:00 2016-09-13T12:08:00+01:00 Press release: Completing Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier applications by 30 September 2016 deadline The closing date for submitting completed Mid Tier applications together with all supporting evidence is Friday 30 September 2016.

The number of Mid Tier Countryside Stewardship (CS) applicants has increased by 13% this year, with nearly 6,500 packs requested before 31 August. In one day alone, nearly 500 application packs were requested. Natural England is now reminding applicants that they must submit their applications with all supporting evidence by Friday 30 September 2016.

Guy Thompson, Natural England's Chief Operating Officer, said:

We have listened to farmers and stakeholders about the design of Countryside Stewardship and it is great to see them responding so positively to the changes. Not only does it clearly demonstrate the genuine desire of the farming community to protect their local environment but, with the scheme providing successful applicants with a fixed income for five years, it also makes good business sense.

This year's Mid Tier and Higher Tier CS schemes were launched on 14 March 2016. Both schemes are competitive and targeted and will fund projects to restore habitats, improve water quality and woodland, reduce flood risk, protect landscapes and provide year-round food and shelter for pollinators, birds and other wildlife.

Caroline Drummond, Chief Executive of Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) said:

It is very heart-warming that farming has responded so positively. The last few months have been an uncertain time for many farm businesses; however, they are voting with their feet and showing their firm commitment to continuing their good work on environmental protection and LEAF is delighted with this result.

The Mid Tier CS scheme offers 5-year agreements for environmental improvements to the wider countryside, such as reducing diffuse water pollution or improving the environment for birds, pollinators and farm wildlife. The many farmers that have applied for Mid Tier application packs will now be issued with maps and the evidence requirements needed to develop applications and submit them to Natural England by the deadline of 30 September.

Dr Alastair Leake, Head of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust Allerton Project farm in Leicestershire said:

The previous Stewardship scheme was a massive success with 70% of land area included in an agreement. This was a significant achievement and it is reassuring that so many farmers are now expressing interest in the Mid Tier scheme. However, this new scheme is more competitive and targeted and it is vital that farmers read the scheme guidance and seek the right advice in order to complete these applications successfully. This will make a difference to the final outcome, as well as being better for the environment and British farming. Just don't miss the deadline.

The closing date for submitting completed Mid Tier applications together with all supporting evidence is Friday 30 September 2016. Natural England is also running a series of one-to-one clinics in various locations to support customers with their Mid Tier applications. See the Mid Tier advice clinics page for more details.

Top tips for completing a CS application form

To help ensure that Natural England can process your CS application as quickly and accurately as possible please make sure that you:

Double check that you`ve completed the form correctly, use the checklist on page 13.</li> <li>Make sure that you`ve included all the relevant Single Business Idenitifiers and vendor numbers.

Make sure that you have provided the evidence required to support the options you have chosen. Details of the evidence required are available on the 'keeping records section' for each CS option.

Where applicable don`t forget to submit the completed Historic Environmental Farm Environment Record (referred to as 'HEFER').

Check that you (and any partners) have signed the form.

If you have any questions about completing the form contact your agent, Natural England or book a place at one of the Mid Tier clinics that Natural England is running.

Submit your application with all supporting evidence to Natural England by 30 September.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/337916 2016-08-30T09:30:00+01:00 2016-08-30T09:30:00+01:00 News story: Further measures to eradicate bovine TB Farming Minister George Eustice announces new measures to tackle devastating disease

Further measures to tackle bovine TB in England were announced today as part of the government's 25-year strategy to eradicate the disease and protect the livelihoods of dairy and beef farmers.

Bovine TB costs taxpayers over £100 million every year and England has the highest incidence of the disease in Europe. In 2015 alone over 28,000 cattle had to be slaughtered in England to control the disease, causing devastation and distress for farmers and rural communities, where herds have often been built up on family farms over many generations.

The government's strategy includes tighter cattle measures, improved biosecurity and badger control in areas where the disease is rife. Advice from the Chief Veterinary Officer makes clear that dealing with the disease in both cattle and badgers is essential to tackle the disease effectively. This strategy is already delivering results: we are on track to achieve TB freedom to more than half of the country by 2020—the first time anywhere in England will have this status.

New measures outlined today include:

Seven additional licences for badger control measures covering parts of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, with operations now underway.

A consultation on introducing further cattle measures including more sensitive tests for TB-affected herds in the High Risk Area, and increased surveillance testing for herds in the Edge Area.

A call for views on a more risk-based approach to TB testing of cattle herds in the High Risk Area.

New farm advice packs to help farmers affected by bovine TB to improve the effectiveness of biosecurity measures on their farm.

An updated online tool mapping the location of bovine TB incidents over the last five years to allow farmers to make informed decisions when buying livestock.

A consultation on introducing further measures for controlling TB in non-bovine animals.

Farming Minister George Eustice said:

Our comprehensive strategy to eradicate bovine TB in England is delivering results, with more than half the country on track to be free of the disease by the end of this Parliament.

Bovine TB has a devastating impact on farms, which is why we are taking strong action to eradicate the disease, including tighter cattle controls, improved biosecurity and badger control measures in areas where the disease is rife.

The veterinary advice and the experience of other countries is clear—we will not be able to eradicate this disease unless we also tackle the reservoir of the disease in the badger population as well as cattle.

Chief Vet Nigel Gibbens said:

Action to prevent infection of cattle from significant reservoirs of TB infection in local badger populations is an essential part of the government's 25-year strategy to eradicate bovine TB in England.

Proactive badger control is currently the best available option and the licensing of further areas is necessary to realise disease control benefits at regional rather than at local levels.

In 2015 badger control operations in Somerset, Gloucestershire and Dorset were all successful in meeting their targets, and the government announced in December that it wanted to see badger control over a wider number of areas in 2016.

As part of its long-term strategy to eradicate bovine TB, the government has already introduced tougher movement controls and more frequent testing, as well as working with farmers, vets and others to improve biosecurity on farm and when trading.

Notes to editors

In line with existing rules for Approved Finishing Units (AFUs), operating licences for AFUs with grazing in cull areas will be withdrawn, with 12 months' notice, after at least 12 months of successful culling. Enforcing the existing strict licensing rules on AFUs helps to reduce the potential risk of disease spread and protect the hard work of our farmers and livestock keepers to eradicate bovine TB. More information on Approved Finishing Units operating rules is available.

The consultation on further cattle measures closes on 8 November 2016

The call for views on cattle testing closes on 8 November 2016

The consultation on further non-bovine measures closes on 8 November 2016.

Information on Natural England's licensing for badger control operations

For more information, please contact the Defra press office on 020 8026 3663 and 020 8225 7618.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/337573 2016-08-24T11:09:00+01:00 2016-08-24T11:09:00+01:00 News story: Secretary of State appoints new member to Natural England Board Secretary of State appoints Professor Michael Winter OBE to the Natural England Board

Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Andrea Leadsom, has appointed Professor Michael Winter OBE to the Board of Natural England as a member.

The appointment will take effect from 1 September 2016 for three years.

Board members provide non-executive leadership challenge and support to the executive through regular Board meetings, committees and groups. They also undertake individual lead roles on relevant issues and with local operational teams.

All appointments to the Natural England Board are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. The appointments comply with the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Natural England is a non-departmental public body, set up under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Its remit is to ensure the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and future generations.

There is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if significant) to be declared. Professor Winter has confirmed that he has not undertaken any significant political activity during the past five years.

Biographical details of Professor Michael Winter OBE

Professor Winter is a rural policy specialist and social scientist with expertise covering a wide range of environmental issues and particular interests in applying inter-disciplinary approaches to policy-relevant research. He is currently Professor of Land Economy & Society and a Director of the Land, Environment, Economics and Policy (LEEP) Institute at the University of Exeter. He is also a Director of the Food Security & Land Research Alliance (encompassing the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter, Rothamsted Research and Duchy College). He is co-director of Defra's Sustainable Intensification Research Platform.

He chairs the UNESCO North Devon Biosphere Partnership and the Uplands Alliance. Professor Winter is also a member of the governing board of Rothamsted Research, and chairs the Stakeholder Group for the Avon Demonstration Test Catchment. In addition, he is also a member of the National Trust's South West Regional Advisory Board.

Past positions held by Professor Winter include membership of the Expert Panel for the National Ecosystem Assessment, Defra's Science Advisory Council and being a Commissioner and board member of the Commission for Rural Communities.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/336172 2016-08-05T14:24:17+01:00 2016-08-05T14:24:17+01:00 Government response: Issue of buzzard licence Natural England is providing further information regarding the issue of a licence for buzzard control.

We recognise the strength of public feeling following the decision to issue a licence to control up to 10 buzzards and we are providing further context to this case.

Wildlife licences are required from Natural England for activities that will disturb or remove wildlife or damage habitats and can be granted to prevent damage to agriculture, livestock, fisheries, property or archaeology.

So far this year, we have received over 5,500 wildlife licence applications covering a variety of species. In deciding whether a licence should be granted, all applications have to be assessed in the same way against the relevant policy and within the legal framework of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

We fulfill this role as a wildlife licensing authority, alongside the range of our statutory responsibilities as government's adviser on nature conservation.

In assessing the buzzard licence application we took into account the legislative tests and policy guidance, the evidence received from the applicant, industry guidance and scientific literature. The application was rigorously assessed with input from specialists across our organisation.

The High Court has recently considered the issues surrounding the granting of a licence to kill buzzards in order to protect livestock and given clear direction on the decision making process. This includes the need to balance the protection of wild birds against the requirement to prevent serious damage to livestock and the need to adopt a consistent approach to the interpretation of policy which applies across a number of species. Natural England has taken account of the court's findings in reaching this decision.

The licence to control buzzards was issued to protect against serious damage to livestock. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 defines livestock as any animal which is "kept for the provision or improvement of shooting or fishing".

Our guidance says that where birds are either in pens or are significantly dependent on people they are classed as livestock. For example, where a bird remains in close proximity to a release pen and will often return to it for shelter or to roost at night, and is dependent on food put out by the gamekeeper then we usually consider it to still be livestock even if it is free-living. As pheasants are released at a relatively young age, they will be dependent on the gamekeeper for several weeks at least. Natural England revised this guidance to take account of the High Court ruling, having consulted our stakeholders.

As a public body, Natural England has to balance the public interest with the security of the individuals who apply for licences. In the interests of transparency, Natural England will shortly be making documents associated with the assessment and granting of this licence publicly available. These also include details about control methods, assessment and criteria under which the license has been granted. Any disclosed documents will be released in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and therefore some details, such as personal information, may be redacted.

We would not consider licensing any activity which would adversely affect the conservation status of a species. Buzzards are now widespread in England, with over 60,000 pairs in the UK (British Trust for Ornithology). The loss of a small number of birds at the specified site will have no impact on the overall conservation status of the species.

It is illegal to kill wild birds without a licence from Natural England and anyone who suspects a wildlife crime should report details to the police.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/335683 2016-08-01T16:42:30+01:00 2016-08-01T16:42:30+01:00 News story: National Parks to extend by size of Isle of Wight Today the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Lake District National Park officially extended.

Two of our most iconic National Parks – the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District – have extended their boundaries for the first time in a bid to protect our precious countryside and boost rural tourism, Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom announced today.

From the historic Sizergh Castle and postcard village of Orton to the breath-taking Lyth Valley, the extensions will see nearly 200 square miles – an area bigger than the Isle of Wight – protected for generations to come.

Over 20 million people already visit the rugged Dales and majestic Lakes each year. Extending these unique spaces will create the largest stretch of almost continuous National Park in England and attract thousands more people to the region – adding to over £1.8 billion a year already generated by visitors to these Parks.

The extension also supports the Government's long-term plan for the environment, a manifesto commitment currently being developed with local authorities, communities and environmental groups across the country.

Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said:

The Dales and Lake District are part of our nation's proud identity – immortalised by W. H. Auden and Wordsworth, they are home to some of our country's most beautiful and rugged landscapes.

Today's extension will virtually join up these precious natural assets, supporting the local economy, creating jobs and securing the area's reputation as one of our country's most attractive tourist destinations for generations to come.

National Parks contribute £4 billion to our economy each year – from Wensleydale Cheese to Herdwick lamb they are also home to over one third of England's protected food names.

With tourism responsible for 13% of rural employment and 10% of rural businesses, today's extension will not only attract more people to the region, but could potentially create hundreds more jobs and boost local economies.

Andrew Sells, Chairman of Natural England, the Government's statutory adviser on landscape with responsibilities for designating and amending boundaries of National Parks, added:

This is a momentous day for the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks, as well as for the wider family of protected landscapes. The additional areas which now form part of each National Park are very special places that deserve all the care and attention designation will bring.

We all very much look forward to the benefits these extensions will bring to local businesses, the wider community and all those who visit these cherished landscapes.

Chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Carl Lis said:

I'm eternally grateful for the extraordinary work so many people have put in to make today a reality. The Government decision to extend the boundary is an illustration of how important National Parks are to the people and to the fabric of this country.

For the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the hard work starts now. But through our passion for this special place, working alongside local people and businesses, we will ensure it remains a thriving area: its unique cultural landscape will be treasured for its stunning scenery, exceptional heritage and wonderful wildlife, and every year millions of people will be inspired to be a part of it.

Chief Executive of the Lake District National Park, Richard Leafe, said:

Today is a historic day for the Lake District National Park and one that deserves celebration. This extension represents unfinished business for the park and the new boundary line will be more fitting, following the natural landscape.

This extension was largely supported by the communities, showing that there continues to be a high level of support and recognition for the good work that is done in national parks. We're looking forward to maintaining and improving the environment in these new areas, particularly the rights of ways, creating even more of the Lake District for people to enjoy.

The extension of the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks will play an important role in delivering the National Parks Plan, which launched earlier this year to help young people better connect with their local environment through a programme of visits, apprenticeships and volunteering.

Further information

The Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks have extended their boundaries by 24% and 3% respectively. The extensions cover around 188 square miles.

The decision to extend the Parks was announced last October.

According to STEAM 2015 (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Model), there are 17.32 million visitors to the Lake District National Park and 9.30 million visitors to the Yorkshire Dales National Park wider area

According to STEAM 2015, visitors spend over £1.8 billion in Lakes and Dales a year (the economic impact of visitors and tourism businesses was £1.2 billion in the Lake District National Park and £605 million in the Yorkshire Dales National Park wider area in 2015.)

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/335248 2016-07-29T09:15:42+01:00 2016-07-29T09:15:42+01:00 News story: Licence for buzzard control Natural England has issued a licence for buzzard control.

Natural England issued a licence last night permitting the control of up to 10 buzzards to prevent serious damage to young pheasants.

The licence is time-limited with stringent conditions and is based on the law, policy and best available evidence. It follows rigorous assessment after other methods had been tried unsuccessfully over a 5-year period.

It is stipulated that the licence must be used in combination with non-lethal measures and only on buzzards in and immediately around the animal pens - not on passing birds. These conditions are designed to make the licensed activity both proportionate and effective and we will continue to work with the applicant to assess this.

Killing wild birds without a licence from Natural England is illegal.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/334670 2016-07-21T09:00:12+01:00 2016-07-21T09:00:12+01:00 Press release: Longest section of England Coast Path opens in Middlesbrough Natural England today opens the latest stretch of England Coast Path in Middlesbrough, bringing an economic boost to the region.

Sixty eight miles of sign posted National Trail will give walkers new and improved access and connect the urban heartland of Teesside to its open coast.

The continuous route starts at Filey Brigg and passes north through the popular resorts of Scarborough and Whitby, Saltburn and Redcar, providing stunning views of the North York Moors and coastline. It follows much of the well-known coastal section of Cleveland Way National Trail with improvements to the route.

Natural England is currently establishing a 2,700-mile path around the entire English coastline by 2020 and work is already under way on 60 per cent of the route. When completed, it will be the longest continuous coastal walking route in the world. It will also become a National Trail – the nation's finest and most popular long-distance paths.

Natural England's Chief Executive, James Cross, said:

It's an honour to open this section of coast path near my home town in Teesside. This route showcases the diversity of our coastline, from the views over the expansive North York Moors and the winding streets of postcard-perfect villages to our industrial heritage, and diverse wildlife all year round. We want people to enjoy exploring all of this coast, using a high-quality, well-signposted route.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs also today confirmed that an additional 8 mile section between Newport Bridge and North Gare - which links the previously open 34 miles of coast path in Durham with the new section opening today – has also been approved and is expected to formally open next year. Walkers will then be able to enjoy 110 miles of continuous England Coast Path from Filey Brigg to South Bents.

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said:

With none of us living further than 75 miles from the sea – many much closer – thousands of people are already exploring and enjoying our spectacular coastline thanks to new stretches of coastal path across the country. Middlesbrough's old docklands and harbours represent an important and iconic part of the region's history, and this picturesque stretch of coastline will allow the generations of our future to connect with the landscapes of our past.

This is the second stretch of England Coast Path to open in the north east of England and is the longest one in the country so far; the second longest – a 66 mile stretch – opened in Kent this week.

A small section of new access has been created near Staithes, where the trail has been brought closer to the headland, and opened new and spectacular views down into the harbour. North of Saltburn, where the Cleveland Way turns inland, the route continues through Marske to Redcar along open coast, before turning west to follow The Teesdale Way. Walkers will enjoy the fascinating industrial heritage of the Tees Estuary before arriving in the historical centre of Middlesbrough.

Thanks to funding from Tata Steel and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, a footbridge to the east of Lord McGowan Bridge has been restored in order to re-establish the "Black Path", a previously blocked section of the Teesdale Way. Signposting along the entire route and some improvements to surfaces will enable walkers to navigate the route with confidence.

Attending the event, Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd, said:

We are delighted this route through Middlesbrough is the latest in the England Coast Path project to be opened up to the public. Around the various beauty spots of our town we have many marked walking routes which are very popular so to be able to add this new path, with its dramatic vistas and route past the Newport and Transporter Bridges, is fantastic. When we talk of the things which make Middlesbrough a great place to live we are always quick to highlight the places on our doorstep, such as the coast, the moors, the seaside villages, so we want to thank Natural England for making this path a reality.

Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said:

The North Yorkshire coastline boasts some of the finest scenery in the UK and includes the second most popular holiday destination outside London – Scarborough – so it is terrific to see new and improved access to attract even more visitors and boost the economy.

Latest Natural England research (2016 Coastal Analysis of Monitoring of Engagement with the Natural Environment) due to be published this summer, shows 313 million visits were made to the English coast between March 2014 and February 2015. Findings also show that between March 2009 and February 2015, there was a 138 per cent increase in visits to paths, cycleways and bridleways at coastal locations. On average, during the same period (2009 to 2015) £18 was spent on coastal visits, compared to £6 on a visit to the countryside.

The creation of coastal paths in other parts of the country suggests the new path in North Yorkshire and Middlesbrough will bring clear benefits to the local economy. According to figures from the South West Coast Path report Unlocking Our Coastal Heritage, the National Trail is worth £400 million a year to the regional economy, equating to £630,000 per mile. According to counters on the previously opened South Bents to North Gare route, 10,000 people a year have enjoyed access to the coast and cliffs in a location which was previously inaccessible.

In addition to Middlesbrough Borough Council, Natural England also worked closely with three other local authorities to plan and prepare the route.

Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails Officer for the Cleveland Way based within the North York Moors National Park said:

Three of the top four views in Yorkshire are along the Cleveland Way National Trail according to a recent poll. Now that the trail is also part of the England Coast Path, and with a stunning new view of Staithes open to walkers, there's a chance we could claim all top 4 spots!

North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access to the Countryside said:

Walking is an extremely popular activity with tourists and locals in North Yorkshire, and this path will offer visitors and residents alike a new way to enjoy the county's beautiful coastline and take in the wildlife and heritage along its length. Tourism is hugely important to North Yorkshire and this high-profile new route offers fresh opportunities for tourism businesses. In addition, the path provides a new way for locals to enjoy the health benefits of walking.

Cllr Carl Quartermain, cabinet member for jobs, skills and leisure at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said:

We are delighted to be supporting Natural England with the creation of its 2,700 mile-long coastal footpath, which is cutting through some of the most scenic areas of Redcar and Cleveland. Our borough has a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside, and we hope this new right of access will encourage more visitors to come and enjoy it.

Background information

The England Coast Path #EnglandCoastPath gives walkers new rights of access to typical coastal land including foreshore, beaches, dunes and cliffs; including areas where everyone can rest, relax and admire the view. And, crucially, the path will now be able to 'roll back' as the cliffs erode or slips – enabling a replacement route to be put in place quickly if necessary, and so solving longstanding difficulties with maintaining a continuous route along the coast.

Tourism in Yorkshire is worth £7 billion annually and employs almost a quarter of a million people. The north Yorkshire and Middlesbrough coastline already attracts millions of people every year who enjoy visiting the popular destinations of Scarborough, Whitby and Saltburn. Welcome to Yorkshire estimate that just under 6 million tourism day trips were made to Scarborough in 2014 and day trip expenditure per head increased.

Natural England is working on 3 stretches of the north east coast, and we expect the remaining ones to open over the next couple of years.

Drone footage and photos of the coastline are available on Natural England's YouTube channel.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/334208 2016-07-19T11:13:11+01:00 2016-07-19T11:13:11+01:00 Press release: Natural England launches south east's first section of England Coast Path Walkers can enjoy 66 miles of new and improved National Trail with the launch of the first stretch of the England Coast Path in Kent and East Sussex today.

The continuous route between Camber and Ramsgate is the first section of the England Coast Path to open in the south east of England. It gives unbridled views of coastline, including the iconic White Cliffs and the unique areas of Dungeness and Pegwell Bay, popular for bird watching, their landscape and their summer flowers.

Natural England is currently establishing a 2,700-mile path around the entire English coastline by 2020 and work is already under way on 60 per cent of the route. When completed, it will be the longest continuous coastal walking route in the world. It will also become a National Trail – the nation's finest and most popular long-distance paths.

Speaking at the National Trust's White Cliffs centre, the Chairman of Natural England, Andrew Sells, said:

I am delighted to be here for the formal opening of this 66-mile section of the England Coast Path – the most significant rights of way project for a generation.

This beautiful and iconic stretch will allow walkers to enjoy amazing views, fabulous wildlife and places with significant cultural and historical value – all from a high-quality footpath. It will also connect coastal communities and encourage walkers to visit more of the coast, bringing an added economic boost to the region.

Dame Helen Ghosh, Director General of the National Trust, said:

We are a proud partner in Natural England's England Coast Path. The path represents one of the biggest steps forward for countryside and coastal access in a generation, making space for nature and people around our shores.

The coast path offers the chance to create a corridor for wildlife habitats to recover and thrive, while allowing people to experience natural heritage at first hand.

Environment Minister Therese Coffey said:

We have already opened up miles of coastal paths across the country, allowing thousands of people to explore and enjoy our spectacular coastline.

The White Cliffs of Dover are one of our country's most iconic and instantly recognisable landmarks, and with none of us living further than 75 miles from the sea – many much closer – opening this path will allow more people than ever before to experience this national treasure first-hand.

The route provides a link between communities and towns along the coast including Camber and Lydd, Greatstone and Hythe and Deal and Sandwich. It includes areas of great heritage: from the supposed landing site of Caesar at Walmer to embarkation points on the River Stour at Richborough used by soldiers and horses in the First World War; and from Napoleonic Martello towers dotted along the coast near Dymchurch to extensive Second World War defences at Dover, such as Winston Churchill's tunnels inside the cliffs at Fan Bay.

Three miles of new path have also been created at Sandwich, giving access around the peninsula for the first time. Walkers can enjoy new views along the River Stour across Pegwell Bay towards the cliffs at Ramsgate and overlook the wonderful National Nature Reserve of Sandwich and Pegwell Bay.

Latest Natural England research (2016 Coastal Analysis of Monitoring of Engagement with the Natural Environment) due to be published this summer, shows 313 million visits were made to the English coast between March 2014 and February 2015. Findings also show that between March 2009 and February 2015, there was a 138 per cent increase in visits to paths, cycleways and bridleways at coastal locations. On average, during the same period (2009 to 2015) £18 was spent on coastal visits, compared to £6 on a visit to the countryside. The creation of coastal paths in other parts of the country suggests the new path in Kent and Sussex will bring clear benefits to the local economy. According to figures from the South West Coast Path report Unlocking Our Coastal Heritage, the National Trail is worth £400 million a year to the regional economy, equating to £630,000 per mile.

Cross-channel visitors will be able to step off the ferry at Dover or Ramsgate and straight onto the England Coast Path. According to Visit Kent, access to the coast and its natural and cultural attractions generates a significant part of the county's £3.4 billion tourism industry.

Natural England has worked closely with Kent County Council and East Sussex County Council, who have made the path ready to open today.

Clive Pearman, Kent County Council's Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said:

The opening of this section of the coastal path will give local residents and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, with its stunning views and scenery, and the unique wildlife, in its many forms, which frequents this coastal region.

This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone, and we hope that this section of the coastal path invites many of the visitors to our county to step beyond the traditional visitor attractions to both enjoy this area, and thereby to contribute to the economic growth of Kent.

Background information

One in ten visits to the natural environment is a visit to the coast. Most visits to the coast are to walk or go to the beach (MENE).

Natural England is working on 5 stretches of the Kent coast; 2 of those open today and we expect the remaining ones to open over the next couple of years.

The next section of coast path opens in 2 days time, on 21 July 2016 in Middlesbrough. It will be 68 miles long and stretch from Filey in North Yorkshire to Newport Bridge in Middlesbrough.

The England Coast Path #EnglandCoastPath also gives walkers new rights of access to typical coastal land including foreshore, beaches, dunes and cliffs, including areas where everyone can rest, relax and admire the view. And, crucially, the path will now be able to 'roll back' as the cliffs erode or slip – enabling a replacement route to be put in place quickly if necessary, so solving longstanding difficulties with maintaining a continuous route along the coast.

Natural England worked with 421 landowners and 150 businesses between Camber and Ramsgate including beach-side properties, commercial ports and farmers. The proposals for the route were published between 2013 and 2014 when landowners and those with interests were able to make objections or representations. The route was scrutinised by an independent Planning Inspector and recommended with one small change to access at Richborough and approved by the Secretary of State.

Stunning drone footage of the route is available on our YouTube channel.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/333900 2016-07-14T13:20:09+01:00 2016-07-14T13:20:09+01:00 Press release: England's largest outdoor learning project reveals children more motivated to learn when outside The Natural Connections Demonstration project has published new evidence on the benefits of outdoor learning to pupils, teachers and schools.

Children from 125 schools across the South West of England are happier, healthier and more motivated to learn thanks to a new project commissioned by Natural England that has turned the outdoors into a classroom and helped schools transform ways of teaching.

The findings have been released today by the Natural Connections Demonstration project, a 4-year initiative to help school children – particularly those from disadvantaged areas – experience the benefits of the natural environment by empowering teachers to use the outdoors to support everyday learning.

The project, which is funded by Natural England, Defra and Historic England and delivered by Plymouth University, is the largest project of its kind in England and has already helped more than 40,000 primary and secondary school pupils get out of their classrooms and into the outdoors – whether that's a maths lesson in a local park or drama out on the school field.

Environment Minister Rory Stewart said:

We learn to love nature as children, and our commitment to nature later in life – respecting it, protecting it, restoring it, or simply enjoying it – is built on that childhood foundation. That's why it's so important we give all children the chance to experience the natural world.

What's clever about this project is it listens to teachers, it works with the grain of an individual school, and it works out how to get children into the outdoors while improving their curriculum experience.

Speaking at Wallscourt Farm Academy in Bristol at the launch of the findings, Natural England's Chairman, Andrew Sells, said:

The Natural Connections project has empowered teachers to make the most of what's right on their doorstep and helped children experience the joy of the natural environment. It's brought a real culture change into schools, making learning in the outdoors a regular part of school life – and it's inspiring to see children more engaged with learning and happier and healthier as a result.

Sue Waite, Associate Professor in Outdoor Learning at Plymouth University, said:

The model for this project was built on substantial evidence into both the benefits and challenges schools face when embedding outdoor learning into core teaching. By working directly with teachers we've helped to bring about a sustainable culture of outdoor learning across schools that will continue long after the project has ended and will leave behind a lasting legacy.

For the first time, the Natural Connections project provides strong evidence that learning outdoors has multiple benefits for school children. 92 per cent of teachers surveyed said that pupils were more engaged with learning when outdoors and 85 per cent saw a positive impact on their behaviour.

The majority of children also thought they learned better and achieved more when learning outside. 92 per cent of pupils involved in the project said they enjoyed their lessons more when outdoors, with 90 per cent feeling happier and healthier as a result.

The project has found taking lessons outside can help motivate teachers, with 79 per cent of teachers reporting positive impacts on their teaching practice. Almost 70 per cent of teachers said that outdoor learning has had a positive impact on their job satisfaction and 72 per cent reported improved health and wellbeing.

The Natural Connections project focused mainly on areas of deprivation in Plymouth, Torbay, Bristol, Cornwall and Somerset, working in both urban and rural schools with varying school grounds and access to local green spaces. These areas are now developing innovative ways to continue supporting outdoor learning across the school networks they have established through the project.

Natural England is now working with partners to help share the findings from this project to support and enhance the provision of outdoor learning in schools across England.

A full copy of the Natural Connections project report can be downloaded from Natural England's Access to Evidence publications catalogue.

A short film to accompany the publication of the project report highlights the achievements of the project and includes contributions from teachers and pupils talking about their experiences.

'Transforming Schools through Outdoor Learning', a practical guide for practitioners, will be published at the start of the new school term to help equip teachers with the tools they need to bring innovative outdoor learning ideas to their own schools.

Background information

Why was Natural Connections set up?

The evidence is clear – getting children outdoors is fantastic for their health, wellbeing and learning and can set them on a pathway to happy, healthy and environmentally sustainable lifestyles. Schools are community gateways to enable these opportunities for all children, yet only around 8 per cent of school age children in England get out of their classrooms into green spaces (i.e. exploring a local park or farm, or going on a trip to a National Park).

Natural Connections was developed in response to research and insight studies into the barriers and benefits of outdoor learning in schools. It was launched following evidence that the challenges to learning outside the classroom in the natural environment in schools were local and revolved around a lack of teacher confidence in teaching outside.

About the project

Natural Connections was established to pilot and evaluate new ways of providing local, independent support to schools and teachers to encourage demand for outdoor learning. Over the past four years it has supported schools and teachers to build outdoor learning into their planning and practices and encouraged the supply of high quality learning outside the classroom in the natural environment.

The aim of the project was to increase the number of school children, particularly from disadvantaged communities, able to experience the full range of benefits that come from learning in local natural environments. It worked with 125 primary and secondary schools, over 40,000 pupils (key stages 1-4, up to GCSE level), and more than 2,000 teachers. Networks, or 'clusters', of schools were established to support each other in overcoming challenges to learning in natural environments and share ideas and experiences with each other.

Key findings

95 per cent of children surveyed said outdoor learning makes lessons more enjoyable

90 per cent said they felt happier and healthier

72 per cent of children said they got on better with others

93 per cent of schools said outdoor learning improves pupils' social skills

92 per cent of schools said it improves pupils' health and wellbeing and engages them with learning

85 per cent of schools saw a positive impact on behaviour

90 per cent of staff surveyed found outdoor learning to be useful for curriculum delivery

72 per cent of schools reported that outdoor learning had a positive impact on teachers' health and wellbeing

79 per cent of teachers surveyed said outdoor learning had a positive impact on their teaching practice and 69 per cent said it had a positive impact on their professional development

72 per cent said outdoor learning improved their health and wellbeing and 69 per cent said it had a positive impact on their job satisfaction

About Plymouth University

Plymouth is a dynamic and distinctive university that strives for the highest quality in all that it does. It is a top 50 research (1) institution with genuine clusters of world class research across areas as diverse as marine science and engineering, medicine, robotics and psychology – all supported by investment in leading facilities.

With more than 26,000 students benefitting from a Plymouth education, the University has a strong track record in teaching excellence and has one of the highest numbers of National Teaching Fellows of any UK university.

Plymouth is a truly global university, with a vibrant international student base and with partnerships in 30 countries. It continues to grow in stature and influence - a twice winner of the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher Education, the first modern university in the UK to launch its own medical and dental school and the only university to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark.

(1) Research Fortnight Research Power League Table 2014

About Wallscourt Farm Academy

Wallscourt Farm Academy opened in September 2013 at the heart of the Cheswick Village development and Stoke Park area. The Academy is located in a brand new, purpose built learning environment. Learning inside and outside is a key part of the vision for learning at Wallscourt Farm, The Academy is part of the Cabot Learning Federation family of schools.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/332779 2016-07-06T00:15:00+01:00 2016-07-06T00:15:00+01:00 Press release: Natural England is set to double its number of apprentices Increased apprenticeship opportunities set to inspire more people to take up a career in the environmental sector.

Chief Executive James Cross announced the commitment during a visit to the Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve today (6 July) when he also had the chance to meet current apprentices and get involved in an important restoration project.

Natural England has 18 apprentices – and this is set to double by the end of the year.

Our apprentices currently range in age from their early 20s to their mid-40s, and backgrounds include ex-forces, arboriculture and art students.

The apprentices are currently funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Natural England. Through their 12 to 18 month journey with Natural England, they pick up essential skills as well as qualifications, such as level 2 Diplomas in environmental conservation or customer service qualifications. Of those who have completed apprenticeships this year, some have found roles with Natural England, and others at the National Trust and Lost Gardens of Heligan.

James Cross said:

I'm really pleased to announce Natural England will be doubling the apprenticeships it offers over the next few years across a broad range of roles. We'll be building on our current success with around 35 apprenticeships each year until 2020.

I've seen first-hand today how our apprenticeships not only help get more people into the ecological and environmental sector, but also offer the chance to people who may not previously have had access to this type of work.

It's been great to meet the apprentices in the inspiring location of the Humberhead Peatlands which is the largest area of raised bog wilderness in lowland Britain. The site supports an incredibly rich variety of plants and animals including the marsh harrier and the round-leaved sundew, one of the iconic plants directly connected with the bog.

James and the apprentices put in a weir on the day help ensure ideal water levels on the old peat milled fields. As well as being home to habitats and species of international importance, the site also welcomes over 30,000 visits each year, and is home to one of our newest apprentices, Claire Hayden.

Claire Hayden said:

The apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to learn on the job and work alongside experienced people in an environment that I love. Before I was on the scheme I thought the only way to get experience was through volunteering. For me it was as if everything had finally fallen into place.

Steve Walker, former Natural England apprentice and now Reserve Manager at Kingley Vale National Natural Reserve in West Sussex said:

When you think of an apprentice you'll probably think of someone in their late teens so it may surprise you to know I started my apprenticeship with Natural England in my thirties. To say it has been life changing is no understatement, and making the decision to change my career later in life was surprisingly easy. Thankfully I gained a permanent role with Natural England soon after completing my apprenticeship.

Apprentices are a key part of securing a strong future workforce for Natural England. This announcement will help towards delivering the government's wider aim of growing apprenticeship opportunities, which will be funded through the introduction of the apprenticeship levy from 2017.

For further details referred to in this press release see:

how to apply for a government apprenticeship

further opportunities advertised on the Civil Service Jobs website

how government funds apprenticeships

Natural England's NNRs

 Humberhead Peatlands NNR visitor leaflet for how to get there and get involved

For more information contact: Mary Tomlinson, Senior Press Officer, Natural England. Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Telephone: 07771 834 975.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/330080 2016-05-25T16:04:00+01:00 2016-05-25T16:04:00+01:00 News story: Natural England is now blogging Natural England has launched a new blog to give readers insight into its work.

Whether it's opening up a stretch of the England Coast Path, protecting pollinators, or conducting research on the dormouse, Natural England helps to protect England's nature and landscapes for people to enjoy.

Staff are involved in wide-ranging work, from managing England's 140 National Nature Reserves and designating National Parks, to working with farmers on agri-environment agreements and issuing licences to protect species like the great crested newt.

Through the blog, staff will share updates about this work and stories from out in the field.

Andrew Sells, Natural England's Chairman, said:

Natural England is full of passionate people and I'm constantly impressed by the stories our staff have to tell and the vital work they're involved in. Natural England's world is wonderfully diverse and this blog is a great way to share it.

Visit Natural England's blog.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/329606 2016-05-20T13:42:00+01:00 2016-05-20T13:42:00+01:00 Press release: €12 million European Union funding to protect vital UK moorlands (Archived) Thousands of acres of South Pennines moorland and peat bogs to be better protected as a new EU-funded restoration project gets underway.

The MoorLIFE 2020 project - which received €12 million funding from the European Union - will restore and preserve areas of blanket bog developed over thousands of years which are internationally rare due to their high concentration of carbon-storing peat. The project will also provide new habitats for birds and other wildlife, and provide new facilities to boost local tourism.

The five year scheme is run by Moors for the Future Partnership - which brings together partners including the Environment Agency, Natural England and MoorLIFE project, which protected 2,500 hectares of blanket bog in the Peak District and South Pennines between 2010 and 2015, with €5million provided by the EU towards the €6.7million cost.

On a visit to mark the start of work beginning, Minister Rory Stewart highlighted the benefits of the UK's membership of the EU which makes provides access to additional funding to support environmental conversation.

Environment Minister Rory Stewart said:

EU membership provides clear benefits for our natural environment, both at home and abroad.

Funding provided from the EU to the Moors for the Future Partnership, will ensure the protection of our distinct landscapes and priority international habitats across the South Pennines.

Through partnership working, crucial conservation and scientific work, alongside innovative techniques, we can fully understand and protect our moorland habitats for future generations.

We can protect and enhance the environment far more effectively if EU countries continue to work together as part of a reformed European Union.

The EU's LIFE fund supports environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects throughout the UK, and Europe.

Benefits of the project include:

Enriching biodiversity to provide breeding habitats for moorland plants, birds, insects, mammals and amphibians.

Improving water quality in our reservoirs and rivers.

Reducing fire risk as wetter moorlands resist the spread of wildfires which can release tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere and devastate wildlife habitats.

Retaining carbon in the soil which is a major factor in action on climate change. Peatlands are the UK's biggest carbon store, holding 40-50% of its carbon, but bare, damaged peat releases it to the wind.

Reducing flood risk in towns and villages as re-vegetated moorland reduces the flow-rate and volume of downpours into our rivers and streams.

Boosting the local economy by attracting more visitors to use local holiday accommodation, shops, cafes and pubs.

Further information:

MoorLIFE 2020 is hosted and managed by the Peak District National Park and will be delivered by the Peak District National Park Authority, National Trust, RSPB and Pennine Prospects.

Alongside €12 million funding from the EU LIFE programme, it is also co-financed by Severn Trent Water, Yorkshire Water and United Utilities. Natural England and the Environment Agency both provide an advisory role to the project.

 Read more on the EU referendum.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/326325 2016-05-09T13:51:58+01:00 2016-05-09T13:51:58+01:00 Press release: Wildlife licensing: new newt licence An innovative approach by Natural England to protecting great crested newts has taken a major step forward in Woking.

A new organisational licence for Woking Borough Council, in Surrey, will enable a long-term approach to the conservation of newts, ensuring efforts are focused on newt populations and habitat that will bring the greatest benefits to the species. It will also simplify the licensing process for developers where newts are present, saving them time and money.

Developers can now participate in the project that will see great crested newt habitat enhanced or created across the borough by the council prior to any development taking place. The new habitat will join up existing newt populations, making them more healthy and resilient.

Natural England Chairman, Andrew Sells said:

"This is a victory for both the natural environment and developers. The new habitat provided by the council will ensure the newts benefit from development and at the same time developers avoid costs and risks of delay that have caused concern in many developments before now. This scheme shows we are working hard to ensure regulation better serves both the natural environment and the economy."

A key problem for many rare species is isolation; populations can struggle when separated from other populations by distance. The landscape-wide perspective in this project, which is voluntary, allows for the creation of connected habitats across which the newts can spread naturally.

Woking Borough Council's organisational licence allows it to authorise operations that may affect great crested newts on development of sites. This is the next stage in a pilot that began in August 2015 – and means the council can, for the first time, issue these authorisations at the same time as planning permission. The new approach will save developers time and money as they won't require expensive surveys before starting their building projects or individual licences to disturb the newts if they are present. Monitoring is built into the project from the start, with reviews planned every two years.

Great crested newts are rare across Europe, although can be locally abundant in the UK. They are protected by law, meaning that disturbance or damage to the newts or their habitat requires a European protected species licence. At the moment, licences for this striking amphibian are issued on a site-by-site basis. In addition, the focus on individual sites means we may miss opportunities to benefit newts at the population level.

Woking Borough Council's Chief Executive, Ray Morgan, said:

"This new service means the Council can ensure that investment made for this protected species improves the natural environment of the Borough and helps us to attract high quality development. From today, any developer that wishes to express an interest in this scheme will be able to do so. We can ensure that cost effective great crested newt habitat will be ready, in place, before their development could have any impact upon the species, which reflects the Council's commitment to both economic growth and biodiversity."

Tony Gent, Chief Executive of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, which gave the project additional conservation advice, said:

"ARC is delighted to see Natural England and Woking Borough Council working together to develop a strategic approach and proactively assessing priorities for great crested newts. This pilot has real potential to improve the regulation of development impacts on this species. We look forward to seeing how lessons can be learnt from it for wider application."

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/327874 2016-04-29T13:57:14+01:00 2016-04-29T13:57:14+01:00 News story: Environment Minister champions weekend walking trips Environment Minister Rory Stewart encourages everyone to visit their nearest National Park or public woodland this Bank Holiday weekend.

Environment Minister Rory Stewart is urging all would-be walkers and have-a-go-hikers to visit their nearest National Park or public woodland this Bank Holiday weekend and throughout the summer.

Treading a path for others to follow, the Minister will be visiting some of our most iconic green spaces over the three-day weekend, including the New Forest, South Downs, Heart of England Forest and the National Forest.

Find out more about your nearest National Park and plan a visit

Encouraging others to get out and discover their local landscapes, Environment Minister Rory Stewart said:

The UK's National Parks, forests and woodlands are right at the heart of our national identity. These spaces belong to each and every one of us, and I'd challenge anyone visiting to enjoy them without feeling a pang of pride about that sense of ownership.

I'm delighted our outdoor spaces and National Parks are driving economic growth through international tourism, but there's no reason we shouldn't be enjoying them for ourselves as well - getting out and enjoying the great outdoors is a brilliant way to feel healthier and properly unwind over the long weekend.

In March, the government announced a new Plan for National Parks to further secure the future of our iconic protected landscapes, ensuring they are effectively managed and contribute to the growth of our strong rural economy.

With over half of the population in England living within an hour of a National Park, the plan aims to increase the diversity of visitors from the UK – as well as promoting these world-class cultural attractions to a global audience through the GREAT campaign to drive international tourism.

The government aims to grow annual visitor numbers to reach 100 million, giving local businesses a £440 million boost and adding to the £4 billion already generated by National Parks.

The budget for outdoor spaces was protected in the last Spending Review, committing over £350 million for English National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and forests.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/325642 2016-04-05T12:15:36+01:00 2016-04-05T12:15:36+01:00 News story: Building flood resilience: minister visits innovative projects in Sheffield Oliver Letwin visits flood defence projects in Sheffield that use cutting edge technology to reduce the impact of flooding.

In his role as chair of the National Flood Resilience Review, Oliver Letwin saw first hand how these projects are delivering huge benefits in the area through better flood protection.

Representatives from the Environment Agency, Natural England and Sheffield Council accompanied the minister as part of a wider fact-finding mission in Yorkshire. He assessed the damage that extreme rainfall can cause, including how our local infrastructure, cities, towns and villages stand up to severe flooding.

With this evidence and analysis, the government will consider the longer term strategy on flood risk alleviation, including innovative ways of securing investment in flood resilience.

The team visited flood defences on Nursery Street in Sheffield that were completed in 2012. The scheme was designed to reduce the risk of the River Don overflowing, as it did in 2007, while maintaining the aesthetics of the local area.

They also visited the site of the proposed Lower Don Valley Flood Defence Project. The Lower Don Valley is a key economic area for Sheffield which was devastated during the 2007 floods. The new defence will reduce the flood risk of up to 500 existing businesses and will help to secure up to 5,000 jobs.

Sheffield City Council are delivering the project in partnership with the Environment Agency and with support from the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce. Sheffield is an economic hub for the area and flood defences are vital for protecting Yorkshire's economic prosperity.

These projects are just examples of a range of catchment-wide interventions to reduce flood risk and improve the environment in Sheffield including: re-naturalisation of rivers, upland management and sustainable drainage systems. By combining a range of solutions in Sheffield multiple benefits of flood risk reduction and economic growth with be achieved in the most effective way.

The government launched the National Flood Resilience Review In January 2016 following the floods over Christmas. The Review will assess how the country can be better protected from future flooding and increasingly extreme weather events and is tasked with pinpointing where government can invest to improve resilience.

Oliver Letwin said:

Flood events are a fact of nature but as our climate changes, they are likely to get more intense and more frequent. We can't stop floods happening but we can affect how we react to them.

After December's floods this government took decisive action to help affected communities. An extra £700 million was announced in the Budget to boost flood defences and resilience across the nation, with £150 million of this pledged for Yorkshire and Cumbria. This huge investment will help improve our resilience but it needs to be spent in a way that will make the biggest impact.

I wanted to see for myself the excellent work agencies are doing in Sheffield and what the Review can learn to improve flood response across the country.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/324668 2016-03-23T06:00:39+00:00 2016-03-23T06:00:39+00:00 Press release: New Plan for National Parks gives every schoolchild a chance to visit The government's new Plan for National Parks kickstarts a programme of activity to safeguard the future of these iconic landscapes.

Every schoolchild in England will have the chance to visit our inspiring National Parks at each stage of their education under plans announced today by Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss - as new figures reveal only 10% of schoolchildren currently have access to outdoor learning.

The new Plan for National Parks kickstarts a programme of activity to safeguard the future of these iconic landscapes, including by engaging young people throughout their education:

from primary school, bringing more than 80,000 young people to visit National Parks and putting National Parks in the curriculum

at secondary school, doubling the number of youth volunteers in National Parks as part of the National Citizen Service

in their first steps to employment, developing a new apprenticeship standard and doubling apprenticeships in National Parks by 2020

With over half of the population in England living within an hour of a National Park, the plan aims to increase the diversity of visitors from the UK - as well as promoting these world-class cultural attractions to a global audience through the GREAT campaign to drive international tourism. The Environment Secretary aims to build annual visitor numbers to 100 million, bringing around £440 million more to local businesses, adding to the £4 billion already generated by National Parks.

Speaking as she launched the new plan in the South Downs National Park, Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said:

National Parks already welcome over 90 million visitors every year and make a major contribution to our vibrant rural economy - but too many children in our country are not aware of these natural wonders. I want to celebrate our inspiring natural environment so more visitors than ever before can enjoy the majestic Lakes, tranquil Northumberland, and the wide open spaces of the South Downs.

Just as Yellowstone is known worldwide as one of America's national treasures, our beautiful lakes and dales, moors and fells are a symbol of this country, part of our British identity - they are also huge public assets that should benefit as many people as possible.

By instilling a love of nature in our young people and building thriving communities in every National Park, our plan will allow these unique spaces to flourish for generations to come.

The government protected National Parks' budgets in the last spending review, committing over £350 million for English National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and forests. The new plan will further secure the future of these iconic protected landscapes, ensuring effective environmental management and growing a strong rural economy.

Along with work already underway to give schools in England one million native British trees to plant in their communities, National Parks will be a key part of a new government campaign later this year to connect children with nature and the environment.

The plan also aims to harness the power of the natural environment to improve national wellbeing, after research published last month by Natural England showed taking part in nature-based activities can contribute to a reduction in anxiety, stress, and depression. It recommended greater use of 'green care' to help people suffering from mental ill health, including taking part in environmental conservation - for example, through innovative schemes in National Parks.

Jim Bailey, Chair of National Parks England said:

Our National Parks are the jewels in the crown of our beautiful countryside and something to be very proud of. They are living, working landscapes that need careful stewardship, for the benefit and enjoyment by all. I look forward to working with the government on delivering this exciting Plan for England's National Parks.

Margaret Paren, Chair of South Downs National Park, where the Environment Secretary launched the plan this morning, said:

The South Downs National Park shows the wealth of resources on offer from our national parks—available for free to everyone—for teaching, local food and drink, and visiting and enjoying the great outdoors. We sit right on the doorstep of more than 800 schools across Sussex and Hampshire and are already supporting teachers to use the landscapes and past and current thriving communities of the South Downs National Park to inspire and help 74,000 pupils across the entire curriculum to reconnect with nature.

The government recently committed a package of support for the Lake District National Park after it was hit by recent floods, including £2 million to repair rights of way and a new £1 million campaign to show that the North of England is open for business and entice tourists back to the area. Tourism is the biggest sector in the UK's rural economy, supporting three million jobs and generating £11 billion every year for local communities.

As well as dramatic scenery and stunning views, visitors to the National Parks can enjoy the best of British food, with over a third of England's diverse range of protected foods produced within National Parks - including Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese and Lakeland Herdwick Lamb. Promoting these foods and encouraging more producers to apply for this coveted status also forms part of the strategy to ensure our National Parks continue to thrive in the future.

Background information

As part of the new plan, the government will promote a new package of imaginative and relevant teaching materials for schools based on National Parks, to connect National Parks with the curriculum and show children what they can learn and experience when they visit. This will be promoted by the Department for Education and accessible through the National Parks UK website. We will support National Park Authorities in their ambition to produce a range of materials. National Park Authorities will work in partnership with the private sector and philanthropic donors to achieve this ambition.

National Parks England is the umbrella organisation that brings together the nine National Park Authorities (NPAs) and the Broads Authority. It exists to support policy and practice by:

providing a collective voice for the English NPAs

raising the profile of their work

facilitating discussion on issues of common concern

working in partnership with other bodies.

For more information please contact Defra press office on 020 7238 6600.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/323573 2016-03-15T11:05:01+00:00 2016-03-15T11:05:01+00:00 Press release: England Coast Path takes step forward as Somerset section opens Some of Somerset's most spectacular coastline is open to the public for the first time following the opening of 58 miles of coast path.

The new stretch, following two thirds of the county's coast from Brean Down to Minehead, represents a significant step towards the creation of an England Coast Path. The longest section to be added to the national route so far, it was opened by Natural England's Chairman, Andrew Sells, at a ceremony in Doniford.

Natural England is currently establishing a 2,700 mile continuous path around the entire English coastline by 2020. Work is already under way on more than half the path, described by Andrew Sells as "the most significant rights of way project for a generation."

Speaking in Doniford today, Andrew Sells said:

The England Coast Path is a fabulous legacy for our great island nation and I'm delighted to open this new stretch in Somerset. For the first time, people will be able to walk the length of Somerset's coast along a high-quality footpath and enjoy some stunning new views and coastal wildlife. Visits to the coast remain one of our most popular activities and are worth millions of pounds to our regional economies.

Approval for the new stretch in Somerset was granted by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Elizabeth Truss.

Commenting on the approval, Rural Affairs Minister Rory Stewart said:

Walkers can now roam the glorious coast all the way from the heights of Brean Down to Exmoor National Park at Minehead, taking in the astonishing beauty of Somerset along the way.

Today's new path adds to over 100 miles of England Coast Path already officially open, giving people all over the country easy access to our spectacular coastline. By 2020, we'll have opened up a path around the whole of England's coast, providing a place to rest, relax and admire the view and a destination for bracing, energetic walks, great for nature and for our health.

Today's ceremony means that Somerset's entire coastline, encompassing glorious beaches, wonderful wildlife and dramatic views, will be open to everyone for the first time. Not only will it allow local people to enjoy the amazing landscape and seascape on their doorstep, it will draw visitors from far and wide, bringing people closer to nature and providing a boost for local businesses.

The 15 mile Somerset section of South West Coast Path currently generates around £11.6 million a year for the regional economy, equating to £770,000 for every mile. If that level of success were replicated on the section opened today, over time it would mean the path could generate around £44 million for local businesses each year.

According to the South West Research Company, there were more than 7.5 million day visits to Somerset's coast in 2014, which resulted in spending of more than £260 million. Tourism employs 23,777 people in Somerset, or 4% of the population. According to Natural England's research, 10% of all visits to the natural environment are to the coast and most of these visits involve a walk or visit to a beach. Tourist services, local businesses and public organisations celebrated alongside walkers at the opening event at Doniford Farm.

In Doniford, as part of the new route, a 15 metre footbridge has been built over the river Swill. For the first time, this provides an easy-access walking route between the two sides of the village, allowing those staying at several nearby caravan sites to walk safely to Doniford Farm shop and café, the nearby halt for the West Somerset Railway, or onwards down the coast. It is also the first time such a major piece of infrastructure has been built for the England Coast Path. A local group of Ramblers celebrated by walking a short section of new path on their way to the event.

Walkers can enjoy several new sections of path between Watchet and East Quantoxhead, which opens up spectacular new views over the Bristol Channel. Somerset Wildlife Trust has also provided 7 new interpretation boards along the stretch, to reveal more about the stunning wildlife and landscape features that walkers will be able to see and enjoy along 'Somerset's brilliant coast.'

This new access joins existing coastal footpaths to create a stretch of high-quality, well-signposted coastal National Trail. Natural England consulted 238 landowners, including 183 businesses, and worked closely with Somerset County Council to plan and create the route.

Councillor David Fothergill, Cabinet Member with a responsibility for Highways at Somerset County Council, installed a waymarker on the bridge at the opening ceremony. He said:

We are extremely happy to be launching the new section of Coast Path in Somerset. We know how popular they are with both locals and those new or visiting the region, and hope this new path will prove to be a draw for tourists.

Supporting the Coast Path brings great economic benefits to the County of Somerset and we look forward to further additions being planned for the future which will complete the England Coast Path in Somerset.

Councillor Anthony Trollope-Bellew, Leader of West Somerset Council, said:

I am delighted that this section of path is opening in our district. Walking is one of the top activities that visitors come to enjoy in West Somerset. We have some of the most spectacular coastline in the country, and this new route will allow all to experience the fantastic wildlife, heritage and scenery of the area. Tourism is a vitally important industry locally with as many as a third of the local workforce employed in this sector. The path is another attraction to add to the many we are proud of and it will attract more visitors, providing new opportunities for tourism businesses.

Steve Clothier, partner at Doniford Farm Park said:

Doniford Farm is popular with locals as well as visitors, especially families enjoying a visit to the coast, but most of them arrive here by car. I'm expecting the new path – and especially the new footbridge over the Swill – to bring lots more customers on foot which will be great for us and for all tourist businesses along the Somerset coast.

Nicky Philpott, Director of Advocacy and Engagement at the Ramblers, said:

We're delighted to see this new stretch of the England Coast Path opened in Somerset. There is huge public love for our coast and we've been leading the campaign for many years to open up our coastline for everyone to enjoy. Today brings us one step closer to achieving this longstanding Ramblers' dream.

Michele Bowe, Somerset Wildlife Trust's Head of Conservation said:

Somerset has stunning wildlife and a rich and varied coastal landscape and we've provided some colourful interpretation boards along the coast path which reveal some of the features and species walkers will be able to see. The route will provide an enormous opportunity for all of us to enjoy the outdoors, get reconnected to nature and improve our health and wellbeing.

Background information

According to figures from the South West Coast Path report Unlocking our Coastal Heritage, the 15 mile Somerset section of South West Coast Path currently generates around £11.6 million a year for the regional economy, equating to £770,000 for every mile.

Aerial footage of the route is available to view on Natural England's YouTube channel

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/323618 2016-03-14T16:13:00+00:00 2016-03-14T16:13:00+00:00 Press release: Countryside Stewardship opens its doors for 2016 The second year of the Countryside Stewardship scheme is officially open for business.

From today (14 March 2016), farmers and land managers can apply for the Mid Tier and Higher Tier of Countryside Stewardship, a competitive and targeted scheme which funds projects to restore habitats, improve water quality and woodland, reduce flood risk, protect landscapes, and provide year-round food and shelter for pollinators, birds and other wildlife.

Natural England has made a number of improvements to Countryside Stewardship this year following feedback from stakeholders. The application window opens earlier, and for longer, than it did in 2015, running from 14 March to 30 September. New and improved guidance material has also been produced for those considering applying for the scheme. This guidance has been designed in consultation with industry so it is clearer and better meets farmers' needs.

Guy Thompson, Natural England's Chief Operating Officer, said:

Through Countryside Stewardship, farmers and land managers have an important role to play in protecting and improving England's diverse landscapes and the wildlife that inhabit them.

We've taken on board the lessons learned from last year and the feedback we've received along the way from farmers, and have made a number of improvements to Countryside Stewardship. Applicants will now have more time to develop their agreements and better information to help them.

Countryside Stewardship funding goes towards projects that will make the biggest possible difference to the environment and we look forward to seeing what the year ahead will bring.

Countryside Stewardship grants will be offered to those who propose to make the best environmental improvements within their local area. Although it is open to everyone who is eligible to apply, unlike the previous Environmental Stewardship scheme, it is competitive and targeted with a single application window and single annual start date of 1 January 2017.

The Mid Tier of Countryside Stewardship offers five-year agreements for environmental improvements in the wider countryside, such as reducing diffuse water pollution or improving the environment for birds, pollinators and farm wildlife.

Higher Tier specifically focuses on environmentally important sites, including commons and woodlands, where the more complex management requires support from Natural England or the Forestry Commission, including tailoring of options.

Application packs can be requested from Natural England by calling 0300 060 3900. Those thinking of applying for the Higher Tier, including woodland support, will need to have submitted an initial application by 30 April. Mid Tier application packs will need to be requested no later than 31 August so Natural England can send out the maps and evidence requirements in time for farmers to develop their application and submit it by 30 September.

Natural England will be contacting everyone who has Higher Level Stewardship or Entry Level Stewardship agreements expiring this year to let them know which scheme they will be most suited to and what support is available.

See other important Countryside Stewardship application dates for 2016.

See the main Countryside Stewardship page for more information, including guidance material.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/323369 2016-03-11T10:00:14+00:00 2016-03-11T10:00:14+00:00 News story: New research into dementia and the role of the natural environment People living with dementia and their carers were asked about their engagement with nature and the outdoors in one of the largest projects of its kind.

A new report published by Natural England today (11 March 2016) highlights how engagement with nature and the great outdoors could be improved for the benefit of people living with dementia and their carers.

In one of the biggest surveys of its kind so far, people living with dementia and their carers were asked about the outdoor activities that they take part in and the places where they go, or most want to go. It reveals what motivates them to go outside and what barriers they think need to be overcome to improve their access to the outdoors and maximise the beneficial effect this brings for them.

The new study – Is it nice outside? Consulting people living with dementia and carers about engaging with the natural environment – is the result of a collaborative project between Natural England, Dementia Adventure, the Mental Health Foundation and Innovations in Dementia.

The report reveals that engaging in outdoor activities that have a purpose and those that involve being with other people provide the greatest motivation for people living with dementia.

Only 20% of the people living with dementia considered that their condition was a barrier to using outdoor spaces, whereas 83% of carers believed that dementia limited the person's ability.

Findings from the report include:

Informal walking outdoors was the most frequently mentioned activity (38%) and was also seen as vitally important by carers for its beneficial effect

Wildlife or bird watching is one of the most popular activities for people living with dementia and 25% of the people interviewed said that they took part several times a week or every day

The most popular places to visit for people with dementia were associated with water (45%), such as lakes, rivers or the coastline and city parks and public gardens were also popular (30%)

The survey found that some urban green spaces such as allotments, city farms and community gardens are underused by people with dementia

The top barriers to taking part in outdoor activities and having contact with nature were:

lack of confidence

fears and safety concerns

not having transport

insufficient information about what places have to offer and their suitability for visitors with dementia

lack of support to get to locations, to use facilities, and to participate in outdoor activities

The report makes a series of recommendations that could encourage greater use of natural spaces by people living with dementia and their carers. For example, managers of outdoor spaces could work with local dementia action alliances to develop a Trip Advisor-style ratings system to provide information about local dementia-friendly open spaces.

Other recommendations from the report address ways to make visits to green spaces more dementia-friendly through implementing the principles of dementia friendly communities at outdoor sites by: training staff to be dementia aware; improving training on how to sensitively and effectively support people living with dementia; and, improving understanding by managers of outdoor spaces of the types of facilities, activities and information that people living with dementia say they need.

Jim Burt, Principal Adviser for Natural England's Outdoors for All programme said:

There is already strong evidence to show the positive benefits of engagement with the natural environment for people living with dementia and this survey adds to that body of evidence. Importantly, it heard directly from both those living with dementia and their carers, and the research has revealed important new information and insights. This work will now help our partners and the wider health community to take action that will enable people with dementia to have more and better quality opportunities to be active in the great outdoors.

Dementia Adventure's Managing Director, Neil Mapes says of the project:

Dementia Adventure is really pleased to share the results of this partnership project which builds on our previously published research. We hope it will be beneficial to people and organisations across the UK and encourage people to read and share the research report and take action on its recommendations.

Is it nice outside? For many people living with dementia and their family carers the answer is yes, people want and need to get out into the fresh air, to walk, be near water and watch and listen to the birds. The fact that these simple outdoor pleasures are not equally accessible for some of the thousands of families living with dementia is another reminder for us to work across care and conservation boundaries and implement the solutions contained in the report.

Toby Williamson, Head of Development and Later Life at the Mental Health Foundation says:

The benefits of outdoor activity for peoples' wellbeing, whether it's walking, wildlife watching, or just 'being in nature', are well known. But concerns about safety and access can mean that many people with dementia do not share in those benefits.

The research that the Mental Health Foundation and Innovations in Dementia undertook for Natural England and Dementia Adventure in this report showed that people with dementia, and their families and friends, wanted to continue to visit green spaces, such as parks and rivers, and participate in outdoor activities. It identifies simple, practical changes that organisations responsible for green spaces can make to ensure they are dementia accessible and inclusive, so people with dementia and their carers can continue to enjoy being outdoors.

The findings from this project will now be used to help design a large-scale demonstration project to deliver services in the natural environment for people living with dementia and their carers. The recommendations will also be valuable to other natural environment providers in shaping projects to further their work with people living with dementia.

The report can be downloaded from Natural England's Access to Evidence publications catalogue.

Background

Dementia directly affects around 800,000 people and a further 670,000 carers. Costs to the health service, local government and families are currently around £23 billion, and estimates suggest this may treble by 2040. With an ageing population the number of people living with dementia in the UK is estimated to double in the next 30 years.

Spending time in the natural environment has been shown by many studies to have a beneficial effect on people's overall sense of wellbeing. Less research has been carried out about its effects on people living with dementia. In 2013 Natural England published Greening Dementia which provides a useful summary of the evidence.

Dementia Adventure is a multi-award winning social enterprise and charity, provide training, research, and consultancy services based around the needs of the individual living with dementia, being connected to the outdoors and the benefits of positive-risk taking. We also provide supported short breaks and holidays for people living with dementia and their carers to enjoy together.

The Mental Health Foundation is a UK charity that undertakes social research, service development and policy work on issues affecting people with mental health problems, dementia and learning disabilities.

Innovations in Dementia is a community interest company that works nationally with people with dementia, partner organisations and professionals. Its aim is to develop and test projects that will enhance the lives of people with dementia.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/320632 2016-02-09T14:03:53+00:00 2016-02-09T14:03:53+00:00 News story: Connecting with nature offers a new approach to mental health care A new study has been published by Natural England which reviews the benefits and outcomes of approaches to green care for mental ill-health.

A report published today (9 February 2016) shows that taking part in nature-based activities helps people who are suffering from mental ill-health and can contribute to a reduction in levels of anxiety, stress, and depression.

The report A review of nature-based interventions for mental health care suggests making greater use of 'green care' to help people suffering from mental ill-health. The new review was commissioned by Natural England from the University of Essex and Mind, the UK's leading mental health charity.

Mental ill-health is on the rise and in England it is estimated that in any one year at least 1 in 4 people will experience a 'significant' mental health problem. The new report suggests that green care interventions can provide an increasingly important and cost-effective way of supporting mental health services.

The report focuses on the 3 main green care interventions that are currently helping people in England who have mental ill-health: care farming; environmental conservation; and social and therapeutic horticulture.

The report presents evidence that shows that projects in each of these areas are already making a difference to people's lives and bring a range of positive benefits for those with existing mental ill health. These include a reduction in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, and an improvement in dementia-related symptoms.

The report also shows that people involved in these types of green care activities have a greatly increased level of social contact and inclusion; as well as a sense of belonging and personal achievement.

Environment Minister Rory Stewart said:

Mental health is one of the most serious and complex issues that we face in Britain today and it is great that we now have clearer scientific evidence that nature is so beneficial for our minds and our sense of self.

As part of our £900 million Countryside Stewardship scheme, we are supporting projects like care farms, providing effective recovery to those in need.

Alan Law, Natural England's Chief Strategy and Reform Officer, said:

This report highlights how nature makes a real difference to the quality of people's daily lives. It shows what we can do to improve people's wellbeing, working through new partnerships and offering new services.

There is now compelling evidence to show that contact with nature and the outdoors improves physical health and mental wellbeing. Natural England is committed to find ways to help more people access the benefits that come through practical experiences in the outdoors.

Next steps

The report recommends a range of actions that would help increase awareness and access to nature-based support for mental health care in England.

Natural England has already commissioned Care Farming UK to identify practical models and case studies to increase the scale of green care services. Natural England and the University of Exeter are preparing a series of Health and Environment fact sheets to summarise the most compelling evidence on the impact of the natural environment on a range of health and wellbeing outcomes.

The report identifies the need for greater collaboration and leadership to help enhance the provision of green care services. The launch of the Green Care Coalition, involving around 25 organisations from the care farming sector to social and therapeutic horticulture organisations, will help tackle this issue.

Natural England will be working with professionals from across the health and natural environment sectors to address the issues raised in this report at a conference later this year.

Natural England is working with the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare to deliver a number of mental health fellowships so clinical leaders can help to encourage practical changes within the healthcare system.

Care farming case study

Farms provide an ideal setting for green care. Care farming is supported through educational access and is a commitment in the Natural Environment White Paper. Care Farming UK's aim is to triple the number of care farms in England to 800 by 2020.

Calm on the Farm at Magdalen Care Farm in Dorset offers a preventative and restorative programme for people suffering mental ill-health. Hands-on tailor-made days give adults an opportunity to spend time in nature, with animals and other people providing relaxation, social inclusion, an increased sense of wellbeing and a progression route to volunteering.

Clinks Care Farm, Suffolk, pioneers Farming on Prescription through a partnership with Great Yarmouth and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group and local GP surgeries.

Natural England and green care

Natural England is committed to increasing the number and range of people who can experience and benefit from access to the natural environment, and through the Outdoors for All programme is leading the government's ambition that everyone should have fair access to a good quality natural environment.

Natural England's National Nature Reserves (NNRs) host green care activities that benefit both the health and wellbeing of participants, and delivers practical conservation improvements for the environment. For example at Aston Rowant NNR, Oxfordshire Sonning Common and Wallingford Green Gyms meet monthly to undertake conservation tasks such as scrub management, fencing and livestock care.

Volunteering on Natural England's NNRs is significant with just under 2,000 NNR based volunteers contributing over 28,000 days in 2012 to 2013, towards practical site conservation, events and species surveys. At Ainsdale Sand Dunes and Ribble Estuary NNRs 'Woodworks' uses the reserve to provide people with opportunities to recover from mental ill-health. The group carries out weekly work days across the 2 reserves.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/319813 2016-02-01T11:27:00+00:00 2016-02-01T11:27:00+00:00 Press release: Countryside Stewardship grants soon to open for applications The hedgerows and boundaries grant and woodland creation grant under the Countryside Stewardship scheme open for applications this month.

Thousands of hectares of England's countryside are set to benefit from further protection thanks to 2 grants to be rolled out under the Countryside Stewardship scheme this month.

The new hedgerows and boundaries capital grant opens for applications today (1 February) and closes on 30 April 2016. It offers up to £5,000 for farmers who want to restore boundary features, such as hedges and stone walls, to protect their local wildlife or landscape.

The Forestry Commission's woodland creation grant is also opening this month (16 February to 31 March 2016 for initial applications) and offers farmers and other land managers up to £6,800 per hectare to plant, weed, and protect young trees.

As well as improving the landscape, creating new woodland can support wildlife and improve water quality. It can also help to reduce flood risk as part of an integrated approach to catchment management. In the right place, woodland can play an important role in reducing flood waters, delaying their passage to watercourses, and decreasing siltation, increasing the capacity of river channels.

Farming Minister George Eustice welcomed the opening of the application rounds, saying:

This Countryside Stewardship scheme has a crucial role to play in helping to restore habitats so we can see a recovery in wildlife populations like farmland birds and pollinators, while creating larger woodlands will also help reduce flood risk.

Through our 25-year Environment Plan we will be looking at delivering benefits across wider landscapes and whole water catchment areas by bringing together Countryside Stewardship, flood protection and other environmental spending.

Natural England's Chief Operating Officer, Guy Thompson, said:

The new hedgerows and boundaries grant comes as we're bringing in a whole raft of improvements – such as providing better guidance material, lengthening application windows, and introducing a new online tool – to Countryside Stewardship this year to ensure it continues to bring much-needed benefits to our natural environment.

We're seeing significant results through our agri-environment schemes, including farmers looking at ways they can improve their farming practices to reduce the risk of flooding – whether that's through improving their crop management, creating new habitats, reducing soil erosion, or working together at a catchment-scale.

We encourage farmers to apply for these grants so we can continue to make Countryside Stewardship better this year.

Richard Greenhous, Director of Forest Services for the Forestry Commission, said:

We were particularly impressed by the good quality of applications we received last year to create woodlands. We want to build on that first year and look forward to working with farmers and other land managers in 2016 to help them create woodlands that are good for biodiversity and water.

The second round of the Countryside Stewardship facilitation fund, which brings together farmers, foresters and other land managers to improve their local natural environment, opened recently for submissions and will close on 18 March 2016.

Countryside Stewardship will commit around £900 million to benefitting the environment between now and 2020. This is on top of the £2 billion already committed for existing agri-environment schemes such as Environmental Stewardship.

See the Countryside Stewardship page for more information about these grants and how to apply.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/315148 2015-12-08T18:49:00+00:00 2016-01-29T16:28:42+00:00 News story: Winter 2015 to 2016 floods: government response Flooding in northern England: government information and advice about support available.
Updated: Updated with the weekend forecast from the Environment Agency.

Government departments, councils and the Environment Agency are working together to respond to the flooding during the winter of 2015 to 2016 across the North of England, and to help communities recover.

Read all the current government information and advice about support available.

The Floodline Service on 0345 988 1188 helps people affected by the recent floods. Before calling, please read our guidance for households and businesses or farmers.

Latest announcements

There's a list of all relevant government announcements on GOV.UK.

Check for flood warnings

You should continue to check your flood risk and keep up to date by following @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.

If you're in Scotland please check the warnings on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website. If you're in Wales alerts are available from Natural Resources Wales. Information is also available for anyone in Northern Ireland.

Government support for homes, businesses, farmers and councils

In total the government's investment in recovery from Storm Eva and Storm Desmond now amounts to nearly £200 million.

Households and businesses

The Floodline Service on 0345 988 1188 helps people affected by the recent floods. Before calling, please read our guidance for households and businesses or farmers.

We are:

helping the people directly affected by the floods – providing local authorities with over £500 for each household affected; for example, to help with temporary accommodation costs whilst we work to get people back into their homes

support people as they protect their homes against future floods by providing grants of up to £5000, so they can install new flood barriers, replace doors and windows with water resistant alternatives, or move electricity sockets up to a safer level

ensuring flood affected businesses that have had their trading disrupted can get back on their feet, with funding equivalent to £2,500 provided to local authorities for each business affected

ensuring that flood affected communities will not face Council Tax or business rates bills for their homes and businesses for as long as they are out of their properties

Farmers

Farmers affected by the recent flooding in Cumbria, Northumberland, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Durham can get grants worth up to £20,000 to help restore damaged agricultural land under the Farming Recovery Fund. Farmers experiencing difficulties getting online can call the Rural Payments helpline on 03000 200 301.

The Rural Payments Agency has published guidance about farm inspections, animal movements, TB testing, impacts on Basic Payment Scheme eligibility, and other Cross Compliance requirements.

The NFU has produced a newsletter for members affected by the flooding in the North East and North West. It contains information on where advice and funding is available to help with the recovery operation.

Local authorities

We have opened the Bellwin scheme for councils affected by floods resulting from storms Desmond and Eva. Under this scheme, councils can apply to have 100% of their costs above threshold reimbursed by the government.

Roads, transport and flood defences

We have announced that we will provide £40 million of funding to help repair flood-damaged roads and bridges in Cumbria and Lancashire. We have also announced £3.3 million for Tadcaster bridges and £5.5 million to repair Elland Bridge in Calderdale.

We're providing an additional £10 million so that the Environment Agency can repair flood defences that were damaged by Storm Desmond and we have announced a package of more than £40 million to rebuild and improve flood defences in the aftermath of Storm Eva. Of this, £10 million will be reserved to improve the Foss Barrier protecting York, which was overwhelmed at the height of Storm Eva. The other £30 million will be spent repairing defences on the Wharfe, Calder, Aire, Ouse and Derwent. It will include repairs to pumping and barriers and clearing blockages in rivers.

Tourism

The Prime Minister announced, on 28 January 2016, a support package to boost tourism across flood-hit north.

Charities

The government will support charities helping those caught up in each of the two recent storms by matching every pound of the first £2 million raised in each case. Applications for Storm Desmond or Storm Eva can be made by any registered charities currently running a fundraising appeal for flood relief to benefit each of the affected areas. The deadline for applications is 5 February 2016.

Sports facilities

Sport England has an emergency flood relief fund now amounting to £400,000 to help people repair sports pitches and facilities destroyed by this winter's unprecedented rainfall. This will help clubs, local authorities and other community sports organisations in affected areas to help pay for emergency repairs to damaged facilities such as rugby and cricket pitches, water sports centres, pavilions, changing rooms and floodlights.

Government action on flood defences

Flood defences helped to protect 11,000 homes across the north of England, and provided vital time for homes and businesses to be evacuated as well as reducing the impact.

Over the next 6 years we will be investing £2.3 billion in flood defences which is a real terms increase on the £1.7 billion invested in the last Parliament. This in turn is a real terms increase on the £1.5 billion spent between 2005 and 2010.

In addition, flood maintenance spending will be protected in real terms over this Parliament.

Flood insurance

The insurance industry is responding with help for homeowners. The Association of British Insurers has published a film on how to protect your home if you live in a flood prone area, or make a claim if you're recovering from a flood. You can find more information on the Association's website.

Flood insurance: protecting your home and making a claim

Health

Guidance on recovering from floods:

Flooding: health guidance and advice

Food safety advice

Advice and information

Flood warnings in England and Wales

Sign up for flood warnings

Prepare for a flood and get help during and after

Met Office

For the latest weather warnings visit the Met Office website or follow them on Twitter: @MetOffice.

Highways England

For advice on travel by road visit the Highways England website or follow them on Twitter: @HighwaysEngland.

National Rail

Check with National Rail Enquiries for the latest updates on service disruptions.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/319515 2016-01-28T15:15:58+00:00 2016-01-28T15:15:58+00:00 News story: Pagham coastal spit: planning application to protect housing in West Sussex Natural England says it won't block a planning application to cut through the spit at Pagham, West Sussex.

Natural England met local residents in Pagham to confirm it won't block the planning application submitted by Pagham Parish Council to protect houses from erosion along this dynamic stretch of coastline.

The growth in recent years of the coastal spit at Pagham in West Sussex has led to increased erosion of the beach and subsequent risk of erosion and flooding to nearby properties. The local community has campaigned for their preferred option to cut a channel through the spit to decrease erosion at Pagham beach.

Natural England's area manager James Seymour met community representatives in Pagham today (28 January) to share the revised advice Natural England is providing for both Arun and Chichester district councils and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) 'the planning authorities'.

Natural England recognises the significant problems posed by the coastal erosion at Pagham and understand how distressing and difficult it is for those who are affected. Natural England is committed to helping the community in any way that it can to support their search for a solution that ensures protection of properties and the unique environment of Pagham.

James Seymour said:

We want to make it crystal clear that we are not standing in the way of this planning application. We are confident the work to submit the current application provides a clear basis for addressing the environmental issues. The planning authorities will now be able to consider all aspects of the project.

Natural England clarified its advice from earlier this month to make it clear that it can work with the community and authorities to deal with any environmental reasons why planning permission cannot be sought, and help the authorities work through the legal process needed to support a legally robust decision.

During the meeting Mr Seymour also reassured residents the consultation regarding a potential new marine Special Protection Area (SPA) for foraging terns within the Solent and along the Dorset coast, will not make it harder to get planning permission, as this is already being taken into account.

Mr Seymour praised the hard work of the community's representatives, their consultants, the local authorities and Environment Agency in considering and identifying solutions to protect the wildlife of the area, whilst progressing with the option preferred by the local community to cut a channel through the spit to decrease erosion at Pagham beach.

The planning application can now be considered by the planning authorities. Natural England has advised the planning authorities on the steps they should take in relation to the environment before being able to reach a legally-robust decision on the environmental considerations.

This stretch of coast is one of the most important in Europe for wildlife, providing habitat for breeding and overwintering birds, aquatic creatures and is one of the best examples in the country of a dynamic coast. This means the area has a number of protections under environmental law. Natural England's statutory role is to provide advice, so that any impacts on this special wildlife are considered during the planning process. Natural England is now satisfied that those environmental concerns are being considered fully to enable this proposal to proceed.

Natural England's desire is to help achieve the best long-term outcome for the local community and the unique environment of Pagham. In the interim Natural England has continued to give consent to beach management works requested by Arun DC to reduce the erosion risk to the properties in the short term.

Further information

Contact Natural England senior press officer Heather Duncan on 0300 060 0555 /07775 410 141 for further details:

More information is available on the consultation for Solent to Dorset Coast potential SPA. The consultation is open until 21 April 2016.

Natural England advises that the MMO will need to undertake a Stage 1 Marine Conservation Zone Assessment test of the potential impacts on the Pagham Harbour Marine Conservation Zone.

Natural England advises that the lead authority should undertake an appropriate assessment in accordance with the Habitats Regulations.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/318645 2016-01-20T10:34:41+00:00 2016-01-20T10:34:41+00:00 Press release: Nature Improvement Areas: Thousands more hectares for our wildlife A final report published today showcases the achievements of the 12 Nature Improvement Areas established in 2012

Nearly 20,000 hectares of natural habitat – the equivalent of almost 23,000 football pitches – has been created, restored or preserved across England over the past three years thanks to an innovative £7.5 million government project.

Published today, the 'Monitoring and Evaluation of Nature Improvement Areas: Final Report' showcases the achievements of the 12 Nature Improvement Areas – established in 2012 with funding from Defra – in helping protect wildlife and connect people with nature, while providing a boost to rural economies.

From the vast green plains of the Humberhead Levels to the glacial landscapes of the Meres and Mosses wetlands and the urban backdrop of the Greater Thames Marshes, the three-year initiative saw local authorities, communities, conservation groups and the private sector come together to change and improve local areas in both rural and urban locations. This unique partnership approach means these natural spaces now not only provide a sanctuary for wildlife to thrive, but also ensure people can enjoy them for generations to come.

Environment Minister Rory Stewart said:

Our beautiful natural environment is vitally important to our national identity. By combining government investment with community action these 12 Nature Improvement Areas have delivered real results for local environments and have built a justifiable sense of pride - bringing an astonishing 47,000 days of volunteer time to the natural world.

We owe a huge thanks to the many many people who made these projects possible. We must now look to make sure these remarkable results are long lasting and help to connect the British public with nature. The work of the Nature Improvement Areas will be central to how we think about the environment over the next twenty-five years.

In total, work across the areas has preserved or enhanced over 13,500 hectares of habitat, such as the 1,700 hectares of woodland and wetland in Morecambe Bay, while an additional 5,000 hectares of habitat has been created, providing much-needed homes for our precious wildlife.

The Nature Improvement Areas have also helped people reconnect with nature, with volunteers contributing over 47,000 days, school children earning their green fingers by planting trees, and communities getting involved in decision making.

Thanks to work carried out through the initiative, the areas could now see a boost to tourism, helping to generate jobs and enhance our valuable rural economy which is worth £210 billion to the UK's growing prosperity.

Natural England Chairman Andrew Sells said:

I warmly congratulate all 12 Nature Improvement Areas on the enormous contribution they have made to conservation in such a short space of time. It is clear that this approach to coordinated landscape scale activity in England has delivered multiple benefits.

The positive lessons learnt from this initiative serve as shining examples of what can be achieved by an 'outcomes focused partnership approach' and I hope that inspires others to follow suit in the future.

Learnings from the Nature Improvement Areas will now help to inform Defra's 25 year plan for action on the environment which will be published later in the year as part of a comprehensive, long-term vision to protect the country's natural heritage.

Notes to editors

The full 'Monitoring and Evaluation of Nature Improvement Areas: Final Report' is available at randd.defra.gov.uk

Nature Improvement Areas were established to create joined up and resilient ecological networks at a landscape scale. They are run by partnerships of local authorities, local communities and landowners, the private sector and conservation organisations with funding provided by Defra and Natural England.

The 12 projects were chosen after a competitive process announced in the Natural Environment White Paper. They are:

Birmingham and the Black Country

Dark Peak

Dearne Valley Green Heart

Greater Thames Marshes

Humberhead Levels

Marlborough Downs

Meres and Mosses

Morecambe Bay Limestones and Wetlands

Nene Valley

Northern Devon

South Downs Way Ahead

Wild Purbeck

All Natural Improvement Areas have business plans in place that run until at least 2020.

The Nature Improvement Area partnerships mobilised resources with an equivalent value of £26.2 million, including the financial value of volunteer time and services in-kind, in addition to initial government grant funding. Of this total, £15.3 million was from non-public sources such as private sector and NGO funding.

For more information on this press release, contact the Defra press office on 020 7238 6140.

 tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/318400 2016-01-17T00:00:29+00:00 2016-01-17T00:00:29+00:00 News story: 'Blue Belt' extended to protect 8,000 square miles of UK waters Twenty-three new Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) will bring the total to 50 and cover more than a fifth of English waters.

Twenty-three new areas along the UK coast were today announced as the latest Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) to be awarded environmental protection by the government, extending the country's 'Blue Belt' to cover over 20% of English waters and providing vital protection for the diverse array of wildlife in our seas.

Marine Environment Minister George Eustice announced the new sites, which will protect 4,155 square miles of our most stunning and rich marine habitats and bring the total number of MCZs in waters around England to 50, covering 7,886 square miles - an area roughly equivalent to the whole of Wales, or 13 times the size of Greater London.

The new MCZs will cover areas across the country from as far north as Farnes East off the coast of Northumberland down to Land's End in the South West, and will protect 45 different types of habitat, geological features and fascinating species - including stalked jellyfish and spiny lobsters.

Welcoming the designation of the new sites, Marine Environment Minister George Eustice said:

As an island nation, the UK is surrounded by some of the richest and most diverse sea life in the world - from the bright pink sea-fan coral colonies off the south-west coast, to the great chalk reef stretches in the east. It's vital that we protect our marine environment to ensure our seas remain healthy, our fishing industry remains prosperous and future generations can enjoy our beautiful beaches, coastline and waters.

By designating these new Marine Conservation Zones and creating a Blue Belt of protected areas around the country, we can better protect our environment through careful marine management in years to come.

The 23 additional sites are the second of three planned phases of MCZs; the first phase covered 3,731 square miles of water over 27 sites, while a third phase of proposed MCZs will be put out to wider public consultation in 2017, and designated in 2018.

The announcement has also been welcomed by a number of campaign groups. Joan Edwards, The Wildlife Trusts' head of Living Seas, said:

Marine protection is vital to us all, no matter where we live. Our seas provide the oxygen for every second breath we take, the fish on our plates and so much more. The designation of 50 Marine Conservation Zones to date is a strong step forward but there is much still to do. It is vital that appropriate management is implemented as soon as possible. We will continue to work with government to ensure that this happens and to achieve the much-needed ambitious and comprehensive third and final tranche.

Marine Conservation Zones protect a range of nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology, and can be designated anywhere in English waters. They were introduced to halt the deterioration of the UK's marine biodiversity and provide legal means to deliver the UK's international marine conservation commitments.

Today's announcement supports further work by government to protect the marine environment, as new consultations on Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for harbour porpoise and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) to protect feeding and bathing areas used by iconic birds, such as spoonbills in Poole Harbour and puffins on the Northumberland coast, are expected to launch later this month. This adds to the 37 SACs and 43 SPAs already designated in English waters.

Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) provided the environmental advice and evidence that underpins these designations. Natural England Chairman, Andrew Sells, said:

This is a fantastic outcome for the marine environment and brings us a great step closer to achieving the ambition of a 'Blue Belt' – a network of marine areas protecting wildlife surrounding the UK.

JNCC Chief Executive Marcus Yeo said:

This is another major step forward in protecting the diverse range of habitats and species found in the seas around England. JNCC look forward to working with public authorities to achieve effective management of the new sites.

For more information please contact Defra press office on 020 7238 6600 or out of hours on 0345 051 8486.