From Defra  About blocking in-field drains in grassland You can block in-field drains or remove them to restore natural flows of water through grassland. The natural passage of freshwater through rocks, soil and over land supports many habitats and species. If you use artificial surface and sub-surface drainage, it will change the natural flow of […]

Read More

Government have made a number of changes to the Environment Bill prompted by collaborative campaign by the Wildlife groups. Defra:  Landmark Environment Bill strengthened to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 New strengthened Government commitments to protect the environment for future generations made today in landmark Environment Bill amendments. The Government has strengthened its commitment to […]

Read More

Defra plastic waste https://www.gov.uk/government/news/next-steps-to-tackle-plastic-waste Next steps to tackle plastic waste Government to consult on banning a range of polluting plastics this Autumn, with single-use plastic plates, cutlery and polystyrene cups under review The war on plastic waste is set to be ramped up with fresh plans to stop the supply of a range of single-use […]

Read More

There are a number of new documents on the Defra website relating to water and habitats – ponds, lakes, ditches etc., which seem to have been released to support the sustainable farming initiative. Create ponds and lakes Find out how land managers can create new clean freshwater ponds and lakes to benefit wildlife and improve […]

Read More

This review identified key areas of the planning process related to flood risk management and sets out actions the government will take to strengthen its approach. The government’s Planning for the Future policy paper announced a review of policy for building in areas at flood risk. In July 2020 the government published its Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk […]

Read More

JNCC ‘The UK government has committed to identify and designate pilot Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in English waters by the end of 2022. Defra, JNCC, Natural England, Cefas, the Marine Management Organisation and the Association of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities will work together, with stakeholders, to identify potential pilot sites.  To understand the […]

Read More

This is very depressing reading, and comes on last weeks news that Government are trying to water down protection for endangered species. All of this taking place against the passage of the Environment Bill through Parliament. EAC ‘The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) urges the Government to conserve and restore UK biodiversity and ecosystems amid grave […]

Read More