DEFRA Archives - Page 5 of 62 - Communications and Management for Sustainability

Investigation finds 90% of England’s most precious river habitats blighted in unfavourable condition

Observer investigation reveals the shocking state of the country’s protected freshwater sites of special scientific interest. More than 90% of freshwater habitats on England’s most precious rivers are in unfavourable condition, blighted by farming pollution, raw sewage and water abstraction, an Observer investigation reveals. None of the approximately 40 rivers with protected habitats in England […]

Biodiversity credit prices

News , Water

The government has published indicative guide prices and information on calculating costs for developers buying statutory credits. They start at £42,000 per credit for a low distinctiveness habitat, up to £650,000 for high distinctiveness habitats (lakes). Defra notes that buying statutory biodiversity credits is a last resort option for developers unable to use on-site or off-site units […]

Funding for landscape projects

News , Water

Six new landscape scale projects will support nature recovery in England and improve habitats for wildlife. The projects will be supported with £7.4 million funding from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The projects will also help manage flood risk, improve access to nature, and protect endangered species. The nature recovery projects […]

Six new landscape-scale nature recovery projects launched

Marine , News

Six new landscape-scale nature recovery projects are launched by Natural England and the UK Government. The multi-partnership collaborative projects covering 176,000 hectares of land across England – from the Tees Estuary to the South Downs – will create improved and better-connected habitats for wildlife and improve public access to nature. The projects will strengthen the […]

The first six Fisheries Management Plans in England and Wales are launched

Marine , News

Defra has released six Fisheries Management Plans for consultation alongside a raft of other measures. In its press release Defra said that ‘the UK is introducing a world class system of fisheries management. This draws on the best available science and the expertise of our fishermen to ensure our fish stocks are healthy and sustainable long […]

‘Polluters must pay’ says Environment Secretary

News , Water

Those that pollute the environment will face unlimited penalties under new legislation announced by the government. The current limit of £250,000 on variable monetary penalties that the Environment Agency and Natural England can impose directly on operators will be lifted, following a government consultation which received widespread public support. This will offer regulators a quicker method of […]

Guidance for applying for bathing water designation updated

News , Water

The government has updated its guidance for applying for bathing water designation in England. The guidance on applying to de-designate existing bathing waters has also been updated. The updates mean that the application process is now easier to follow and ensures the criteria for designation are clearly set out. Defra will use the updated guidance to […]

Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023

News , Water

The Government have confirmed that the new Sustainable Farming Incentive will start accepting applications in a controlled rollout from August, which will offer farmers additional actions and more flexibility to choose the actions they want to get paid for. Farmers will be paid for any action they take that supports food production and improves farm […]