Native crayfish claws its way back from the brink of extinction
(29 December 2008) Natural England and the Environment Agency announce results of five-year crayfish breeding programme.
Natural England’s offices are closed for normal business from 25 December 2008 to 1 January 2009
(24 December 2008) Through the holiday period, most of our offices are closed with the few exceptions shown below.
Persecution is prime cause of hen harrier disappearance, says Natural England
(22 December 2008) Grouse moors linked to persistent nesting failure in major Natural England study
Uplands ELS, Hill Farm Allowance and the Uplands Transitional Payment
(18 December 2008) The Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced details of proposed measures for the uplands on 18 December, including the launch of Uplands ELS in 2010 and the continuation of the Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) for a further year, and an Uplands Transitional Payment for farmers whose classic scheme agreements are still live in 2011, dependent on their eligibility for HFA.
Green farming bonus for farmers
(16 December 2008) Natural England beats funding target and pays £98m into the rural economy – ten weeks ahead of target
Fenland farming efforts given a boost, all because of the FBI!
(15 December 2008) The RSPB and Natural England have responded to the disturbing decline in farmland birds and are determined make some changes right here in the heart of East Anglia in the Cambridgeshire Fens.
National holiday: National Trail
(15 December 2008) Celebrate the festive season with a walk on a historic National Trail says Natural England
Natural England launches consultation on wildlife General Licences in England
(11 December 2008) Natural England is today (Thursday 11 December) launching a consultation into how aspects of its General Licences should be altered to ensure that they deliver appropriate levels of protection for native wildlife without imposing unnecessary controls and administrative burdens.
Once in a lifetime opportunity to save our seas
(2 December 2008) Natural England Chief Executive calls for Parliament to deliver “Marine Act with teeth”.
Making the countryside more accessible for everyone
(1 December 2008) The first project to map National Nature Reserve access available online. Natural England media release on behalf of Natural England and Direct Enquiries Limited.
Go wild on safari with Natural England
(28 November 2008) Natural England launches Red Letter Days on its National Nature Reserves.
Recovery of one of UK's rarest birds hangs in the balance
(27 November 2008) The latest UK breeding figures for the stone-curlew – one of our most threatened birds - show that it has reached a conservation milestone, seven years ahead of target. However, the RSPB and Natural England today [Thursday 27 November] are warning that the recovery may be reversed if measures to create suitable habitat for this bird are not implemented quickly.
Farming together to enrich England’s wildlife, heritage and countryside
(26 November 2008) Natural England announces new approach to green farming schemes, which targets money at our most treasured landscapes and important habitats.
(22 November 2008) The magnificent sea eagle, missing from England for more than 200 years, could be soaring along the Norfolk coast next summer if a proposed re-introduction scheme gets the go ahead.
Top wildlife sites in England continue to improve
(21 November 2008) Natural England welcomes today’s report by the National Audit Office (NAO) on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and on progress towards the target to bring 95% of these top wildlife sites in England into favourable or recovering condition by December 2010.
Wildlife-rich farm takes centre stage in Future of Farming Awards
(19 November 2008) Cornflowers, cowslips and oystercatchers have helped David Hutchinson win Natural England’s prestigious Future of Farming Award, it was announced today. David who has lived and worked all his life on his 300 hectare arable farm at Manor Farm, Strixton in Northamptonshire has built up a successful farm business which is a showcase for how wildlife and habitat creation can be integrated into farm production.
(19 November 2008) Natural England announces £2m boost for England’s wetlands.
Bringing biodiversity needs into focus
(18 November 2008) Natural England emphasises need for continued action to halt biodiversity loss
Taking the high ground: Natural England highlights climate change challenge for English uplands
(14 November 2008) Understanding the impacts of climate change is critical to the future management of the uplands says Natural England today (Friday 14 November) as it hosts a major national conference looking at the environmental future of the English uplands.
Step change needed to halt biodiversity loss
(10 November 2008) Environmental Audit Committee reinforces Natural England call for new approach to conservation.
Giving green spaces the priority they deserve
(5 November 2008) Responding to today's announcement from the Department of Communities and Local Government on its proposed Planning Policy Statement for eco-towns, Natural England has called for a planning policy that transforms the way in which all urban spaces make use of the natural environment.
Green development is for life not just for the economic downturn
(3 November 2008) Natural England welcomes today's (Monday 3 November) Environmental Audit Committee report on Greener Homes for the Future, but calls for green development to be a priority for housing development at all times, rather than promoted solely at a time of economic downturn.
Environmental Stewardship: a much needed life-line for farmland birds
(31 October 2008) Environmental Stewardship is now critical to securing a future for farmland birds, Natural England said today (Friday 31 October) following the publication of Wild Bird Populations 2007 by Defra. The report shows that farmland bird numbers have continued to record alarming falls.
(24 October 2008) Natural England challenges water companies’ failure to address water consumption and extraction levels.
Working together for England's birds of prey
(23 October 2008)
RSPB media release on behalf of RSPB, Defra, British Association for Shooting and Conservation, Natural England and National Trust.
Government, conservationists, shooting and welfare groups agree to cherish and protect England’s birds of prey.
Water companies' pricing review must deliver environmental gain
(15 October 2008) Natural England, the government’s independent advisor on wildlife, today called on water companies to sharpen up their draft business plans to ensure that the Review of Water Pricing for the next five years (the PR09 Review) delivers on its potential to benefit the environment.
Dormice sleep again in the Yorkshire Dales
(15 October 2008) One of Britain’s best loved, but most elusive mammals - the hazel dormouse - is back in the Yorkshire Dales National Park following a successful re-introduction project. It is 100 years since the creatures - made famous in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland - were last recorded in the Park.
(7 October 2008) From today, users of Google Earth can see the splendour and beauty of England’s undersea landscapes thanks to a new layer available from Google Earth Outreach. This layer has compelling video streams, photo galleries and stories, showcasing the network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around the world including a fascinating insight into life below English seas courtesy of Natural England.
What do sharks, butterflies and toads have in common?
(6 October 2008) Natural England announces a £5.5 million boost for England’s threatened biodiversity.
New environmental stewardship handbooks available online
(3 October 2008) Natural England has today (Friday 3 October) published new Environmental Stewardship (ES) handbooks to provide farmers with a comprehensive guide to ES and how to apply.
Natural England welcomes dairy farmers to Environmental Stewardship
(17 September 2008) As Britain’s largest dairy event opens in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, Natural England today (Wednesday 17 September) highlighted the important role that Environmental Stewardship schemes have to play in England’s dairy sector.
(11 September 2008) Numbers of hen harriers – England’s most threatened bird of prey - are flat lining with no sign of a recovery.
Britain's booming bird busts previous records
(29 August 2008) The bittern - a shy heron that was formerly extinct in Britain – has enjoyed its best nesting season for at least 130 years, according to an RSPB and Natural England survey.
Climate change affects UK's birds, says report
(15 August 2008) Climate change is causing a number of widespread British birds to lay their eggs much earlier than 40 years ago, that’s just one of the trends revealed in the latest State of the UK’s Birds report – an annual publication produced by a coalition of conservation organisations looking at the fortunes of the UK’s bird populations.
Natural England calls for water companies to clean up their act as part of pricing review
(11 August 2008) Natural England today called on water companies to make a major shift in the ways they plan to protect the natural environment.
Natural England will work to secure the environmental benefits of set-aside
(25 July 2008) The Government’s acceptance of the Curry Group’s recommendations on how to secure the environmental benefits of set-aside is good news for the natural environment, said Natural England today (25th July 2008) in response to the announcement that mitigating measures are needed as soon as practical. We agree this is necessary to ensure that the wildlife benefits of set-aside are not lost.
Natural England response to Defra's climate change adaptation framework
(24 July 2008) Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England said: "It's now almost two years since The Stern Report provided incontrovertible evidence of the imperative to tackle climate change. We are now locked into at least 50 years of climate change and we must help our natural environment adapt to ensure that some of our most precious wildlife and the habitats they depend on are able to respond as best they can to these changes. This framework provides much needed impetus to the adaptation agenda."
Natural England launches consultation on its enforcement policy
(23 July 2008) Environmental organisations, farmers, landowners and the public are being invited to have their say on how the laws protecting the natural environment are enforced as Natural England today launched a consultation into its forthcoming enforcement policy.
Photographing the natural environment
(16 July 2008) An invitation for Expressions of Interest from professional photographers.
Natural England sets its green test for new developments
(16 July 2008) Wildlife rich green spaces must be at the heart of all new development for the benefit of the natural environment and people's health and wellbeing, said Natural England today (16 July 2008) as 20 new Growth Points around the country are announced by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Unrecorded rights of way Natural England announces new working group
(15 July 2008) Natural England has announced the membership of a new Stakeholder Working Group on Unrecorded Rights of Way.
Rare butterfly rises from the ashes at Thursley national nature reserve
(14 July 2008) The iconic silver studded blue butterfly is once again thriving at Thursley National Nature Reserve, Natural England announced today (Monday 14 July) on the second anniversary of the five day fire which tore through the 400 hectare site - home to some of England's most endangered flora and fauna.
Government badgers and bovine TB announcement
(7 July 2008) The Government today announced its decision that badger culling will not take place as part of its strategy to control bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle.
Wetlands hold the key to protecting our past and future
(7 July 2008) ‘Wetland Vision’ sets scene for wetland creation and restoration across England.
Taking the classroom onto the farm - Natural England launches farm visit packs for schools
(4 July 2008) Natural England has launched a series of lesson plans to build children’s knowledge of food and farming after research showed youngsters are more likely to have holidayed abroad than to have explored England’s fields and farms.
Hedges fund wealth of wildlife and landscapes
(4 July 2008) Healthy hedgerows are the backbone of many of our most loved landscapes and critical to the survival of much our rarest wildlife. Now an alliance of organisations have got together to promote essential hedgerow management with a new film to be launched at the Royal Show today (Friday 4th July).
First study of its kind into greenhouse gas emissions from farms
(30 June 2008) The first study of its kind to provide detailed measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from farms in England has revealed big differences from one agricultural sector to another.
Natural England challenges conservation sector to make space for renewables
(26 June 2008) Conservationists, industry and government must work together to find the right places for renewables, said Natural England today (26 June 2008) welcoming the Government’s Renewable Energy Strategy.
Natural flood prevention should be part of long-term flood defence plans, says Natural England
(25 June 2008) Any long-term approach to flood risk management must include the vital role played by the natural environment, says Natural England today (Wednesday 25 June) in response to Sir Michael Pitt’s review into last year’s summer floods.
(23 June 2008) Natural England’s "Volunteering is…” Conference took place on 17 and 18 March in York and was a resounding success. It brought together a range of organisations from across the environment, voluntary and private sectors, to discuss how we can work together more effectively to improve and increase opportunities for environmental volunteers.
Plant the seed of outdoor enjoyment – get your kids into the garden!
(20 June 2008) Gardens across England, large or small, can be havens for wildlife and are great places to get children interested in the natural environment, said Natural England today (Saturday 21 June) as it hosts the 2008 Wildlife Gardening Conference at the Zoological Society in London.
Lyme Bay to become haven for underwater wildlife
(19 June 2008) Government has today (Thursday 19 June) answered Natural England’s call to safeguard marine life in Lyme Bay.
Environmentalists and industry must work together to secure a low carbon future
(17 June 2008) Environmentalists, the energy industry, and government must work together to find ways of responding to climate change, said Natural England today (Tuesday 17 June) as it launched new policies to promote sustainable energy and help tackle climate change.
Reducing flooding naturally – one year on from 2007 summer floods
(12 June 2008) The key to long-term, cost effective flood prevention could be held in England's National Parks and farmland landscapes, says Natural England today (Thursday 12 June) one year on from last year’s summer floods.
Natural England announces new SSSI in Cambridgeshire
(9 June 2008) The first Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to be notified by Natural England has been announced today, Tuesday 10 June.
Natural England delivers a £45m funding deal on world environment day
(6 June 2008) The future of some of England’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife received a £45 million boost from Natural England on World Environment Day yesterday (Thursday 5 June) as it announced a three year funding commitment to some of its partners.
Avian Influenza confirmed in chickens on premises near Banbury, Oxfordshire
(5 June 2008) Defra has confirmed Avian Influenza in chickens at a free-range egg unit on premises near Banbury in Oxfordshire after preliminary tests were positive for the H7 strain.
Water friendly farming initiative enters new phase
(3 June 2008) The next phase of a programme to help farmers tackle the causes of harmful water pollution is taking shape, Environment Minister Phil Woolas announced today.
Celebrating 21 years of agri-environment schemes - green farming schemes reaping benefits in Kent
(1 June 2008) Twenty-one years of agri-environment schemes have seen farmers in Kent make a huge difference to wildlife and landscape across the county, Rural Affairs Minister Jonathan Shaw said today, on Open Farm Sunday.
Natural England’s Future of Farming Award
(27 May 2008) The Natural England Future of Farming Award's online application form is now live and open for business.
(26 May 2008) Natural England today (Monday 26 May) announced its £25 million Lottery funded grant programme ‘Access to Nature’ is now open for business.
(22 May 2008) The dormouse, rare orchids, orchards and even ponds are just some of England’s most threatened species and habitats set to benefit as Natural England announces today (Thursday 22 May) an extra £5 million to support wildlife recovery.
England needs a new approach to conservation, says Natural England
(19 May 2008) Natural England publishes its first report into the state of the natural environment.
'Good progress' on Environmental Stewardship
(8 May 2008) Over 5 million hectares of land in England, an area roughly twice the size of Wales, are now covered by schemes which aim to conserve our valuable landscape and its wildlife, according to a report published by Defra and Natural England today.
Natural England announces extra £72m for the natural environment
(7 May 2008) Following a meeting of its Board, Natural England has announced that an additional £72m will be spent on the natural environment this year.
Launch of new expansion plan gives rare black grouse a boost
(30 April 2008) The launch of a new rescue plan by the North Pennines Black Grouse Recovery Project on 30th April, in the Yorkshire Dales should help to secure the future of one of our most spectacular but endangered birds.
Important wildlife sites flourish under Natural England
(9 April 2008) England’s best sites for wildlife are improving at a record-breaking rate under Natural England’s conservation management.
Natural England launches its Future of Farming Awards 2008
(7 April 2008) Farmers and farm managers across England are invited to enter Natural England’s 2008 Future of Farming Awards.
Benefits of draft Marine Bill will be felt above and beneath the waves, says Natural England
(3 April 2008) Public access to the English coastline took a giant stride forward today (Thursday 3 April) as the Government published plans that will allow Natural England to improve public access to the coast.
Eco towns an opportunity to set new standards for green living
(3 April 2008) Natural England today (Thursday 3 April) challenged government, planners and housing developers to set an example of 21st century green living to the rest of world when designing England’s eco-towns.
The health benefits of green spaces and tree-lined streets need to be realised, says Natural England
(1 April 2008) Great inroads could be made into urban ill health if just a fraction of the NHS annual budget for preventative health was spent on the natural environment in our towns and cities, says Natural England.
New Minerals Frameworks can help Wildlife
(27 March 2008) How best to use the new Mineral Development Frameworks to create more special places for wildlife has been the focus of a series of successful England-wide workshops.
Defra launches new organic advisory service for farmers
(25 March 2008) Today Defra launched the Organic Conversion Information Service (OCIS), a free national information and advice service for farmers thinking of converting to organic production methods. Plans were approved by the European Commission and funding made available to reintroduce the service
Seeds of success are found in grass roots communities, says Natural England
(18 March 2008) Environmental volunteering is for everyone, not just the knowledgeable few, says Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, speaking at a national volunteering conference* this week.
Conserving the natural environment must be mainstream for water companies
(13 March 2008) Water companies must not dilute their efforts to improve the natural environment, Natural England has told water companies.
Natural England response to 2008 Budget
(12 March 2008) Urgent and stronger action is needed if the natural environment is to effectively adapt to the future impacts of climate change, warns Natural England in response to the 2008 Budget.
After a decade of the green Gym Natural England looks for a natural health service
(11 March 2008) There is a vital need to mainstream the link between a healthy natural environment and healthy communities said Natural England at the British Trust of Conservation Volunteers’ (BTCV) Green Gym tenth anniversary event on 11 March 2008.
Natural England welcomes consultation to protect marine life and scallop stocks in Falmouth Bay
(10 March 2008) Damaging fishing methods used to collect scallops has to stop in areas where they might harm habitats and species, says Natural England today (Friday 7 March 2008) at the start of Defra’s consultation into closing the Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation (SAC) to trawls and dredges.
Put nature within 300 metres of everyone in England says Natural England
(10 March 2008) Natural England today (10 March 2008) challenged local authorities, planners and developers at ‘Going Wild’ a national conference, to increase the amount of green areas available on people’s doorsteps.
Sea-level rise threatens bittern's conservation success
(4 March 2008) The bittern – one of the UK’s greatest bird conservation priorities – will have an uncertain future in Britain if more is not done to protect this wetland bird from the ravages of climate change and sea level rise.
Natural England budget – 2008/2009
(21 February 2008) Natural England today (Thursday 21 February) welcomed news of its 2008-2009 budget settlement from Defra.
Defra launches Wild Boar Strategy
(19 February 2008) Natural England welcomes Defra’s policy and action plan on wild boar in England launched today (Tuesday 19 February).
Volunteer frog detectives help to track frightful fungus
(14 February 2008) To help save England’s frogs, toads and newts, amateur amphibian aficionados from across the country are being trained to track a potentially deadly disease that could have a devastating effect on amphibians.
(11 February 2008) An area of iconic English landscape almost as big as the Isle of Wight could be at risk if a revised South Downs National Park boundary is accepted, warned Natural England ahead of the re-opening of the public inquiry on Tuesday 12 February.
Turning the tide for wetland in the Wash
(2 February 2008) The most important wetland site in the UK, home to waterbirds such as redshank, oystercatcher and avocet, is back in good condition for the first time in a decade marking a major environmental achievement for World Wetland Day 2008, announced Natural England, Eastern Sea Fisheries Joint Committee (ESFJC) and Wash fishermen today (Saturday 2 February).
Avian Influenza update: seventh swan positive for H5N1
(31 January 2008) A seventh mute swan collected on 24 January as part of wild bird surveillance in the same area in Dorset has tested positive for H5N1 Avian Influenza. This is not unexpected, and enhanced surveillance of wild birds in the area is continuing including active patrols to look for dead wild birds.
Managing water naturally reduces flooding
(30 January 2008) England's National Parks and farmland landscapes could hold the key to long-term, cost effective flood prevention, said Natural England today (Wednesday 30 January) as it gives evidence to the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) select committee inquiry into flooding.
Avian Influenza in Dorset – update
(29 January 2008) Defra confirmed on 26 January that a sixth mute swan collected on 21 January as part of wild bird surveillance in the same area in Dorset has tested positive for H5N1 Avian Influenza. This is not unexpected, and enhanced surveillance of wild birds in the area is continuing including active patrols to look for dead wild birds.
Important Environmental Case Concludes
(28 January 2008) Wemmergill Moor Limited, based in Hawes, North Yorkshire, today (28th January 2008) was fined in total £50,000 by Durham Crown Court for causing damage to part of Lune Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Durham, and ordered to pay Natural England’s full costs of £237,548.99 in bringing the prosecution. In Regulatory cases such as this the court considers the whole sum the defendant has to pay, and together with the costs of restoration and other measures, the total cost to the defendant here exceeds one half of a million pounds.
Natural England urges Government to consider the wider context in Severn Estuary study
(23 January 2008) We must consider the potential negative effect the harnessing of energy from the tidal range of the Severn Estuary may have on both the environment as a whole and on one of the most important conservation sites in Europe, said Natural England today (Wednesday 23 January).
Natural England says it’s time to sink or swim to save our seas
(23 January 2008) On the fifth anniversary of Lundy - England’s only Marine Nature Reserve and ‘No Take Zone’ – Natural England has today (Wednesday 23 January) published the views of national and international marine experts and scientists who believe that political will and leadership is key to safeguarding life beneath our waves through a network of sites like Lundy.
England’s neglected heathlands
(21 January 2008) The poor condition of lowland heathland across England is putting stone curlews, nightjars and sand lizards and other endangered species of animals and plants in even greater danger of extinction, warns Natural England today (Monday 21 January).
Avian Influenza confirmed in wild birds in Dorset
(11 January 2008) Defra has confirmed Avian Influenza in wild swans in the Chesil Beach area in Dorset, following positive test results from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency for the highly pathogenic strain of H5N1. These birds were found and tested following their routine surveillance programme.
Natural England general licences
(2 January 2008) From 1 January 2008, Natural England took over responsibility for issuing “general” licences under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 in England from Defra.
