Funding increase for energy crop growers
(23 December 2009) Natural England has confirmed today (23 December) that grants for farmers of energy crops will rise next year.
Latest Natural England reports
(23 December 2009) Natural England publishes a wide range of science and technical reports to help support our environmental delivery work and ensure that our advice, to Government and others, is based on the best available evidence.
England’s newest nature reserve cleared for take-off
(17 December 2009) WWII bomber base confirmed as one of England’s top nature conservation sites
(15 December 2009) Make a date with nature on a National Nature Reserve this winter.
(14 December 2009) A helping hand for England’s threatened juniper
Consultation announced for proposed extension to Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks
(11 December 2009) Natural England today announced that it will launch a public consultation on four proposed extensions to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. The new areas lie between the two National Parks and the consultation will seek views on whether they have the qualities necessary to be in a National Park, whether they should be given National Park status, and where the boundaries should be drawn.
Natural England announces over £2.5 million to help create greater access to nature
(10 December 2009) Water-based activities, community woodlands and farms opened up and support for groups widened.
Ocean acidification: an underwater time-bomb
(10 December 2009) Alarming progression of ocean acidity posing major threat to marine ecosystems.
Natural England hosts ‘Sea Change’ conference in London
(8 December 2009) European marine experts gathered in London today (Tuesday 8 December) for a two-day conference to share best practice for international marine protected areas. Hosted by Natural England, the conference is called ‘Sea change: securing a future for Europe’s seas’.
Poul Christensen confirmed as new Chair of Natural England
(3 December 2009) Poul Christensen – one of the leading figures in UK agriculture and the environment for the last thirty years – has today been confirmed as the Chair of Natural England, the government’s wildlife and conservation adviser.
Christmas lunch doesn’t have to cost the Earth
(2 December 2009) Natural England and Prue Leith launch The Nature of Food.
Bird rescue mission for the beleaguered twite
(2 December 2009) Recovery Project and Environmental Stewardship schemes help to protect one of England’s most vulnerable birds.
Walking in a winter wonderland on a National Trail
(1 December 2009) Go for a “wild walk” in the glorious English countryside this Christmas
Formal consultation starts on proposed European marine sites
(27 November 2009) A formal consultation on 12 proposed new marine conservation sites starts today (27 Nov 2009). The sites are being put forward as the latest additions to the ‘Natura 2000’ network of European protected areas designed to protect important habitats, species and birds.
(26 November 2009) Natural England welcomes Ofwat support for multi-billion investment in the natural environment.
Changes to Environmental Stewardship schemes and the ELS application process
(25 November 2009) Due to the timing of new mapping data from the Rural Land Register (RLR) and enhancements to Environmental Stewardship, Natural England will need to make short-term changes to the processing of new ELS agreements.
Climate change alert as coastal ‘carbon sinks’ shrink faster than Amazon forests
(17 November 2009) New report highlights global decline of vital coastal carbon sinks.
(12 November 2009) Natural England hails Marine and Coastal Access Act as once in lifetime opportunity for marine conservation.
All England Coast Path will be landmark moment for countryside access
(12 November 2009) Following today’s Royal Assent for the Marine and Coastal Access Act, Natural England has heralded the legislation as marking a landmark moment in the history of countryside access.
(12 November 2009) A living landscape becomes a 21st Century National Park.
Natural England launches Vision for securing the future of England’s uplands
(12 November 2009) On-the ground trials launched to pioneer new forms of sustainable upland land management.
Bumblebees: Back by popular demand
(11 November 2009)Expedition underway to retrieve bumblebee queens from New Zealand.
Unique bumblebee field guide is revised and republished in response to public request.
Latest Natural England reports
(10 November 2009) Natural England publishes a wide range of science and technical reports to help support our environmental delivery work and ensure that our advice, to Government and others, is based on the best available evidence.
Environmental Stewardship is key to success for Campaign for the Farmed Environment
(5 November 2009) Expansion of Environmental Stewardship schemes is the key to safeguarding the gains made by set-aside, said Natural England in response to today’s launch of the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE).
Natural England report highlights vital need for green farming schemes
(4 November 2009) The most comprehensive analysis of agri-environment schemes (AES) yet undertaken is published today by Natural England. Titled “Agri-environment schemes in England 2009: A review of results and effectiveness”, the report draws on research from the entire 22-year history of the schemes and analyses the impact they have made on England’s farmed environment.
(3 November 2009) Natural England gives green light to 10:10 campaign
(3 November 2009) Focus on Green Infrastructure as Natural England launches developer partnership at the 2009 Thames Gateway Forum.
England’s rarest bird of prey perilously close to being lost
(2 November 2009) Only six successful hen harrier nests in 2009
High Court judgment confirms conservation status of Easton Bavents cliffs
(20 October 2009) Homeowner encouraged to go through planning system to resolve coastal defence controversy.
Economic success dependent on investment in natural environment
(15 October 2009)Natural England today published a major report showing that investment in the natural environment is critical to long term economic prosperity and that natural services provide a highly cost effective solution to growing problems like flood and coastal defence, carbon emissions and the preservation of soil, water and air quality.
Kinder Scout declared a National Nature Reserve
(12 October 2009) The famous plateau of Kinder Scout was today (Sunday 11 October) officially declared a National Nature Reserve (NNR) by Natural England. Located in the heart of the Peak District and one of the most familiar landscapes in Britain, Kinder has a proud place in the campaigns to improve public access to England’s countryside. Now with NNR status it joins a range of other upland NNRs helping to conserve our most vulnerable habitats.
Statement on monk & ring-necked parakeets
(3 October 2009) Earlier this week, Natural England announced changes to the licensing situation, which will be implemented from 1 January 2010, regarding the control of monk and ring-necked parakeets. Some media reports have indicated that Natural England is calling for the eradication of these species. We are not.
Latest Natural England reports
(2 October 2009) Natural England publishes a wide range of science and technical reports to help support our environmental delivery work and ensure that our advice, to Government and others, is based on the best available evidence.
Changes to wildlife protection announced by Natural England
(30 September 2009) Natural England has today (Wednesday 30 September) announced the outcome of its public consultation on ‘General Licences’ for wildlife.
Natural England launches “virtual nature reserve” linking the country’s gardens and open spaces
Launch of England’s ‘Big Wildlife Garden School of the Year’ competition
Suffolk coastal sites to be assessed for possible release of white-tailed eagles
(24 September 2009) Natural England, and the RSPB, assisted by the Forestry Commission, have been looking at the feasibility of re-introducing the white-tailed eagle - also known as the sea eagle - to East Anglia, and the Suffolk coast is being considered as a possible future home for white-tailed eagles
(10 September 2009) Natural England’s survey highlights public demand for sustainable fisheries
(7 September 2009) Increase for one of Britain’s most threatened birds.
Map giveaway for schoolkids gets underway
(4 September 2009) Schoolchildren across England and Wales have the chance to get their hands on free Ordnance Survey maps, as the national mapping agency launches the Free maps for 11-year-olds scheme today (4 September).
Putting £4 million worth of squelch back into the countryside
(1 September 2009) Natural England announces new funding for a ‘Wetland Vision’
Top medics serve up Health on a Beach
(28 August 2009) The Blue Gym aims to promote health and well being in the natural environment and save millions of pounds for the NHS.
Latest Natural England reports for July 2009
(19 August 2009) Natural England publishes a wide range of science and technical reports to help support our environmental delivery work and ensure that our advice, to Government and others, is based on the best available evidence.
Head for the coast this Bank Holiday!
(18 August 2009) England's coastline is spectacularly beautiful, rich in wildlife and hugely popular.
Bringing the buzz back to gardens and rooftops
(5 August 2009) Omlet and Natural England introduce the new ‘Beehaus’ urban beehive
Mapping the gaps in England’s coastal access
(31 July 2009)
Natural England publishes region by region maps showing that the public do not have full access to over a third of England’s coastline
Natural England response to IUSS report on SSSIs
(29 July 2009) Natural England welcomes today’s report by the Innovation, Universities, Skills and Science Committee on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Natural England and English National Parks look to the future in National Parks Week
(27 July 2009) Natural England and the English National Park Authorities Association (ENPAA) are today announcing the start of a new shared agreement between the two organisations that commits both to work together to ensure National Parks continue to be places of rich environmental value that are enjoyed by all.
National trails, national treasure
(27 July 2009) Natural England says pull on your boots and enjoy our spectacular National Trails this summer.
National Parks and Renewable Energy
(24 July 2009) Natural England wishes to correct the article in today’s Daily Telegraph “Build wind farms in National Parks, says Natural England chief” which is a misrepresentation of Natural England’s position.
Natural England welcomes Ofwat’s draft determination of water pricing
(23 July 2009) Continued investment crucial to improving quality and sustainability of water resources and a shift to better management of water catchments brings promise of wide-ranging gains for environment and customers.
(22 July 2009) Natural England launches ‘Natural Health Service’ focused on health benefits of green spaces - Major expansion in health walks announced - New research reinforces evidence of link between lack of access to open spaces and obesity.
Putting the natural environment at the centre of sustainable development
(20 July 2009) Eco-towns must be genuinely sustainable and the standards that are being proposed for them should be part of all urban development said Natural England today.
The natural environment ... what's your line ?
(16 July 2009) Natural England welcomes role of National Fishing Week as opportunity to raise awareness of natural environment
(15 July 2009) Natural England welcomes the Energy White Paper as a once in a lifetime opportunity to deal with the impacts of climate change.
Natural England response to the Government’s set-aside decision
(9 July 2009) Following today’s decision by the Environment Secretary to adopt a voluntary approach to set-aside mitigation, Natural England has highlighted the vital role the farming industry must play to ensure that the value of the farmed environment can be effectively maintained alongside food production.
Natural England response to PAC report on SSSIs
(7 July 2009) Natural England welcomes the report by the Public Accounts Committee into Natural England’s role in improving SSSIs.
Greenest Council Worker of the Year winner announced for inaugural Green Award
(6 July 2009) Sponsoring a new ‘Green Award’, Natural England today celebrated the dedicated work of council workers who have made most difference for their environment.
Man ordered to restore area of nationally important conservation site in Cambridgeshire
(2 July 2009) A man has been ordered to restore an area of the Cam Washes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Wicken after constructing a track and a car parking area through an important wildlife habitat.
England’s most amazing wild spaces line up for a summer of family fun and adventure
(23 June 2009) Celebrate the summer holidays with Natural England’s special programme of family days out on National Nature Reserves.
(18 June 2009) Critical environmental services can only be secured if we enable the natural environment to adapt in the face of climate change.
We must not set our natural environment aside
(5 June 2009) Natural England emphasises the importance of set-aside as it publishes its response to Defra’s consultation
Landscape Photographer of the Year Award 2009
(1 June 2009)In association with Natural England and the English National Parks Authorities.
Following the huge success and popularity of previous years, the search for the UK’s Landscape Photographer of the Year for 2009 is now well under way. Entrants have until 15 July to enter the ‘Take a view’ Awards by submitting their photographs of the British landscape.
International rescue for endangered bumblebee
(1 June 2009) Conservation partnership launches rescue mission for short-haired bumblebee
Cuckoo joins the growing list of the UK’s most threatened birds
(28 May 2009) The latest assessment of the status of all of the UK’s 246 regularly occurring birds – Birds of Conservation Concern 3 – shows 52 are now of the highest conservation concern and have been placed on the assessment’s red list.
What’s happening down on the farm?
(28 May 2009) Natural England supports this year’s Open Farm Sunday and Poul Christensen, Natural England’s Acting Chair, opens his farm for this year’s event - Sunday 7 June
(22 May 2009) To mark International Biodiversity Day 2009, Natural England has today (Friday 22 May) published a major report identifying the potential for a number of non-native animal species to increase in number in England and become invasive.
Green flagship projects launch grant programme’s first anniversary
(13 May 2009) More people across England will have the chance to benefit from access to parks, city farms and woods thanks to two new flagship projects announced by Natural England as part of its £25 million Lottery-funded grant programme ‘Access to Nature’ – a fitting celebration for its first year of funding.
Men fined for Peak District Moorland arson attack
(12 May 2009) Three men have been fined a total of £1,200 for damaging an internationally protected site, by deliberately setting fire to an area of moorland within the Peak District National Park.
(12 May 2009) Farmers looking to enter Environmental Stewardship will now be offered a greater range of options, making it easier for making it easier for them to join the 35,000 farmers already being paid to care for the environment, Natural England announced today.
Green spaces point way for future of our urban environment
(12 May 2009) Natural England welcomes the importance that the government has given to green infrastructure and green spaces in the Strategy for Improving Quality of Place (launched today).
Age is no barrier to being green
(11 May 2009) Greener & Wiser – an older people’s environment manifesto launched today
National Parks – bigger and better?
(4 May 2009) Natural England to identify possible extensions to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park boundaries.
Natural England Board appointments
(1 May 2009) The Secretary of State has announced that he wishes to make two new appointments to Natural England’s Board. Closing date 18 May 2009.
New report highlights the impacts of climate change across the marine ecosystem
(28 April 2009) The oceans are becoming more acidic at a faster rate than for 65 million years because of climate change, a report warned today (28 April 2009). The Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership (MCCIP) report card says the increasing acidity of the oceans caused by carbon dioxide could affect the climate further and hit wildlife.
Natural solutions to flood management
(21 April 2009) Natural England welcomes publication of draft Floods and Water Bill
(7 April 2009) Natural England today (Tuesday 7 April) continued to voice its support for water companies and their role in protecting the natural environment.
(2 April 2009) Woodlands, countryside and parks have become out of bounds to a generation of ‘cotton wool kids’ with fewer than ten percent playing in such places, according to new research results revealed today by Natural England.
Natural England celebrates landmark decision to make South Downs a National Park
(31 March 2009) New Park has critical role as green lung for millions
Natural England maps out a future for climate change
(31 March 2009) New climate change reports point to a changing face for England’s natural environment
Walking, cycling and horse-riding given a boost
(19 March 2009) Natural England and Nicholas Crane from the BBC’s Coast programme award local authorities for improving access to the natural environment
Could beavers be reintroduced to England?
(18 March 2009) Natural England and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species assess feasibility of returning beavers to England.
Mourners gather to pay tribute to the father of modern environmental conservation
(13 March 2009) Service of Celebration for Sir Martin Doughty at New Mills Town Hall, High Peak, Derbyshire, 2.00 Friday 13th March
Dog walker prosecuted for bird disturbance on a nature reserve
(13 March 2009) A successful prosecution has been brought by Natural England against an individual for recklessly causing disturbance to birds by releasing their dogs on a nature reserve.*
Important wildlife site damaged by overgrazing
(9 March 2009) Farmer fined for causing damage to protected site in Cumbria.
Sir Martin Doughty (1949 – 2009)
(5 March 2009) It is with great sadness that Natural England today announces the death of its Chair, Sir Martin Doughty.
Natural England’s response to the launch of the set-aside consultation announced by Hilary Benn
(4 March 2009) Following the set-aside consultation announced by Defra today (Wednesday 4 March), Natural England welcomed Defra’s recognition of the environmental importance of set-aside - especially its role in reversing the long-standing decline of some of our farmland birds such as the skylark, corn bunting and lapwing - and the commitment shown to recapturing these and other environmental benefits that it produced.
Natural England supports Guinness World-Record™ attempt for world’s largest bird feeder
(26 February 2009) Natural England is supporting the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s attempt to create the world’s largest bird feeder.
Ladybird Spider back from the brink
(16 February 2009) Ladybird spider creeps back from near extinction, thanks to Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme.
Natural England announces new national conservation site
(12 February 2009) Ely Pits and Meadows in Cambridgeshire becomes first SSSI to be designated by Natural England.
Walking schemes get the green light
(11 February 2009) Department of Health Physical Activity Plan highlights importance of Natural England’s Walking the Way to Health Initiative.
Natural England sponsors 2009 Farmers Weekly Awards
(9 February 2009) Natural England has announced that it will sponsor the 'Countryside Farmer of the Year Award', as part of the Farmers Weekly Awards 2009. The awards champion environmentally-friendly farming across the UK, and showcase the achievements of farmers and land managers.
MOD and Natural England partnership protects environment
(4 February 2009) Ministry of Defence (MOD) has signed a Declaration of Intent with Natural England (NE) to improve and preserve the natural environment that makes up the Defence estate.
(2 February 2009) California, USA. Natural England heralded today’s launch of ‘Ocean in Google Earth’, the newest version of Google Earth.
(27 February 2009) Dr Helen Phillips, Chief Executive of Natural England said: ”The UK Scallop Dredging Industry is quite wrong to believe that we have no interest in consultation or to claim that we have an agenda to close inshore scallop fisheries area by area.
Make or Break for Severn Estuary?
(26 January 2009) Natural England urges government not to commit to tidal power without full understanding of environmental impacts.
Natural England appeals against High Court judgment in Easton Bavents cliffs case
(9 January 2009) Natural England yesterday lodged an appeal against the judgment in the Easton Bavents High Court case brought last month by Mr Peter Boggis.
‘Access to Nature’: connecting people with nature
(2 January 2009) First year of grant scheme sees £1.7 million allocated to improve people’s access to the natural environment.