Natural England

Natural England today (Monday 19 May) called for a new approach to managing our natural environment if it is to stand any chance of adapting to the next 50 years of unavoidable climate change and the modern pressures of development.

On launching its State of the Natural Environment report, Dr Helen Phillips, Chief Executive of Natural England, said:
“England needs a new approach to conservation if we are to tackle effectively the modern pressures on land created by climate change and development. The natural environment is increasingly under threat, both within and especially away from protected areas.

“We need to find ways to manage our landscape to create a mosaic of uses so that we can help wildlife survive – be it through a new ‘national park’ around the length of England’s coastline, better use of the green belt or improved use of public funding for farmers to deliver a better natural environment. If we don’t act, there’s a real danger some of our most precious wildlife will be lost forever and our lives will be poorer for it.”

The evidence also shows that where we target action we can make a difference. The long-term decline in many of our farmland birds is slowing thanks to more environmentally friendly farming. In the North West the overall condition of our most important wildlife sites (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) has improved dramatically in the last 10 years. At the end of March, 82.7% of land designated as SSSI in the North West was judged to be in a ‘favourable or recovering condition’.

Key findings from the State of the Natural Environment report show that the North West faces some significant challenges including:

• Landscape character is being maintained in our protected areas such as Cumbria High Fells, which makes up a large part of the Lake District. However, 7% of our landscapes are neglected and 38% are diverging, largely around major centres of population and transport corridors.
• The region has a significant proportion of wetlands dominated by blanket bog, which forms peat landscapes in wet areas, and important areas of lowland raised bogs. Many of these habitats have been degraded due to peat extraction in the past but if restored can function as a ‘carbon sink’ capable of absorbing and retaining greenhouse gases and contribute to flood defence
• Our coast support millions of wintering and migrating waterfowl, and important breeding bird populations; over 80% is designated for its European wildlife importance. Coastal and marine resources are more in demand than ever and the habitats that support them are being squeezed between our sea defences and rising sea.
• Almost 35% of all English common land is in the North West, mostly in the uplands which also holds over 17% of England’s heathland resource. Previous overstocking has reduced plant diversity and had knock on impacts on birds and other wildlife. By working closely with farmers Natural England is implementing grazing levels that balances the need to restore these habitats with the practicalities of hill farming.
• The pace of housing development is increasing and associated demands for water abstraction has potential to adversely impact on the integrity (water supply and quality) of the region’s internationally recognised rivers and estuaries. Incorporating green infrastructure in new housing and growth points will help to ensure that development occurs within environmental limits and works with the environment rather than against it.
• 17.7% of the North West has open access, with the largest areas in the uplands and commons, providing diverse opportunities for walking and recreational activities. However, health inequalities are most concentrated in the areas of most social deprivation and in the North West this also equates to areas of poor environmental quality.

On launching the report in the region, Liz Newton, Regional Director for Natural England in the North West said:
“Our environment is constantly changing and if healthy can evolve and adapt to naturally changing conditions. In the face of external impacts such as climate change, development pressures and agricultural change, we must make concerted efforts to ensure that ecosystems are managed in order to maximise species and habitat resilience, whilst also providing socio-economic benefits.

“We must work more collaboratively across Government and businesses, and engage the public to find the best way of managing our finite natural resources whilst contributing to a sustainable economy within environmental limits. Within the North West we will be leading a wider debate to agree action to ensure a healthy natural environment as a foundation for our social and economic wellbeing.”

The findings from the report have led Natural England to publish a Manifesto for the Natural Environment, which outlines what needs to be done to set the nation on a greener path by tackling difficult questions to help protect our future natural assets.

To play its part in finding solutions, Natural England has today committed to:

• Helping find areas in England for renewable energy by publishing a map of suitable locations for onshore wind energy developments.
• Using its statutory position to protect the natural environment at risk from planning and transport proposals.
• Better targeting of the £2.9 billion of taxpayers’ money it manages through green land management schemes to help people and nature adapt to climate change by: storing carbon in peat; soaking up excess rainwater to prevent flooding and connecting existing wildlife sites by creating ‘wildlife super highways’.
• Transforming selected National Nature Reserves into first class visitor destinations to reconnect the public with nature.
• Demonstrating that significant cuts in carbon are achievable over the short-term by reducing the carbon footprint of Natural England estates and business travel by 50% by the end of 2010. It will do this without relying on carbon offsetting, passing on emissions to staff, suppliers or customers or compromising customer service.

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Notes for editors:

For interviews with Natural England’s experts, copies of the report and accompanying photographs, please contact the Natural England Press Office on 0845 603 9953, press@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07970 098005. For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF NATURAL ENGLAND BY COI NEWS & PR NORTH WEST. CONTACT: ANNE ARNOLD 0161 952 4505