Published on: 27 April 2018
The Government has recently set out its proposals for a national policy statement (NPS) for water resources. The statement will underline the criteria for large-scale nationally important water resources schemes (aka large reservoirs, transfer pipes and desalination plants) to undergo a facilitated planning process to enable delivery. While for-thought is necessary, any schemes must add value for people and nature.
Read More...Published on: 26 April 2018
Since the decision to leave the European Union there has been a welcome focus on food and farming policy. However, the government’s approach is to think about agriculture as a domestic matter, with ‘international trade’ relegated to a short and general chapter at the end of Defra’s Command Paper.
Read More...Published on: 23 April 2018
Water quality is very sensitive to the practices of farmers. Hannah Freeman lays out how farmers can be encouraged to make decisions that not only look after public goods, but also make good business sense.
Read More...Published on: 20 April 2018
Since the EU Withdrawal Bill was published in July 2017, the Government has patched over the flaws in its Brexit laws with promises to Parliament. With barely a month left to consider the bill, the time has come for Parliament to assert its authority and amend the legislation.
Read More...Published on: 18 April 2018
The Government does not currently record wildlife crime effectively, but how can wildlife crime be effectively addressed and prevented until the extent of the problem is known? We’ve come together to produce an NGO led report on annual crime figures and the impact of this crime in five different areas.
Read More...Published on: 18 April 2018
Wildlife and Countryside Link co-host a land mark consultation event with Defra on the the future of farming policy post Brexit.
Read More...Published on: 16 April 2018
John Dower's report to Government in May 1944 saw farming as central to the special qualities of the areas that he identified for designation as the new National Parks. Dower saw little conflict between farming in the 1940s and the distinctive characteristics of these precious upland landscapes.
Read More...Published on: 9 April 2018
Agroforestry is about making the most of land area through three dimensional farming. As Stephen Briggs explains, the deliberate integration of trees within agricultural crops and livestock is a win-win for food production and the natural environment
Read More...Published on: 6 April 2018
Vicki Hird argues why agriculture policy should cover public health, why conservation and wildlife groups could agree and answers some possible concerns.
Read More...Published on: 5 April 2018
"Ivory should never be seen as a commodity for financial gain or a status symbol." These were the words of Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, this week, as the UK Government announced a ban on ivory sales will go ahead. Link members welcome the ban.
Read More...
Latest Blog Posts