NFU gives water maintenance trial backing
The Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries, Richard Benyon, confirmed in a letter to stakeholders the development of a more streamlined flood consenting system by mid-2015. The proposals will be trialled on main rivers (those regulated by the Environment Agency) in seven pilot areas starting this autumn. The NFU will work with farmers, the […]
Trees on the River Uck – planting trees can help protect our waterways
An exciting new project in Sussex is looking for local landowners – whether that’s individuals or businesses – to come forward and plant trees to cut flooding and improve water quality. Anyone who owns land in Sussex get free expert tree-planting advice and support from the Woodland Trust. If suitable land is within the Uck […]
Stewardship: the way forward for anticoagulant rodenticides in the UK
Plans will be developed and proposals presented to HSE, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Department of Health (DoH) by the end of September 2013. In a process that began in August 2012, HSE invited comments from stakeholders and other interested parties on Environmental Risk Mitigation Measures for SGAR use in the […]
CLA lobbying success as imports of sweet chestnuts are banned
The Association said this important move will give sweet chestnut trees in the UK the best chance of remaining free from this devastating disease. The CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “We have been lobbying for this development and I have met with Environment Secretary Owen Paterson to discuss the issue on a number of occasions. […]
Archbishop becomes patron of Bees Abroad
This is a particularly appropriate move as his official residence, Lambeth Palace, has its own bee colony producing honey and also wax for scented candles — and Justin Welby has a long association with helping to relieve poverty in developing countries. “I am delighted to lend my support to Bees Abroad by becoming a patron,” […]
UK Woodland Carbon Code launched on Markit Registry
Carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestered, or absorbed, by WCC-validated woodlands in the UK can be traded, and the development enables changes of ownership of each tonne to be tracked. The registry will also record when projects are registered and credits are listed, and when carbon units have been “used” by a company in its carbon account. Forestry Minister David Heath, […]
STA welcomes publication of Draft EMR Delivery Plan
Commenting on the publication of the Government’s Draft Delivery Plan for Electricity Market Reform (EMR), STA Head of External Affairs Leonie Greene said: “The EMR Delivery Plan focuses on contracts for difference (CfDs) for large-scale solar schemes over 5MW. EMR stipulates that projects below 5MW will not be eligible for CfDs and will have to […]
Environment Minister meets nature conservation leaders in the New Forest National Park
Richard Benyon MP joined the England Biodiversity Stakeholder Group to tour the Bisterne Estate near Ringwood, hosted by the New Forest National Park Authority in conjunction with the Bisterne Farms Estate. The Group includes national representatives of the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Natural England, Defra, National Farmers Union, Country Landowners Association, Areas of Outstanding Natural […]
New RHI delay disappointing – ADBA
DECC have today announced that they have delayed their decision on introducing RHI support to AD projects with a thermal capacity of over 200 kW until the Autumn. Responding to the news Charlotte Morton, chief executive, ADBA, said: “Today’s announcement of yet another delay for expanded RHI support for heat use from biogas projects is […]
