CPRE welcomes Government uplands package

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has today [Thursday] welcomed a package of measures published by the Government to improve the environmental and economic prospects for England’s upland areas. 

Launched by Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Caroline Spelman, The Uplands Policy Review will provided a 20m fund to boost broadband coverage and a further 6m for environmental measures.

Ian Woodhurst, CPRE Senior Farming Campaigner, says: “This is a good start at bringing together a range of policy measures that are important for ensuring the uplands remain both a beautiful and vibrant place to live.

Were particularly pleased to see a guarantee that all upland farmers will be able to participate in the Uplands Entry Level Environmental Stewardship scheme and that there will be better targeting of rural development money. This should help set up small scale on farm abattoirs and farm-shops, which are vital for local food networks in the uplands.

CPRE is also pleased that the Government will be looking at new ways of rewarding upland farmers for the public goods or ‘ecosystem services’ they provide, including beautiful, tranquil landscapes, water management and retaining carbon in upland soils.

Ian Woodhurst concluded, “Our upland countryside provides people with so many benefits which is why its important for the Government to give it special attention. Its vital that any future changes to policy protect the special character of our upland landscapes, whether it be the governance arrangements for National Park Authorities or changes to planning policy for housing and other development.

The Uplands Policy Review sets out a range of policy measures and commitments for how the Government will deliver its pledge to develop affordable measures of support for hill farmers.

CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside.

Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk