Press releases 2012
News feed-
Restoration Plans for Bolton Fell Moss to be announced
(20 December 2012) A public meeting to discuss the Restoration Plan for Bolton Fell Moss is to take place at Hethersgill Village Hall early in the new year.
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Higher Level Stewardship reaches major landmark as 10,000th agreement begins
(17 December 2012) England's flagship agri-environment scheme - Higher Level Stewardship - has reached a major milestone this month with the start of the scheme’s 10,000th agreement, Natural England said today (Monday 17 December).
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New licensing regime announced to help safeguard native bees
(17 December 2012) Natural England has today announced changes to the regulations affecting the use of imported non-native bumblebees for commercial pollination.
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England Coast Path – a step closer in Cumbria
(17 December 2012) Natural England publishes report to the Secretary of State proposing improved public access to 36km of coast in Cumbria between Allonby and Whitehaven.
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England Coast Path – a step closer in the North East
(17 December 2012) Natural England publishes report to the Secretary of State proposing improved public access to 55km of coast in the North East between North Gare in Hartlepool and South Bents in Sunderland.
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(14 December 2012) The South Purbeck National Character Area (NCA) is the 25th NCA revised profile to be published as Natural England refreshes the entire series.
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Conservation grazing ponies arrive at Goss Moor
(14 December 2012) Six Dartmoor ponies have been given a new home on Natural England’s Goss Moor National Nature Reserve (NNR) in Cornwall to contribute to a conservation grazing project.
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Review of Natural England and Environment Agency begins
(12 December 2012) The first Triennial Review of Natural England starts today as part of a rolling programme of three yearly reviews of all Government agencies.
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Northumberland farmers lead the way in cultivating countryside education
(11 December 2012) A North East farming couple is leading the way in giving young people the chance to find out more about life on a farm.
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Post mortem confirms that a hen harrier was shot in North Yorkshire
(10 December 2012) Tests conducted by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) have confirmed that a female hen harrier found dead by Natural England on moorland in North Yorkshire, had been shot.
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Farmers encouraged to feed the birds this winter
(6 December 2012) It should be a happier New Year for some of England’s favourite farmland birds, as land managers across the country gear up to give their local birds a vital lifeline with support from Defra’s Environmental Stewardship Scheme.
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Helping Environmental Stewardship agreement holders and SSSI owners to deal with ash dieback disease
(29 November 2012) Over the next week, Natural England will be contacting Environmental Stewardship customers and owners of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with advice on how they can help combat ash dieback disease (Chalara fraxinea). Natural England is also providing important advice on how to protect agri-environment payments should the disease be found in young trees planted as part of an Environmental Stewardship scheme.
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Helping farmers deal with the wet weather: Advice on Environmental Stewardship derogations
(27 November 2012) Wet weather is having a serious impact across large parts of the country and in addition to the well-publicised floods and transport disruption, many farmers and farm businesses are also facing extremely difficult conditions.
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Waxwing ‘vikings’ invade York!
(22 November 2012) The historic walled City of York is under a Viking invasion once more – but this time, it’s not bearded barbarians with horned helmets, but flocks of waxwing – a delightful bird visiting for the winter from Scandinavia. And to welcome their arrival, a unique bird-ringing project has been put in place right in the heart of York.
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Tees Valley goes green for growth
(19 November 2012) A ground-breaking agreement between business leaders and conservationists will help to put the natural environment at the heart of Tees Valley’s economic regeneration.
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Farms feature in Catchment Sensitive Farming video library - available at the click of a mouse
(14 November 2012) A library of real-life video case studies is now online on Natural England’s website, showing how Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) advice can help food producers across a wide range of farming sectors improve their local environment and cut their costs.
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Helping bring Hall's historic Georgian parkland back to life
(13 November 2012) The restoration of a historic parkland landscape in Leicestershire has been recognised at a prestigious annual architectural awards ceremony.
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West Penwith farming family celebrates 25 years of environmentally friendly farming
(9 November 2012) 2012 marks the silver jubilee of England’s agri-environment schemes
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South Downs farmer celebrates 25 years of environmentally friendly farming
(9 November 2012) 2012 marks the silver jubilee of England’s agri-environment schemes
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Somerset farmer celebrates 25 years of environmentally friendly farming
(9 November 2012) 2012 marks the silver jubilee of England’s agri-environment schemes
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Norfolk Broads farmer celebrates 25 years of environmentally friendly farming
(9 November 2012) 2012 marks the silver jubilee of the England’s agri-environment schemes
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Pennine Dales farm celebrates 25 years of environmentally friendly farming
(9 November 2012) 2012 marks the silver jubilee of the nation’s agri-environment schemes.
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The ‘Big Three’ needed for the magnificent seven
(7 November 2012) Natural England has teamed up with Butterfly Conservation and the farming community across the country to help save some of our most threatened butterflies.
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Farming initiative is helping to improve Somerset’s water environment
(30 October 2012) Farmers in Somerset have been praised for their efforts in carrying out work that is improving water quality and reducing pollution from agricultural activity.
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Grants scheme will provide benefits after record number of applications flow in
(30 October 2012) The Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative is making £21.5 million available this year to help farmers carry out improvement works that will improve drinking water quality and enhance local wetland environments.
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(23 October 2012) The Government has today announced that, at the request of the NFU, it has postponed badger control operations in the pilot areas of West Somerset and West Gloucestershire to Summer 2013.
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National Nature Reserves gear up for autumn spectaculars
(22 October 2012) As the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness enfolds us in its foggy embrace, why not get out and enjoy the wildlife sights and sounds the season has to offer.
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‘Swallows & Amazons’ boathouse is shipshape after restoration
(17 October 2012) The real-life inspiration for the famous boathouse in the classic children’s book ‘Swallows & Amazons’ has been restored to its former glory thanks to the enthusiasm of a Lake District farming family and a helping hand from Natural England.
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New Environmental Stewardship handbooks now available online
(16 October 2012) The fourth edition of the Environmental Stewardship (ES) handbooks are now available on the Natural England website containing details of a suite of new options and updates aimed at increasing the environmental benefits and value for money of the schemes.
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Public consultation opens on improved coastal access for north Norfolk
(15 October 2012) Proposals for an improved coastal access route between Sea Palling and Weybourne are published for consultation today, 15th October, marking the first stages of the England Coast Path in Norfolk. The scheme was set in motion by the Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009, which commits to creating a continuous and enhanced walking route around the entire English coastline.
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Works on North Pennines landmark win 'Craftsmanship' Environment Award
(12 October 2012) The traditional building skills used to safeguard the remains of Bolts Law Engine House, a historic landmark in the North Pennines landscape, have been recognised with the prestigious ‘Craftsmanship’ award at the County Durham Environment Awards 2012.
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Badger Control Licence issued in West Somerset
(4 October 2012) Natural England has today issued a licence permitting the control of badgers in West Somerset for the purpose of preventing the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB).
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Future management of flood water on Curry Moor - exploring the options
(27 September 2012) Representatives from Defra, the Environment Agency, Natural England, the Internal Drainage Board, Somerset County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, NFU, the Country Land & Business Association and RSPB met on 25 September to explore options for the management of flood water on Curry Moor in Somerset.
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Badger Control Licence issued in West Gloucestershire
(17 September 2012) Natural England has today issued a licence permitting the control of badgers in West Gloucestershire for the purpose of preventing the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB).
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Isles of Scilly ‘Soils for Profit’ event brings results
(13 September 2012) The results from a series of soil tests carried out on farms on the Isles of Scilly have produced some unexpected findings that could help the farmers improve management of their land, make savings and increase yields, Natural England’s Soils for Profit (S4P) team said today (Thursday 13 September).
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National Trails – review update
(13 September 2012) Our National Trails are treasured long distance routes through the most beautiful areas of our countryside and are hugely important and valuable to our economy and the millions of people who enjoy them.
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(10 September 2012) Monmouth Beach, part of the Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve (NNR), has been re-opened following a safety assessment carried out by Natural England.
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Conservation ponies putting down roots
(7 September 2012) Teesmouth National Nature Reserve welcomed six Dartmoor ponies to the grassland enclosure behind the sand dunes at North Gare – some of them have been enjoying life on the Reserve so much, they’ve started families here.
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Focus on funding for dairy farmers
(4 September 2012) A new industry-backed guide to funding and support available for dairy farmers has been launched by Natural England today (Tuesday 4 September) at Livestock 2012, the industry’s leading business to business event taking place this week at the NEC Birmingham
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Research highlights link between Environmental Stewardship and food security
(21 August 2012) A new report commissioned by Natural England reveals the important role that Environmental Stewardship (ES) schemes play in supporting agricultural productivity.
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Applications for Catchment Sensitive Farming grants flow in this year
(20 August 2012) From Northumberland to Cornwall, farmers in 75 priority catchment areas of England have this year submitted more than 3,000 applications for funding to the Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) grants scheme.
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Farming initiative is helping to improve Cornwall’s water environment
(19 August 2012) Farmers in Cornwall have been praised for their efforts to boost the health of South West England’s precious streams, rivers, meres and mosses by carrying out work that is improving water quality and reducing pollution from agricultural activity.
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Public consultation opens on improved coastal access for Kent
(17 August 2012) Proposals for an improved coastal access route between Ramsgate and Folkestone are published for consultation today marking the first stages of the England Coast Path in the south east of England, set in motion by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
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Lagoons have new lease of life
(15 August 2012) Otters, kingfishers and the rare bittern are set to benefit from an innovative project to introduce a tidal sluice gate to a nationally important wetland habitat.
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Cornish farmer enjoys a wild flower purple patch this summer
(15 August 2012) Some of the UK’s rarest countryside flowers are enjoying a purple patch in South West England this year thanks to a local farmer’s enthusiasm and sympathetic land management supported by one of Natural England’s Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Schemes.
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Priory is playing its part in heritage skills apprenticeship scheme
(14 August 2012) A ground-breaking project underway in North Yorkshire is safeguarding the remains of an historic priory for the future and is also providing a training ground for a new generation of craftspeople to learn traditional skills.
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Beach closed at Nature Reserve for public safety
(13 August 2012) Natural England to close beach at Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve (NNR) in light of recent conditions
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Barns re-born in Peak District National Park
(31 July 2012) Barns which were in danger of falling into dereliction are being restored to help conserve the landscape, heritage and wildlife of the Peak District National Park.
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Update on flood damage recovery on the Somerset Levels and Moors
(31 July 2012) The recent torrential rainfall in South West England and consequent flooding across the Somerset Levels and Moors has been exceptional for this time of year and Natural England continues to work with farmers and partner organisations to help manage the consequences for wildlife and farming businesses.
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Adonis blues point Team GB to Gold
(27 July 2012) As Olympic cyclists race up Box Hill on Saturday, with thousands of fans cheering Mark Cavendish and Team GB, they can all be reassured that rare species of butterflies have been safely protected at the Surrey beauty spot.
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(25 July 2012) Ten species step out of obscurity as the 2012 Name a species competition winners are announced.
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Improved partnerships highlighted by Annual Report
(20 July 2012) Over the last year Natural England has been helping to turn the ambitious vision of the Government’s Natural Environment White Paper into reality. Natural England’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2011/12 details the many steps being taken to achieve this.
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Helping farmers deal with the wet weather
(20 July 2012) Natural England continue to make derogations available for Environmental Stewardship agreement holders.
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Planning and licensing advice services to be launched by Natural England
(19 July 2012) Natural England is to give planning and licensing applicants greater access to the advice of its case officers and wildlife advisers, ensuring their proposals can benefit from high-quality conservation advice at an early stage of plan development.
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Next steps for Marine Conservation Zones
(19 July 2012) The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and Natural England have presented the formal Advice Package on 127 recommended Marine Conservation Zones to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
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Making the connection with the natural environment
(18 July 2012) Natural England today announced two new initiatives that are designed to help local communities and school children make their own connections with the natural environment on their doorstep.
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Natural England begins second phase of uplands review
(17 July 2012) Natural England has invited further contributions to the second stage of a wide-ranging evidence review into land management, biodiversity and ecosystem services in the uplands. Views and contributions are welcome from upland land managers, land owners, industry, academic, scientific and third sector groups.
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Appeal for volunteers to help bring Axe invaders under control
(13 July 2012) An appeal has gone out to people who live and work in Dorset, East Devon and Somerset to support an initiative that aims to banish some unwelcome invaders and allow more native plant life back to the banks of the River Axe.
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Update on flood damage recovery at Currymoor and Hay Moor, Somerset
(13 July 2012) The continued exceptionally heavy rainfall in the South West of England has resulted in further flooding in the region, which is causing serious problems for the farmers and special wildlife of the Somerset Levels & Moors.
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Natural England confirms a second great white egret nest
(11 July 2012) More egret success at Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve in Somerset, as staff confirm a successful second nest.
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New leaflet for the nation’s food producers
(5 July 2012) A new industry-backed leaflet on funding and support for lowland beef and sheep farmers was launched yesterday (4 July 2012) at the National Sheep Show.
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Survey underlines importance of local greenspaces
(3 July 2012) Natural England, with support from the Forestry Commission and Defra, has published its third year of findings in the definitive survey of the way people enjoy the great English outdoors. The Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE) survey, which sampled 47, 000 people in 2011/12, provides a unique data set on long term trends in countryside usage.
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UK Landscape Award 2012 opens for entries
(2 July 2012)
- UK Landscape Award to highlight the importance of the landscape in transforming community life
- Winner to represent UK in ‘Landscape Award of the Council of Europe’ in 2013
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First stretch of England Coast Path opens in Weymouth
(29 June 2012) New rights for people to enjoy 32 kilometres of coastline around Weymouth Bay in Dorset came into force today (29 June) as the first stretch of the new national Coast Path around the entire English coast was opened.
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Cumbria Reserve celebrates National Insect Week with new bee
(27 June 2012) First record of a rare species of mining bee on Finglandrigg Wood National Nature Reserve (NNR)
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The leader of the herd has arrived!
(26 June 2012) Albert the bull joins his cows at Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve (NNR)
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Full steam ahead for historic Durham landmark that inspired ‘Four Weddings’ poet
(22 June 2012) A historic landmark in the North Pennines, that inspired one of the greatest writers of the 20th Century, has been safeguarded for the future thanks to restoration work carried out as part of a Natural England Environmental Stewardship scheme.
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Somerset Levels flooding: Update on support for farmers and land managers
(22 June 2012) Natural England and the Environment Agency have begun joint visits to individual affected farmers on Curry Moor, Somerset. We are focussing first on those most significantly affected and have a number of visits completed, with more arranged in the coming days.
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Invitation to provide evidence as part of Natural England's Uplands Delivery Review Programme
(20 June 2012) Over recent months, Natural England has established a major programme to review its delivery work in the uplands. As part of this programme a wide-ranging review is being conducted of the evidence on biodiversity and ecosystem services in the uplands, and the impact of land management activities upon them.
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Unnamed species in the spotlight
(18 June 2012) The Guardian, Natural England and Buglife launch public competition to rescue unnamed British wildlife from obscurity.
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Somerset Levels flooding: Support for farmers and land managers
(13 June 2012) The recent spring flooding has been devastating for the farm businesses and systems on which so much of the special nature of the Somerset Levels relies.
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Natural England confirms a third great white egret chick
(12 June 2012) Latest news from our Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve in Somerset, where the UK's first breeding pair of great white egrets have sucessfully raised three chicks.
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Pennine Bridleway goes all the way
(12 June 2012) Today saw the official opening ceremony for the Pennine Bridleway as President of The British Horse Society, Martin Clunes, cut the ribbon at Far Moor Bridge, near Selside in North Yorkshire.
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Environmental Stewardship advice at Cereals 2012
(8 June 2012) At a ‘one stop’ information stand at next week’s Cereals 2012 show, farmers will be able to get advice and the latest updates about Environmental Stewardship (ES) schemes from Natural England staff.
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New team strengthens Natural England's work with land managers
(8 June 2012) Natural England is strengthening its commitment to working with land managers with the appointment of Geoff Sansome as Director of Land Management for the south of England. Ian Fugler will be taking on a similar role for northern England and will also have a specific responsibility for leading Natural England’s work in the uplands.
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Report highlights the true value of volunteering
(6 June 2012) 3.5 million reasons to celebrate the value of volunteers at the end of Volunteers’ Week
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Local Kent volunteers help our local seas
(6 June 2012) A one year trial is set to start on Friday (8 June 2012) using a team of local volunteers to reduce the Pacific oyster population in Thanet.
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Dave Webster to continue as Natural England's interim Chief Executive
(31 May 2012) Natural England Chair Poul Christensen, and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Caroline Spelman, confirmed today that Dave Webster will continue as Chief Executive of Natural England, the government’s nature conservation adviser, having decided that the process to recruit a permanent successor should be postponed until 2013.
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Great white egrets - a new UK breeding record confirmed
(31 May 2012) We are delighted to confirm that at least one chick has been seen on the nest at our Shapwick Heath reserve in Somerset, making this a new breeding bird record for the UK.
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Diamond Jubilee for our natural crown jewels
(29 May 2012) The Diamond Jubilee will come early for six of England’s National Nature Reserves as the end of May will see them celebrating their sixtieth anniversary.
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Extinct short-haired bumblebee returns to Britain after 24 year absence
(28 May 2012) Flowering fields in Kent will today welcome home Bombus subterraneus – otherwise known as the short-haired bumblebee - nearly a quarter of a century after the bee was last seen in Britain.
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Successful Soils for Profit event provides down to earth advice
(25 May 2012) The Soils for Profit initiative recently held a successful event at Wood and Franchis Farms near Helston in Cornwall. The event - which had the theme of ‘farming more precisely’ - was supported by a good turnout of local farmers and was well received by everyone who attended.
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Lead mine project wins ‘Heritage Award’
(25 May 2012) A project to safeguard the historic features of a former County Durham lead mine has won the ‘Heritage Award’ at this year’s Constructing Excellence in the North East (CENE) awards ceremony.
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Great white egret nests in Britain for the first time
(22 May 2012)Natural England confirmed today that the great white egret - a species of heron - has nested for the first time in Britain.
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HLS agreement recognises the vital role of commoners to the future of Dartmoor
(17 May 2012) The much-loved natural landscape of The Forest of Dartmoor will benefit from a landmark conservation and farming agreement officially launched by Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman, at the Devon Show today (Thursday 17 May).
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Consultation begins on managing National Trails more flexibly
(11 May 2012) Natural England will today write to over 160 outdoor organisations and local authorities to ask their views about proposals to alter the ways National Trails in England are looked after in the future.
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Public consultation opens today on improved coastal access for Cumbria
(10 May 2012) Proposals for an improved coastal access route between Allonby and Whitehaven have been published for consultation today, marking the first stages of the England Coast Path in the north west of England set in motion by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
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Public consultation opens on improved coastal access for Durham, Hartlepool and Sunderland
(10 May 2012) Proposals for an improved coastal access route between South Bents in Sunderland and Seaton Carew in Hartlepool have been published for consultation today, marking the first stages of the England Coast Path in the north east of England set in motion by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
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Down to earth advice for Cornwall's farmers at Helston event
(9 May 2012) Farmers in Cornwall are being invited to a free event hosted by the Soils for Profit Project to find out about new techniques and equipment that can help to improve the management of their soils, manures and nutrients.
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Farm cart shed is ‘barn again’ as a new classroom
(9 May 2012) A County Durham farmer is leading the field in providing young people with the chance to learn about life down on the farm.
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Invitation to systems suppliers to attend event
(9 May 2012)Issued on behalf of RPA, DEFRA and the Future Options Programme
Defra is seeking to explore opportunities for delivering Common Agricultural Policy systems beyond 2013.
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New study shows Herefordshire orchards yield more than just fruit
(4 May 2012) Natural England has today published the results of a ground-breaking study of six Herefordshire orchards.
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Fungus leaves Reserve in the pink
(3 May 2012) The rare white variant of the scarlet elfcup fungus found on Buckholt Wood is only the second record this century.
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(3 May 2012) Putting green infrastructure such as parks, gardens and trees at the heart of neighbourhoods can bring significant economic benefits, according to a Natural England study.
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Off-roaders shatter the peace of North Walney
(1 May 2012) The landscape and wildlife of Natural England’s North Walney National Nature Reserve (NNR) make it a great spot for getting away from it all – the waves lapping against the shingle and the “pee-wit” cry of the lapwing are the perfect antidote to life’s everyday cares. Sadly the peace has been shattered recently by motorcycles and four-wheel drive vehicles tearing up the dunes and beach. Natural England is working with the local Neighbourhood Police Team to help keep the NNR special for wildlife and for people.
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Fresh safety warning issued over pesticide storage
(30 April 2012) A fresh warning has been issued to store pesticides safely, after a West Norfolk pest controller was prosecuted for keeping them in an unlocked garden shed.
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Extinct bumblebee to return to Britain
(26 April 2012) The return of a bumblebee species extinct in the UK for nearly a quarter of a century has moved a big step forward.
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Last call for farmers to tap into Catchment Sensitive Farming's 2012 Capital Grants Scheme
(23 April 2012)Closing date for applications is 30th April 2012
Farmers and growers are being reminded that applications for funding from this year’s Catchment Sensitive Farming Capital Grants Scheme should be returned by 30th April 2012.
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Young farmers will be blazing a trail for Great British Food for London 2012
(23 April 2012) With London 2012 fast approaching, The National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs is teaming up with Natural England to run a series of cook-athons during the Olympic Torch Relay that will help celebrate the best of the country’s locally grown and sustainable produce.
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Isles of Scilly farmers are invited to ‘Soils for Profit’ event
(5 April 2012) A ‘Farming More Precisely’ event is being held for farmers on the Isles of Scilly on 26th April 2012 at the Mermaid Inn on St Mary’s, hosted by the Soils for Profit Project.
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Enjoy, respect, protect the countryside with the refreshed Countryside Code
(5 April 2012) The Easter holiday is a great opportunity to get out and explore the countryside – spring is in full swing and our woods, meadows, heaths and moors are flushed with green. A refreshed Countryside Code is being launched to help people get even more from their visits
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Is the Natterjack toad about to croak?
(5 April 2012) One of Europe’s loudest amphibians faces uncertain breeding in Britain’s dry weather
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Farmers urged not to miss out on Catchment Sensitive Farming funding opportunity
(4 April 2012) From the River Aln in Northumberland to the River Exe in Devon and the Eden to the Medway, farmers in 75 catchment areas of England can now apply for grants of up to £10,000 from the Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) Capital Grants Scheme.
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Working together to help protect Unity Bog
(28 March 2012)Unity Bog, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in north Cumbria, has had a makeover this spring to help bring the area back to life as a haven for wetland-loving wildlife.
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Diamond Jubilee beacons guidance for land managers
(26 March 2012) Natural England is asking agri-environment agreement holders and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) managers to get in touch if they are planning to host a Diamond Jubilee beacon on their land.
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'Butterfly corridors' help Cornwall’s rare butterflies take wing
(13 March 2012) A conservation project underway in South West England aimed at securing the future of one of Britain’s rarest butterflies is proving to be a success, thanks to the creation of special ‘butterfly corridors’ and the revival of traditional woodland management.
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Funding provides a taste of farm life
(13 March 2012) Farmers in England are being given the chance to teach children about life down on the farm by applying for funds to install facilities for school and youth groups.
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Final call for comments on National Park expansion proposals
(12 March 2012)In September 2011, Natural England’s Board confirmed that it would be recommending extensions to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park boundaries ...
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Holy Island landmark to get new lease of life
(7 March 2012)Makeover of Lindisfarne’s Lookout Tower will create a ‘room with a view’
Work is underway that will give a new lease of life to the old Coastguard Lookout Tower on Holy Island in Northumberland and create a stunning new ‘room with a view’ for Lindisfarne.
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Farming more precisely events for South West farmers
(7 March 2012) A series of ‘Farming More Precisely’ farmer events are being held across the South West this spring as part of the Soils for Profit Project.
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Natural England and Conservation Grade to collaborate in farmland biodiversity drive
(6 March 2012) A landmark agreement has been reached between Natural England, the government’s advisor on the natural environment, and the Conservation Grade Nature Friendly Farming scheme.
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Natural England helping farmers deal with the drought
(6 March 2012) To help farmers and growers cope with the drought conditions that, despite recent rainfall, continues to affect some parts of the country, Natural England is ensuring that the appropriate Environmental Stewardship (ES) derogations are made available as quickly as possible to farmers who are in agri-environment schemes.
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Farmer guilty of damaging one of Derbyshire’s finest conservation sites
(2 March 2012) A Derbyshire farmer has been ordered to pay financial penalties totalling £18,710 and to carry out restoration work at his own expense, after admitting to carrying out un-authorised activities in an area legally protected for its rare geological features and upland habitats, within the Peak District National Park.
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Dave Webster takes the lead at Natural England
(1 March 2012) Dave Webster has today (1 March 2012) taken on the role of Interim Chief Executive at Natural England, the government’s wildlife adviser.
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Farmers invited to make a date to put in a kissing gate this Leap Day
(29 February 2012) Today (29th February), when tradition gives the green light for role reversal in proposals of marriage, Natural England is suggesting that farmers in England could help even more people fall in love with the countryside by installing a ‘kissing gate’ on their land this Leap Year.
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Cheshire youngsters give a tree-mendous helping hand to local farmer
(20 February 2012) Two groups of green-fingered youngsters from Kingsgrove High School in Crewe and from the 1st Davenham Scout Group have been helping farmer Andy Green turn Bostock Hall Farm, near Crewe into a haven for wildlife.
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First Dairy Herd Awards since Foot & Mouth are held in Cumbria
(14 February 2012) Dairy producers in Cumbria recently celebrated the county’s growing reputation as one of the UK’s foremost dairy centres at a newly revived industry event, held with the support of Natural England.
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(13 February 2012) Six hectares of former peat workings are having a wildlife-friendly makeover to make a new pad for bitterns at Natural England’s Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve.
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Miniscule mollusc a Staffordshire first
(13 February 2012) Rare micro-snail discovered on Natural England’s Aqualate Mere National Nature Reserve
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Cheshire farming couple are top of the class
(13 February 2012) Youngsters in North West England are discovering more about what goes on behind the scenes at a modern farm, thanks to the efforts of an award-winning Cheshire farming family and the help of Natural England.
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New disease identified in native juniper trees in Upper Teesdale
(9 February 2012) A damaging plant disease that was until recently almost unknown in Britain has been confirmed in rare, native juniper bushes at the Moor House - Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve in the North Pennines.
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First record of rare slime mould at Castle Eden Dene NNR
(31 January 2012) One of Britain’s rarest ‘slime moulds’ has been identified at the Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve (NNR) in Co Durham and the discovery is thought to be a first for North East England.
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National Park expansion proposals – the next steps
(30 January 2012) In September 2011, Natural England’s Board confirmed that it would be recommending extensions to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park boundaries: the relevant Variation Orders to extend the Park boundaries, maps and boundary descriptions will shortly be presented to the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs for her consideration.
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Environmental Stewardship information package
(25 January 2012)As the current Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) draws closer to its December 2013 end date, Natural England has developed a comprehensive package of information for farmers and agents on Environmental Stewardship (ES).
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It's a good newts story for a wandering amphibian
(9 January 2012) A lost amphibian that turned up in a Tyneside office building struck it lucky when it wandered into the offices of Natural England, the Government’s adviser on nature conservation.
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Visit a National Nature Reserve this winter to see the 'first' Christmas trees
(6 January 2012) As artificial Christmas fir trees are taken down in homes across the country after Twelfth Night, it’s a good time of year to spare a thought for our forgotten ‘first’ Christmas tree.
