The Natural Choice - the RSPB verdict

The UK Government’s Natural Environment White Paper has been launched, and, overall, it is pretty good! 

Congratulations to Secretary of State, Caroline Spelman, and her ministerial team.

The Government has clearly listened to the concerns millions of people in this country have about the state of our wildlife and green spaces. The aims laid out in this paper could steer us towards a future where farmland birds are no longer in decline, heathland and wetlands are no longer under threat, and some of our most threatened species are no longer teetering on the brink.

We are working through the 70+ pages and 92 recommendations.   But, our initial assessment is that 5 of our 7 tests have been met.  Here are the highlights and the two low-ish lights.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Defra ministers clearly do get it - "most people rightly believe in the innate value of nature and our strong moral repsonsibility to protect it".

2. They have the right ambition and are prepared to set and report against measurable outcomes (for habitats, protected areas and land outside of protected areas).  More detail will emerge when the England Biodiversity Strategy is published later in the month but this is a promising start. 

3. Most existing legislative commitments (including for water and the marine environment) get an airing.  International responsibilities under the Nagoya agreement are also clearly acknowledged.

4. There are two clear proposals which should help deliver more wildlife close to where people live.  Local Nature Partnerships will be set up and supported along with a series of Nature Improvement Areas. These will be based on a pioneering approach to conservation which brings together farmers, charities, communities and public bodies to make a real change across a whole landscape. This is something the RSPB, through our Futurescapes programme, have been working towards for a long time. It would see an end to the unconnected patchwork of environmental measures in our countryside which limits our potential to restore the natural environment. 

5. This is a White Paper on behalf of all of government and it was great to see ministers Greg Clarke and Norman Baker from DCLG and DfT respectively on the panel at the launch today.  There are some new initiatives including the establishment of a Natural Capital Committee which will report to the Chancellor and the value of nature will be considered in all relevant impact this assessments.  This may sound a little dry and policy-wonkish - but if they get this right, then it could help ensure nature is at heart of decision-making.  I don't expect this to be plain-sailing, and as I blogged today, there are already some existing problems, but the intent is admirable.

LOW(-ISH)LIGHTS

6. Alas, there is no clear funding strategy for delivering the ambitions for wildlife.  But that is not surprising - there is no money!   The Government will need to be brave enough to intervene with the right mix of regulation and incentives whenever progress on wildlife and habitats is stalling.  And, existing subsidies will need to be worked harder for wildlife. For example, we know that the Entry Level Scheme is not delivering on its potential and ministers have an immediate opportunity to fix this through the Government’s review of the effectiveness of Environmental Stewardship.

7.  It was disappointing to see that the Government has chosen not to seize the opportunity to introduce new legislation tackling environmental damage caused by horticultural peat use. The RSPB proposed a simple levy of £1 on a bag of peat based compost, and this idea has found support from within the growing media industry, the garden retail sector and amongst professional gardeners. But instead the Government will be continuing with a voluntary approach to phasing out peat use which has so far failed to achieve its desired outcome. There is simply no need to dig up carbon rich peatland habitats across Europe in order to grow flowers and vegetables in our nurseries, greenhouses and gardens. While this is a missed opportunity, we are slightly heartened that the proposed task force will be chaired by Alan Knight - a good man who previously tried to crack this issue when working for B&Q.  We will be delighted to work with him but to encourage industry and consumers to make the switch to decent peat-free alternatives which are proven to deliver the results gardeners demand.

But, enough for now, I must go back to reading it.  If I find any more gems, I'll let you know.  Or if you do, let me know!