Responding to the publication of the Environment Bill, Hilary McGrady, Director General of the National Trust, said: “I’d like to thank and congratulate the Defra team and the new Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers for bringing forward an Environment Bill. Like the Government, we want to see an ambitious and effective Bill that will leave the…
MPs and Peers returned to Westminster on Monday 14th October for the State Opening of Parliament. This included a Queen’s Speech, read by the Queen but written by the Government, which outlines new laws they plan to bring forward. We’ve come up with our priorities for action the Government should take in this new session…
The State of Nature Report launched today on the 4 October which presents the clearest picture to date of the status of our species in the UK. Read this blog for our reflections on the report from our Nature & Science Director Rosie Hails. The fact that nature is in decline has been well known…
Over the weekend the keenly anticipated Landscapes Review was published, led by Julian Glover. Here Public Policy Officer, Karina Russell, reflects upon its findings and recommendations. Back in May last year, Michael Gove commissioned Julian Glover to review England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). It’s now been published and aims to…
Read our reaction to the IPCC Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere from Phil Dyke, our Marine and Coast Specialist: “Today’s IPCC report is a stark wake-up call to global leaders on the extraordinary effects of climate change on our oceans and coastlines.” “We are seeing unprecedented change – from vanishing ice sheets in Greenland…
Our thoughts on the Protecting Community Assets Inquiry Interim Report from our Head of Government Affairs, Georgie Holmes-Skelton What’s your favourite place near to where you live? I live in Reading, and mine is the Abbey ruins. Nestled between the river Kennet and Forbury Gardens with its famous lion statue, this is the site of…
Today, alongside the RSPB, and The Wildlife Trusts – we have published landmark independent research on future agriculture policy – Paying for Public Goods from Environmental Land Management. This research suggests that at least £2.9 billion is needed to support farmers and land managers to play their part in helping to meet existing UK commitments…
This year, the Trust is running events at the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party Conferences on the crisis facing our parks and green spaces, and how we can unlock their full benefits. Parks and green spaces are at the heart of our communities. They’re our outdoor play areas, community sports pitches, places to meet…
As I write, I’m looking out of my home office window and up at the rolling Malvern Hills. I grew up in this part of the world, learning how the hills inspired the likes of Edward Elgar, J R R Tolkein and C S Lewis. A couple of evenings ago I saw a wheatear, on…
Today the IPCC launch their report on Climate Change and Land Use. In response Patrick Begg, National Trust’s Director of Outdoors and Natural Resources, said: “Today’s IPCC report is a stark warning of the increasing pressures being put on our land. “Healthy soil is the backbone of the natural environment. It is fundamental for protecting…
