Natural England

The natural environment is balanced at a critical tipping point, says a consortium of the top 20 groups concerned about the environment in the East of England.

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The natural environment is balanced at a critical tipping point, says a consortium of the top 20 groups concerned about the environment in the East of England.

Speaking in advance of today’s launch (Thursday 16 October) of the new action plan, designed to redress the balance, conservationists and planners say that it is no longer enough to just look after protected sites to prevent further loss of iconic species and habitat. Some species such as bittern, Fen raft spider and dormouse are increasing in numbers, but there is a move away from concentrating on individual species and focusing on the whole region.

As a region the East of England is amongst the fastest growing and most intensively farmed, but also one of the most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Being low-lying and relatively dry it is at risk from rising sea levels and drier summers.

This is the first Biodiversity Delivery Plan for the East of England. It comes at a pivotal time and details 61 action points to address the tough challenges facing the natural environment. The action plan include ideas to recruit public greenspace such as hospital and school grounds and make them much better for biodiversity and people, increase the numbers of volunteers helping people enjoy the countryside. The Forum will work with land managers and farmers on efficient water use, best practice for soil care, nutrient and pesticide management. And pressures on habitats and species at the coast will also be reviewed.

Paul Wilkinson - Chair of East of England Biodiversity Forum, said:
” If we want this to work then it’s up to all of us – not just the environmental organisations – but also policy makers, health professionals, landowners and managers, planners, developers, tourism chiefs, educationalists and economists. Tackling these challenges will both help increase prosperity and improve the wellbeing of all who work, live and visit the region.”

Catherine Weightman, Regional Biodiversity Co-ordinator for East of England, added:
“Sixty-one tasks is a big task – but if we all deliver our commitments this will be a tremendous place to live and work as well as fantastic for wildlife.”

Notes for editors:

1. The East of England Biodiversity Action Forum comprises: Anglian Water, Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity Partnership, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Biodiversity Partnership, East of England Development Agency, East of England Regional Assembly, Environment Agency, Essex Biodiversity Project, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Forestry Commission, Hertfordshire Biodiversity Partnership, Natural England, National Trust, Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership, RSPB, Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership, Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trust, plus representatives from East of England Biological Records and Landscape. For more information please visit their website http://www.eastspace.net/biodiversity/

2. The Biodiversity Action Plan [6.35Mb]

3. There are 61 action points in the plan grouped under six headings relating to:

Networking nature – a more ambitious approach to create living landscapes which allow species to move more freely between suitable habitats. A series of maps showing where new habitats could be created will guide planners in the future.

Realising biodiversity’s true value – A report into tourism in the East of England states that protected landscapes like Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty bring in an estimated £844m of tourism revenue making an important contribution to the region’s economy. But biodiversity is also crucial for mental and physical wellbeing, as well as providing essential services like clean water.

Ensuring there is water – with the twin problems of climate change and population growth we face demand outstripping supply in the East. The action plan will concentrate on reducing usage and waste, encourage efficient and reduce over-abstraction from vulnerable wetlands.

Responding to a changing coastline – given time and space many habitats and species can adapt to climate change. For the East of England, with its low-lying coastline, the impact of rising sea levels is likely to include increased flooding, erosion and coastal squeeze. We must make space for nature on the coast in advance of predicted habitat loss and use saltmarsh and mudflats as one solution to flood risk management within the wider social context. It is important to find solutions that are sustainable in the long term for both people and wildlife.

Safeguarding the seas – the region’s marine environment is in significant decline due to commercial uses. Activities such as dredging for aggregates, fishing, waste disposal, submarine cables and offshore windfarms all have an impact. We need more strategic partnerships plus a planned approach that finds room for both human activities and wildlife.

Enhancing the evidence base – action will be taken to close the gap between the data available and data needs to ensure we can measure biodiversity accurately.

For further information contact:

Linzee Kottman 01223 533431/07824475359 linzee.j.kottman@naturalengland.org.uk

Heather McMorland 01733 455080/07919 228388 heather.mcmorland@naturalengland.org.uk

For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk