As the Environment Bill is published today, the CLA is
optimistic that the Government’s objectives will help farming and
land-based businesses in the future.
CLA Chief Land Use Policy Adviser Susan Twining
said:
“The re-introduction of the Environment Bill allows the
Government to reiterate the ambition to leave the environment in
a better state for future generations. This is a statement of
intent when it comes to protecting the environment and meeting
its legal commitment to net-zero emissions.
“As managers of important environmental assets , farmers
and landowners have a crucial role to play in helping to meet the
Government’s environmental and climate change ambitions. CLA
members are uniquely placed to deliver positive environmental
benefits on the land that they manage, protecting and improving
the natural capital for which they are responsible.
“We believe this Bill should go hand-in-hand with the
Agriculture Bill. While the Environment Bill sets out the
ultimate goal of improving the natural environment, the
Agriculture Bill introduces a key mechanism by which farmers and
land managers can play their part by rewarding the provision of
environmental public goods through the Environmental Land
Management System (ELMS). We also support Nature Recovery
Networks and conservation covenants for those who wish to take
part but stress they should be voluntary and incentivised rather
than compulsory, and should not lead to designation.
“One concern is that it fails to put the historic
environment on the same footing as the natural environment which
is very dangerous for future funding for endangered rural
heritage.
“However, we are pleased to see issues such as biodiversity
net gain confirmed, which will encourage wildlife management on
privately owned land and could provide a new source of
income.”
