Reflecting on his time with the government’s adviser on the
natural environment, Andrew paid tribute to colleagues and
partners.
He said:
It has been a huge privilege to serve as Chair of Natural
England. Protecting and enhancing the natural environment
has been a considerable challenge, especially in a
difficult financial climate, but I am very proud to have
given it my best.
I have nothing but admiration for our knowledgeable and
inspirational staff, and I have been fortunate to have
the constant support of a high-calibre board. It has also
been my great pleasure to work so closely with such a
diverse range of partners.
Appointed in January 2014, Andrew is the third Chair of
Natural England and the longest serving in its 12-year
history. Sir Martin Doughty was Chair from 2006 to 2009 and
Poul Christensen from 2009 to 2013.
During the last five years Natural England has:
- Moved to a structure of area teams to ensure it takes
decisions in collaboration with those closest to the
environment
- Adopted a conservation strategy – Conservation 21 – to
guide its work in creating resilient landscapes and seas,
growing natural capital and putting people at the heart of
nature
- Shaped the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan,
particularly in areas such as Nature Recovery Networks and
Net Gain, and is now leading on delivery
- Introduced a more strategic approach to providing
licences for developers, aimed at enhancing and linking the
habitat of legally-protected species such as great crested
newts while making it easier for developers to obtain and
comply with licences
- Provided the science and evidence that underpins a
“Blue Belt” of marine conservation zones around our coast
- Progressed the 2,700-mile England Coast Path to the
point where every stretch is now open or being worked on
- Designated the largest Site of Special Scientific
Interest in the last 14 years – the 76 sq km West Pennine
Moors – and defended others from development, notably Lodge
Hill in Kent and Rampisham Down in Dorset
- Licensed the trial release of beavers – the first to
live wild in England for 300 years
- Coordinated vital conservation work across a range of
organisations such as the Back from the Brink project to
save 20 species from imminent extinction.
Andrew said:
Natural England is a great force for good and it’s been
an honour to have led the organisation for five years. I
believe Natural England is well-equipped to provide the
environmental leadership needed to help fulfil the
government’s aim of leaving the natural world in a better
state.
Natural England’s Deputy Chair, , said:
Natural England has achieved some notable successes for
the environment in the last five years, due in large part
to Andrew’s drive and leadership. He has also reformed
the way the organisation works, driven forward vital
innovations such as in licensing and pressed hard for the
introduction of net gain and conservation covenants.
I would like to thank him for all he has done, both for
the organisation and for the natural environment, and
wish him the very best for his retirement.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(Defra) is leading the recruitment of a new Chair and an
announcement is expected shortly. will chair the
Board in the interim.
