BASC responds to government’s Strategic Policy Statement on Natural England

BASC has welcomed the government’s publication of a new Strategic Policy Statement which sets out expectations for Natural England.

The statement outlines how Natural England should support nature recovery while also contributing to sustainable economic growth, improved access to green and blue spaces, as well as wider national climate and resilience goals.

It also sets expectations for proportionate, timely and evidence-based environmental regulation and provides guidance on how Natural England should exercise its regulatory discretion.

BASC said the emphasis on proportionate regulation and partnership working with those who manage land is a positive step toward delivering effective conservation outcomes.

Marnie Lovejoy, BASC’s deputy director of conservation, said: “Nature recovery depends on those managing the land. Gamekeepers, shooting estates and other land managers deliver significant benefits, especially around conservation, and we welcome the government’s view that Natural England must work with land managers using proportionate, evidence-based regulation that supports both biodiversity and rural economies.

“The message from the government is clear. Natural England must address its over-precautionary culture, and a good start would be a more proportionate approach to gamebird release licensing on or near Special Protection Areas.”