19 Nov 2018

The considerable uncertainties of Brexit surfaced with a vengeance last week. At least Michael Gove decided to stay at Defra. He has been the only Conservative Environment Minister who has understood environment and under his direction a considerable amount of work has been done. Given the light weight non entities that preceded him his loss […]

19 Nov 2018

Defra 388 top-rated beaches after scorching summer boosts visitors to seaside Beaches around the country achieved top water quality standards this year as millions flocked to the coast to enjoy the record-breaking hot weather. 97.9% of bathing waters passed tough standards following a programme of water quality testing at 420 bathing spots carried out by […]

12 Nov 2018

Bob Earll       Once upon a time this type of document would have been launched with huge fanfare, but in a Government mired in Brexit it has popped out almost as an afterthought. It is has been written with the Brexit mantras much in evidence ‘taking back control’ etc.   It is astonishingly brief – thin on […]

05 Nov 2018

Defra ‘As part of the government’s ongoing drive to clean up our seas, new proposals launched today will cut red tape and make it easier for divers to remove litter from the seabed. Until now, a marine licence may be required for divers who retrieve litter or abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear – known […]

29 Oct 2018

The fisheries Bill was published on the 25th October (see below); early reactions include: NFFO statement SFF statement MCS Comments RSPB Comments Defra: ‘The Bill creates powers to build a sustainable, profitable UK fishing industry and deliver a Green Brexit with new protections for our precious marine environment. Legislation creating the powers the UK needs […]

30 Sep 2018

Defra Survey: 25-year Environment Plan Local Delivery Defra 25 year plan local partnership survey Defra have released a survey to understand how local partnerships currently work to protect and enhance the environment to contribute to social and economic as well as environmental objectives and the factors that affect their success. The survey is aimed at people […]