News

ENGLAND’S NEW ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION KICKS OFF

21st March 2006

The Chief Executive designate of Natural England, Helen Phillips, will be visiting the North East tomorrow (Wednesday) looking at innovative environmental projects.

From 1 October, Natural England is due to have the responsibility for conserving, enhancing and managing the natural environment, bringing together and building on the strengths of the Rural Development Service (RDS), English Nature and the Landscape, Access and Recreation Division of the Countryside Agency.

Dr Phillips will be in the region on Wednesday, 22 March 2006, when she will visit Hexhamshire Common, the region’s first ever Higher Level Scheme (HLS) Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreement covering a common.

The joint agreement involves all the farmers who graze livestock on the common and the estates of Stublick and East Allenheads Limited (both members of the Moorland Association), which have shooting rights on the common and are responsible for heather management. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the North Pennines AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and covers around 4,800 hectares. The agreement has been drawn up by RDS, with the support of English Nature.

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The agreement aims to build on the previous Wildlife Enhancement Scheme, run by English Nature, to ensure the ongoing preservation and enhancement of the site, which is of global importance for upland wading birds such as curlew, snipe, lapwing and oystercatcher as well as other species including the black grouse.

ES was launched in March last year and more than 740 agreements have now been issued at Entry Level and Higher Level to North East farmers, covering more than 113,000 hectares of land across the region.

Dr Phillips said:

“Many farmers across the North East have already embraced the ethos of Environmental Stewardship and I’m delighted to be here today as this latest agreement covering Hexhamshire Common is finalised.

“It’s a great example of how HLS can provide a framework for sustainable management, contributing to both the agriculture and sporting interests in this rural economy as well as safeguarding its many special natural features for visitors to enjoy.

“Natural England aims to build on the success of RDS, English Nature and the Countryside Agency in the work they have done to foster beneficial management of the countryside for the benefit of future generations.”

Fiona Gough, Regional Manager for the Rural Development Service in the North East, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Dr Philips and for the opportunity to show her how ES is working in the region.

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“The Hexhamshire Common agreement is an important new development – previous schemes involved only some of those using the common and this is the first time all those with an interest in the common have signed up to an agreement.”

The North Pennines is one of the most remote and unspoilt places in England, comprising many valued landscapes ranging from high moorland to the more pastoral lower dales. The North Pennines AONB Partnership plays a crucial role in conserving this special area and helping people to enjoy its special qualities.

Martyn Howat, English Nature’s North East Regional Director, said:

“This new agreement is an excellent example of how land managers are keen to emphasise new approached to running their farming and sporting enterprises in a way that benefits wildlife and people.

“We believe the work we have all done demonstrates an approach which should be rolled-out more widely across the uplands in the North East.”

Huw Davies, Regional Director of the Countryside Agency, said:

“Joint working on Hexhamshire Common reflects a much broader partnership approach. The North Pennines AONB Partnership brings together a wide range of local and regional partners, enabling a genuinely sustainable approach which conserves and enhances the AONB’s natural beauty, provides opportunities for recreation and delivers wider social and economic benefits. This is very much in line with the integrated approach to landscape and land management which Natural England will encourage.”

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Dr Phillips will also visit the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail and meet staff from RDS, English Nature and the Countryside Agency along with officers from the National Park and National Trust.

Dr Phillips said:

“Hadrian’s Wall provides an iconic opportunity to show how we can genuinely use out natural and cultural heritage to drive sustainable regeneration. This is a real partnership delivery in action and bodes well for Natural England.

“Hadrian’s Wall runs from the heart of Tyneside into the depths of Northumberland and on into Cumbria. So too, Natural England will have a critical role to play in enabling people, wherever they live, to access and appreciate our wonderful countryside.”