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Natural England, Natural Beauty

Natural England, Natural Beauty. Chief Executive Dr Helen Phillips. Natural England will launch in October 2006. ‘to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development’.

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Natural England, Natural Beauty

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  1. Natural England, Natural Beauty Chief ExecutiveDr Helen Phillips

  2. Natural England will launch in October 2006 ‘to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development’

  3. ‘The primary purpose of AONB designation is to conserve and enhance natural beauty,’ however there are clear links to other issues: Socio-economic: ‘In pursuing the primary purpose account should be taken of the needs of agriculture, forestry, other rural industries and of the economic and social needs of local communities.’ Sustainable Development: ‘Particular regards should be paid to promoting sustainable forms of social and economic development that in themselves conserve and enhance the environment.’ Recreation: Recreation is not an objective of designation, but the demand for recreation should be met so far as this is consistent with the conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses.’

  4. ‘Natural Environment’ – a definition (NERC Act) It ‘encompasses nature, biodiversity and landscape. Landscape includes the natural beauty of the landscape, and field boundaries, monuments, buildings and sub-surface archaeological features which contribute to the landscape, and it’s aesthetic, cultural and historic elements. The natural environment can be found in open spaces as well as the countryside.’

  5. The Natural England Strategic Direction Document coming to a desk near you soon! • It provides a brief, accessible summary of what Natural England is about, what we will do and how we will do it. • It contains 4 Key outcomes and 15 key objectives and 55 targets to help deliver those outcomes.

  6. Outcome 1‘England’s natural environment will be conserved and enhanced’ Why are we doing this • For the intrinsic value of England’s biodiversity • Because landscapes and wildlife enrich peoples lives • For the services healthy functioning ecosystems provide

  7. Outcome 2More people are enjoying , understanding and acting to improve, the natural environment, more often. Why are we doing this • Because interaction with the natural environment improves wellbeing • So that the natural environment is properly and fully valued • To encourage people to actively care for the natural environment

  8. Outcome 3The use and management of the natural environment is more sustainable Why are we doing this • So that the use of the land, freshwaters and seas does not compromise the natural environment. • So that development can occur in a manner that protects and enhances the natural environment.

  9. Outcome 4Governments, businesses, communities and individuals make decisions which collectively secure the future of the natural environment Why • Because the factors that affect the natural environment are complex and changing rapidly • To ensure the information and evidence is available to anticipate and plan for major changes that will affect the natural environment • To ensure the value of the natural environment is factored into decision making • To improve the natural environment through well planned social and economic development.

  10. What we will do for you • Build a strong relationship between AONBs and associated local authorities. • Natural England has a big suite of tools / levers to help deliver a better conserved and enhanced natural environment working together • A strong regional and local focus to our advocacy and delivery work. • Explore how AONBs can contribute to a new approach to ‘Protected Areas’ management – bringing together (NPs, AONBs, SSSIs, SPAs, SACs, NNR, etc). • Promote AONBs as landscapes that provide a range of national functions, goods and services: carbon sequestration, water catchment, education, spiritual refreshment, wildlife, food, opportunities for outdoor recreation etc

  11. 3 day to day differences for AONBs • Natural England will be an evidence and target based organisation. • There will be more regional focus in future but in the case of AONBs set within a national core funding framework. • NE will be actively seeking to show objectively how its performance brings added value and efficiencies.

  12. 3 areas to reflect upon • AONBs need to give far more attention to monitoring of both their own activity but critically AONB landscape condition. • Profile – AONBs must continue to work hard on this and to draw more Section 85 ‘relevant authorities’ into the mix. • AONBs could be far bolder in their vision for the future of their area.

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