Menu
10/02/2004
Better management needed to reverse countryside decline: report
Integrated management of all the resources in the English countryside is needed if there is to be a reversal in the decline of wildlife and habitats, English Nature has said.
According to the its latest report, 'State of Nature: Lowlands – Future Landscapes for Wildlife', simply protecting the remaining vulnerable sites is longer enough to halt the loss of valuable habitats.
The report, which assesses the health of England’s countryside, found that working at a "landscape scale" would support the protected sites, sustain the wildlife outside them, and allow natural movement across landscapes in response to climate change and human pressures.
The key, said English Nature, was to develop the integrated management of land, water and living resources to promote conservation and sustainable use. This requires action at all levels of society including individuals, communities, businesses, regions and government, the report said.
Dr Keith Duff, English Nature’s Chief Scientist, said the organisation's proposals were not "some romantic notion about recreating the past", but a sustainable land management programme in a modern context.
“England is internationally renowned for its lowland landscapes, such as the chalk downs and Dorset heathlands. However, its wildlife suffered dramatically in the twentieth century from the impact of human activities," he said.
"England is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and this issue affects everyone, not just those living in the countryside."
He added: This landscape-scale approach will also help the natural processes on which we all depend, for example, reducing flooding and securing clean water. We now know that taking care of our natural resources is also good for our mental and physical health, and is essential economically, for example through tourism.”
Agricultural practises of the 20th century on the lowlands led to the loss of habitats through the "cumulative impacts" of agricultural intensification, draining wetlands, planting conifers, development pressure and the destruction of raised bogs by peat extraction, English Nature said.
Large-scale habitat losses (including 97% of wildlife-rich grassland) have caused the decline of many species, such as green-winged orchids, cirl buntings and silver-studded blue butterflies. There have been conservation successes but the overall decline in wildlife has not been reversed, the agency said.
(gmcg)
According to the its latest report, 'State of Nature: Lowlands – Future Landscapes for Wildlife', simply protecting the remaining vulnerable sites is longer enough to halt the loss of valuable habitats.
The report, which assesses the health of England’s countryside, found that working at a "landscape scale" would support the protected sites, sustain the wildlife outside them, and allow natural movement across landscapes in response to climate change and human pressures.
The key, said English Nature, was to develop the integrated management of land, water and living resources to promote conservation and sustainable use. This requires action at all levels of society including individuals, communities, businesses, regions and government, the report said.
Dr Keith Duff, English Nature’s Chief Scientist, said the organisation's proposals were not "some romantic notion about recreating the past", but a sustainable land management programme in a modern context.
“England is internationally renowned for its lowland landscapes, such as the chalk downs and Dorset heathlands. However, its wildlife suffered dramatically in the twentieth century from the impact of human activities," he said.
"England is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and this issue affects everyone, not just those living in the countryside."
He added: This landscape-scale approach will also help the natural processes on which we all depend, for example, reducing flooding and securing clean water. We now know that taking care of our natural resources is also good for our mental and physical health, and is essential economically, for example through tourism.”
Agricultural practises of the 20th century on the lowlands led to the loss of habitats through the "cumulative impacts" of agricultural intensification, draining wetlands, planting conifers, development pressure and the destruction of raised bogs by peat extraction, English Nature said.
Large-scale habitat losses (including 97% of wildlife-rich grassland) have caused the decline of many species, such as green-winged orchids, cirl buntings and silver-studded blue butterflies. There have been conservation successes but the overall decline in wildlife has not been reversed, the agency said.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 February 2006
English wildlife sites improving
The condition of England's best wildlife sites is improving, a new report has revealed. English Nature's assessment of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) found that 69.8% are now in target condition.
English wildlife sites improving
The condition of England's best wildlife sites is improving, a new report has revealed. English Nature's assessment of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) found that 69.8% are now in target condition.
13 January 2004
Experts warn over commercial use of GM crops
Government advisers have warned that the commercial use of certain GM crops will have "adverse environmental effects" if used in the same manner as during trials.
Experts warn over commercial use of GM crops
Government advisers have warned that the commercial use of certain GM crops will have "adverse environmental effects" if used in the same manner as during trials.
11 August 2005
Setback in bitterns’ recovery
The bittern, one of Britain’s rarest birds, has suffered a setback in its recovery, researchers have revealed. A new UK-wide survey of the birds, which are related to the more familiar grey heron, found that there was a minimum of 46 male bitterns this year.
Setback in bitterns’ recovery
The bittern, one of Britain’s rarest birds, has suffered a setback in its recovery, researchers have revealed. A new UK-wide survey of the birds, which are related to the more familiar grey heron, found that there was a minimum of 46 male bitterns this year.
28 March 2014
Nida Naseer Search: Body Found On Wetlands Nature Reserve
Gwent Police investigating the disappearance of teenager Nida Nasser have found a body they believe could be the teen, three months after she went missing. The body was discovered in Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve on Thursday.
Nida Naseer Search: Body Found On Wetlands Nature Reserve
Gwent Police investigating the disappearance of teenager Nida Nasser have found a body they believe could be the teen, three months after she went missing. The body was discovered in Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve on Thursday.
12 February 2009
Teenage Cousins Killed During RAF 'Flight Experience'
The two teenage cousins who died yesterday in a mid-air collision along with their RAF flying instructors have been named.
Teenage Cousins Killed During RAF 'Flight Experience'
The two teenage cousins who died yesterday in a mid-air collision along with their RAF flying instructors have been named.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
