Menu
11/02/2009
Rural Watchdog: Uplands Deserve An Upbeat Future
An official inquiry into the challenges and opportunities facing England's upland communities advanced a stage further today when Dr. Stuart Burgess, the Government's Rural Advocate and Chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) announced a 'call for evidence'.
The call delivers on a commitment made last year, to draw attention to the current harsh realities of upland life and highlight what these significant parts of England will need if they are to carry on serving the rest of the country as food producers; landscape, wildlife and heritage protectors; a tourism and recreational resource; and stewards of biodiversity, water and soil.
In calling for evidence, Dr. Burgess said: "High hills and moorlands occupy a little under a fifth of England but they, and their communities, are vital to the health, economic prosperity and quality of life of many millions of people across the country as a whole. They face challenging times, however, so the CRC has pledged to hold an inquiry to determine how the nation can best equip upland communities to secure their economic prosperity, and provide sustainable benefits for all.
"We want the call for evidence to bring in views, ideas, and first-hand experiences, from local people, businesses, visitors and wider beneficiaries. We will then look at the contributions as part of our wider consultations and use them to inform a report going to the Government this Autumn, recommending how to give our uplands a more promising future. In addition, the inquiry team will be gathering information and evidence from all corners of England, and beyond, including at a range of regional meetings."
Support for the inquiry has already been committed by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), the leading membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England.
President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher says: "We welcome the CRC inquiry and call on the upland communities within England to tell their story, explaining the situation they face today and their aspirations for the future. The CLA believes passionately that our uplands must be managed by people who know how to look after these fragile environments. Their activities generate and maintain the textured landscape and rich biodiversity so valued by the public."
(JM/BMcC)
The call delivers on a commitment made last year, to draw attention to the current harsh realities of upland life and highlight what these significant parts of England will need if they are to carry on serving the rest of the country as food producers; landscape, wildlife and heritage protectors; a tourism and recreational resource; and stewards of biodiversity, water and soil.
In calling for evidence, Dr. Burgess said: "High hills and moorlands occupy a little under a fifth of England but they, and their communities, are vital to the health, economic prosperity and quality of life of many millions of people across the country as a whole. They face challenging times, however, so the CRC has pledged to hold an inquiry to determine how the nation can best equip upland communities to secure their economic prosperity, and provide sustainable benefits for all.
"We want the call for evidence to bring in views, ideas, and first-hand experiences, from local people, businesses, visitors and wider beneficiaries. We will then look at the contributions as part of our wider consultations and use them to inform a report going to the Government this Autumn, recommending how to give our uplands a more promising future. In addition, the inquiry team will be gathering information and evidence from all corners of England, and beyond, including at a range of regional meetings."
Support for the inquiry has already been committed by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), the leading membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England.
President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher says: "We welcome the CRC inquiry and call on the upland communities within England to tell their story, explaining the situation they face today and their aspirations for the future. The CLA believes passionately that our uplands must be managed by people who know how to look after these fragile environments. Their activities generate and maintain the textured landscape and rich biodiversity so valued by the public."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 December 2008
New Funding To Help Hill Farmers Protect Historic Uplands
A new payment scheme that will reward hill farmers for protecting and enhancing the landscapes and environment of England's iconic uplands was announced by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today.
New Funding To Help Hill Farmers Protect Historic Uplands
A new payment scheme that will reward hill farmers for protecting and enhancing the landscapes and environment of England's iconic uplands was announced by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today.
01 September 2015
Meningitis B Vaccinations For Newborn Babies Begins Across UK
A new programme is underway to vaccinate all newborn babies against meningitis B in the UK. It is understood the scheme, which begins today 1 September, is the first of its kind in the world. Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12 to 13 months of age.
Meningitis B Vaccinations For Newborn Babies Begins Across UK
A new programme is underway to vaccinate all newborn babies against meningitis B in the UK. It is understood the scheme, which begins today 1 September, is the first of its kind in the world. Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12 to 13 months of age.
12 November 2014
Dentist's Patients To Be Tested For Blood-Borne Infections
More than 20,000 patients of a Nottinghamshire dentist are to be tested for blood-borne viruses. According to reports, the dentist has been suspended over a suspected breach of infection control standards. The BBC has reported that surveillance cameras were installed in the dentist's practice after a whistleblower raised concerns with authorities.
Dentist's Patients To Be Tested For Blood-Borne Infections
More than 20,000 patients of a Nottinghamshire dentist are to be tested for blood-borne viruses. According to reports, the dentist has been suspended over a suspected breach of infection control standards. The BBC has reported that surveillance cameras were installed in the dentist's practice after a whistleblower raised concerns with authorities.
02 July 2014
Farage Leads Silent Protest At EU Parliament
Nigel Farage has led his UKIP MEPs in a silent protest against the European Parliament – at the opening of its new session in Strasbourg. An orchestra, also in attendance at the session, was playing Beethoven's Ode to Joy, the EU's unofficial anthem, when the MEPs turned their backs.
Farage Leads Silent Protest At EU Parliament
Nigel Farage has led his UKIP MEPs in a silent protest against the European Parliament – at the opening of its new session in Strasbourg. An orchestra, also in attendance at the session, was playing Beethoven's Ode to Joy, the EU's unofficial anthem, when the MEPs turned their backs.
03 September 2012
55 New Free Schools Announced
Fifty-five new free schools are opening this autumn. This will triple the number in place across England, according to Education Secretary Michael Gove. A total of 24 free schools already exist. Mr Gove said: "Every child should have the choice to go to an excellent local school.
55 New Free Schools Announced
Fifty-five new free schools are opening this autumn. This will triple the number in place across England, according to Education Secretary Michael Gove. A total of 24 free schools already exist. Mr Gove said: "Every child should have the choice to go to an excellent local school.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
