17th January 2017
NEWS that Andrew Sells has been reappointed chairman of Natural England (NE) has been warmly welcomed by The Moorland Association members.
Chairman Robert Benson said he was delighted and looked forward to continuing working closely with Mr Sells during his next three years in office.
He added: “We are indebted to Andrew’s invaluable and unstinting support, particularly in peatland restoration and progressing the Hen Harrier Action Plan’s brood management scheme.
“It was wonderful in the summer that NE was able to report a massive 18,000 hectares of fragile peatland had been repaired and revegetated on grouse moors, with much more to come. Andrew’s commitment to the multi-partnership work will make a significant difference for decades to come.
“Healthy peatland has an essential part to play in water quality and run-off and trapping carbon. The process also boosts the habitats and food supplies of our precious moorland wildlife, including notable endangered bird species and plants.
“We want to see more hen harriers on our moors and the important brood management scheme, under Andrew’s continued NE chairmanship, will help scope out the opportunities.”
Mr Sells’ reappointment was announced by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Andrea Leadsom.
He was first appointed chairman of NE in January 2014 and also sits on the Defra Board.
Mrs Leadsom said: “I am very grateful for Andrew’s leadership, hard work and achievements over his first term and very much look forward to continuing to work with him.”
She added he would have a central role to play in delivering Defra’s strategy, in particular the 25 Year Plan for the environment.
Mr Sells said: “I am delighted to be reappointed to a role which I regard as exceptionally important in fulfilling our responsibility to protect and enhance the natural environment.”
The chairmanship runs until 2020.
