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Natural England
Latest news and opinion on Natural England in the UK.


MA Escalates Merlin Survey Concerns to Natural England’s Chief Executive
The Moorland Association escalates UK Merlin Survey concerns to Natural England, urging members to withhold access consent until vital data safeguards are met.

Andrew Gilruth
3 days ago3 min read


Natural England Moves SSSI Requests Online: What This Means for Moorland Managers
Discover Natural England's new Defra Forms portal for SSSI consents and advice. Learn how this digital shift will hopefully streamline applications for moorland managers.

Rob Beeson
Apr 223 min read


Natural England’s Merlin Survey: Do Not Consent Until Natural England Comes Clean
Discover the true scope of the Merlin survey. Natural England and RSPB documents reveal wider data collection. Read the MA's advice on granting consent.

Andrew Gilruth
Apr 226 min read


Golden Eagles in Northern England: MA Members Should Look Past the Publicity
The Moorland Association urges caution on golden eagle reintroduction in Northern England. Members must look past media hype and demand robust practical evidence.

Andrew Gilruth
Apr 145 min read


Natural England’s Heather Burning Review: Fresh Doubts Over “Rigorous Peer Review”
The Moorland Association challenges Natural England over "rigorous peer review" claims after new evidence gaps and missing records are revealed. Read the latest update.

Andrew Gilruth
Apr 132 min read


Natural England’s Merlin Survey Access Requests: Members Should Not Be Bounced Into Consent
✅ KEY TAKEAWAY: Resist pressure from vague Natural England access requests. Insist on full written clarification regarding contractors and safeguards before granting entry. Use the Moorland Association’s template to demand absolute transparency. The Moorland Association is aware that members are now being approached by Natural England for access in connection with the 2026 national Merlin survey. These requests appear to be arriving late and with limited detail. Members shoul

Andrew Gilruth
Apr 73 min read


Public Accounts Committee Confirms What MA Members Have Been Saying for Years
The Public Accounts Committee confirms Defra's environmental regulation is failing. Discover how the Moorland Association urges outcome-focused reform.

Andrew Gilruth
Mar 255 min read


Has Natural England’s Wildfire Message Been Punctured?
Has Natural England's wildfire policy unraveled? A key author admits peat rewetting doesn't prevent fires. Learn why England's Peat Action Plan needs rewriting.

Andrew Gilruth
Mar 183 min read


NEER155: Update on Natural England’s Refusal to Respond
Update: Natural England apologises for an email sent in error and promises to address concerns regarding the peer review of the NEER155 heather burning report.

Andrew Gilruth
Mar 23 min read


Saving £300m Through Smarter Environmental Regulation: Our Letter to The Times
Read our letter to The Times arguing for a fundamental reset to environmental regulation. Discover how local accountability could save £300m annually.

Andrew Gilruth
Feb 191 min read


Burning Report: How Rigorous Was Peer Review?
Natural England cannot prove its influential managed burning report underwent the "rigorous peer review" claimed by Ministers. We are formally demanding full transparency and accountability from NE and Defra.

Andrew Gilruth
Feb 194 min read


Moorland Association Submission to the Public Accounts Committee Inquiry on Environmental Regulation 2026 - A Summary
The Moorland Association proposes a system reset for environmental regulation. Discover how Local Environment Boards can deliver better results for land managers.

Andrew Gilruth
Feb 53 min read
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