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


Playing with Fire: The Policies Turning Moorlands into Tinderboxes
Moorlands are vital parts of our landscape, but they face a growing threat: devastating wildfires. These fires aren't just a natural phenomenon; they're heavily influenced by how we manage the land.

Rob Beeson
Jun 17, 20255 min read


How Farmers & Landowners are Negatively Impacted by Current Moorland Management Policies
The report, ‘Burning Money - How nature groups cash in on disastrous policies they helped create to fix imaginary problems’, outlines how farmers and landowners in the Peak District are significantly impacted by current moorland management policies.

Rob Beeson
Jun 12, 20254 min read


FAQs: Burning Money - Moorland Mismanagement and Conservation
These frequently asked questions are taken from the report: Burning Money - How nature groups cash in on disastrous policies they helped create to fix imaginary problems.

Rob Beeson
Jun 9, 20255 min read


How Natural England's Policies Are Burning a Hole in Our Moors
Our moorlands are facing unprecedented challenges due to Natural England's policies, which have been described as irrational, unproven, and expensive.

Rob Beeson
Jun 6, 20254 min read


Time to Reform Natural England - Before the Damage Becomes Irreversible
There’s a quiet but critical conversation unfolding in Westminster right now: should Natural England be reformed, or scrapped entirely? For many in the countryside - gamekeepers, conservationists, farmers, and landowners alike - it’s a question long overdue.

Andrew Gilruth
Jun 5, 20253 min read


Burning Money? The Controversies Around Moorland Management
A report commissioned by the Campaign for the Protection of Moorland Communities looks closely at issues surrounding moorland management, suggesting that current policies, heavily influenced by some nature groups, may be creating more problems than they solve.

Rob Beeson
Jun 2, 20259 min read


The MA's Response to Defra's Heather Burning Consultation - Download Now
Ahead of Sunday's deadline we have submitted our response to Defra's Heather & Grass Burning Consultation.

Rob Beeson
May 23, 20251 min read


Defra’s Heather Burning Consultation Is Unravelling - It’s Time to Speak Up
The current Defra consultation on heather burning is beginning to fall apart under the weight of its own failings – and it’s critical that we act now to make our voices heard.

Andrew Gilruth
May 19, 20252 min read


We Need Your Help: Let’s Get to the Bottom of What’s Really Going On
We're looking to build a network of individuals who are willing to spend just 10 minutes a week submitting simple, well-crafted FOI requests.

Andrew Gilruth
May 14, 20252 min read


Natural England: Big Budgets, Bigger Headcounts - But Where’s the Delivery?
Over the last five years, Natural England's budget has ballooned by 73%, now standing at an eye-watering £318 million. Staff numbers have surged too, with around 3,000 people now on the payroll.

Andrew Gilruth
May 13, 20253 min read


Speak Up for Moorland Management - Time Is Running Out
Time is running out to respond to Defra’s consultation on heather and grass burning. The deadline is 25th May, and it’s vital that those who understand the uplands - the people who live, work, and manage this land - make their voices heard.

Rob Beeson
May 9, 20251 min read


Flawed Report, Flawed Policy: Natural England Failure on Heather Burning
Natural England’s recent evidence review on heather burning was presented as a definitive scientific update. Instead, it stands as a case study in how selective methodology, excluded expertise, and misrepresented findings can produce a flawed and unbalanced document.

Andrew Gilruth
May 8, 20254 min read
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