Westminster Debate Reveals Deep Concerns Over Natural England
- Rob Beeson
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Natural England serves as the Government's adviser on the natural environment in England, providing statutory advice to Ministers. However, the final decision on matters such as granting licences under regulations related to moorland management ultimately rests with the Secretary of State, meaning Ministers hold the authority in these decisions.
During the recent debate on the future of driven grouse shooting, several Members of Parliament expressed concerns regarding Natural England's advice and its perceived impact on grouse shooting:
Kevin Hollinrake suggested that policies pursued by Natural England are "exacerbating the problem" of wildfires and are a "deliberate attempt to close down things like grouse shooting". He described Natural England's position as "ideological".
Specific concerns include Natural England's consultation on reducing the definition of deep peat from 40 cm to 30 cm for burning prohibitions, which, if implemented, would significantly limit managed burning on moorland and increase fire risk.
Hollinrake also noted that Natural England's proposed solution of mowing instead of burning has been questioned, and that their ban on winter burning contributes to increased fuel loads and wildfire risk. He views these combined actions as a "back-door attempt to end grouse shooting across the country".
Robbie Moore echoed these concerns, urging the Government and the Minister to "look carefully at the steps that Natural England is taking" because its current direction is "not sustainable for our rural economies".
In response to these concerns, the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner, defended Natural England, stating that it provides "sound advice to Government".
He reiterated that while Natural England offers statutory advice, "Ministers decide".
Regarding the proposed change to the deep peat definition, the Minister confirmed that the government is "looking at its advice, but no decision has yet been taken".
In the larger context of the government's position on driven grouse shooting, the Minister confirmed that the Government currently has "no plans to ban grouse shooting”.
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