Ravensdale - a fantastic trad limestone crag in the Peak District - has once again fallen victim to precautionary restrictions imposed by Natural England this year. It is a disappointing development after a number of years of established restrictions, following the BMC's standard principles for agreeing climbing restrictions working well. Read more »
The government announced today that the Environment Agency and Natural England should be retained as separate public bodies. But with a minister casting doubt on the rollout of the England Coast Path, the future of one of Natural England’s flagship projects looks uncertain. Read more »
In 2011, Natural England decided its National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and similar holdings should be legally dedicated for permanent public access. But after instituting a blanket ban on climbing at Ravensdale in the Peak District, how serious is that commitment? Read more »
The government is conducting a review of how the Environment Agency and Natural England work – and whether they should merge. The BMC is concerned that the possible options for reform set out in the consultation will water down their existing access and recreation functions – and that biodiversity could come under threat from weakened regulation. Read more »
Last year Natural England agreed that all its National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and similar holdings should be legally dedicated for permanent public access unless there were compelling reasons on particular sites not to do so. Now work is underway to make that decision a reality. Read more »
Natural England is re-launching the Countryside Code with a new version giving updated advice on rights of way, controlling dogs around livestock and wildlife, and preventing fires. Read more »
The BMC today welcomed the news by the Secretary of State for the Environment that Natural England’s coastal access report for Weymouth Bay has been approved and that work will begin shortly on developing a coastal footpath and wider coastal access along this stretch of coast. Read more »
Following the Royal ascent of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC), two new organisations, Natural England and the Commission for Rural Communities, are due to be formally established on 1st October. Read more »
In addition to the many local and regional access issues and initiatives, the BMC is involved in shaping national legislation and policy. Here is an update on some of the current work. Read more »
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