Fish counters

River Levels in Scotland

Public Enquiry re Drought Order (no longer relevant! but left on website for interest)

LDNP Management Plan Review Consultation

Haskins Report

English Nature and the BCU

Eamont Cleanup Day

River call info

BCU River Advisors

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Lord Haskins' review of rural delivery
Secretary of State Margaret Beckett's statement of 11 November 2003
I am very pleased to welcome today the publication of Lord Haskins, report on Rural Delivery, copies of which are in the Libraries of both Houses. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lord Haskins and his team for all their work. The report is compelling in its analysis of the rural delivery landscape as confusing for customers and too bureaucratic and centralised to meet our future challenges. This echoes the concerns which led us to commission his report. While we have already begun to address these concerns this report helps us take our work forward.

Shortly we will also be publishing a review, 3 years on, of the Rural White Paper alongside a study of economic performance in rural areas from Birkbeck College. In the New Year, drawing on the 3 reports, we expect to publish a "refreshed" rural strategy.

I attach a copy of Lord Haskins "recommendations", but will single out for comment a few key issues.

Next steps

My first priority is an immediate full review of rural funding schemes to provide a clearer and simpler framework for applicants and to achieve a reduction in bureaucratic procedures.

In the principles he published in the summer Lord Haskins called for a clearer division of responsibility between policy making and delivery. Government's clear role is to set the framework for policy. But is clear that policy advice can be particularly valuable when it comes from those involved in delivery. I attach huge importance to independent advice from my Department's agencies and partners. I do not intend to lose that advice.

An Integrated Agency

A major challenge in the 21st century is the effective stewardship of land in England against the need to conserve and improve the natural environment, maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. Lord Haskins recommends bringing together elements of the work done by English Nature, the Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service where those functions will most enable the agency to reflect its new remit. I accept that broad recommendation. We will also consider how to achieve alignment of the Forestry Commission with the integrated agency.

The integrated agency will build on the successes and expertise of its constituent parts, such as English Nature's world-wide reputation on biodiversity matters. It will create a single, stronger authoritative body, accelerating integration of work on biodiversity, natural resource protection and landscape issues in order to improve the environment across rural, urban, marine and coastal England. It will provide independent policy advice and implement policy within the framework of the Government's approach to sustainable development. I will look for a legislative opportunity as soon as possible to formalise arrangements for the agency, and am pleased the constituent bodies have agreed to work with DEFRA to make practical progress before that point. This will allow continuity for the organisations, their staff and stakeholders, while preparing for the future.

Countryside Agency

Lord Haskins recommended the abolition of the Countryside Agency. I do not, however, agree that there will be no role for it. There will be a continued need for a much smaller organisation, with a new, well focused role providing independent policy advice to Government from a national perspective on issues affecting people in rural communities, and analysing and reporting on best practice in the delivery of the Government's rural policies. We also need to build on experience so far on rural proofing and embedding rural objectives in all relevant aspects of government policy.

Regional and local delivery

Lord Haskins recommends devolution of the way in which the DEFRA family delivers its policies to achieve greater effectiveness and accountability at regional and local level. My Department will therefore be discussing with the Regional Development Agencies, the Government Offices for the Regions, local government, the Rural Affairs Forum and the voluntary sector how to define new mechanisms for delivering services to rural communities, which will be accompanied by strong and effective performance management arrangements.

Much work will be required to develop these proposals into a practical implementation plan, which we hope to publish in the Spring. I want to work in partnership on this with all those concerned to secure real improvements in sustainable development from biodiversity to resource protection. This is not only in the interests of Britain's rural communities, but in the interests of us all.

Link to  Lord Haskins' recommendations

Link to a printable version of the statement.

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Memorandum of Understanding

English Nature and the British Canoe Union (Canoe England)

Introduction

This Memorandum of Understanding seeks to establish and promote a framework for co-operation between English Nature and the British Canoe Union at all levels. This is based on a common understanding that canoeing relies on, and requires the use of rivers and other open waters that may be of importance for wildlife and nature conservation. It has been drawn up following meetings between the two bodies.

British Canoe Union

The BCU is the governing body for the sport and recreation of canoeing. It is a company limited by guarantee, and works to meet the needs of canoeing from foundation and participation through to performance and excellence. BCU policy and guidance is committed to promoting canoeing in ways compatible with conservation and the practical enjoyment of the aquatic environment. The fundamental need for canoeists to avoid environmental damage and disturbance to wildlife is stressed in the Code of Conduct. 

English Nature

English Nature is the Government agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England. In the water environment, it aims to maintain and restore the characteristic biological diversity and natural features of lakes, rivers, estuaries and other wetlands. Some 400 lakes and reservoirs and 60 rivers and canals have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which are subject to a regulatory regime under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Canoeing, wildlife and the water environment

Enjoying the fauna and flora in the water environment is a key part of the canoeing experience. English Nature and the BCU agree that there is unlikely to be any significant impact on or lasting disturbance to wildlife and the water environment from the passage of canoes. English Nature recognises that the BCU's Environmental Panel promotes due regard for possible impacts. The BCU will continue to actively promote environmental awareness to the canoeing community.

There may be more organised or intensive canoeing activities that will require consultation with English Nature, where an SSSI could be affected. English Nature's area offices should be the first point of contact: addresses are on the website www.english-nature.org.uk or in local telephone directories.

Liaison

Contacts will be maintained at national level between English Nature and BCU. Meetings will be held as required to exchange views and information and to deal with matters that cannot be resolved satisfactorily at local level.                                                                              

October 2003

Printable version of the Memo of Understanding

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