Natural England State of the Natural Environment, Strategic Direction refresh, and Manifesto Dr Helen Phillips, Chief Executive, Natural England

Natural England works for people, places and nature, to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings Natural England

Natural England Publications Manifesto for the Natural Environment - our call to others - Analysis of the most pressing issues facing the natural environment in England and a ‘call to action’ by others Strategic Direction and Corporate Plan - our leadership - our action - How Natural England proposes to address the concerns raised State of the Natural Environment (SoNE) - the evidence - Evidence that underpins Natural England’s work Annual review - Our achievements - Natural England’s achievements over the past 12 months

The State of the Natural Environment brings together in one place for the first time the current evidence about our natural environment and people’s access to it - Marks the start of a process of making evidence available and working with stakeholders to build on this foundation - Highlights important gaps in Natural England’s natural environment evidence base - Sets the baseline for our work going forward The state of the natural environment report - our evidence

The state of the natural environment report - Key messages Some stabilisation has been achieved by targeted conservation measures and some reversal of the previous losses seen throughout most of the 20 th century - Natural environment is in an impoverished and fragile state, particularly outside of areas that have benefited from targeted efforts - Large latent interest in the natural environment - We are evidence-rich in terms of the state of the environment, but evidence poor in terms of function and process, and the ways society interacts with the environment - Good operational evidence but evidence gaps remain

Strategic Direction – our leadership 1 a healthy natural environment 2 People are inspired to value and conserve the natural environment 3 sustainable use of the natural environment 4 a secure environmental future

Strategic Direction – our leadership new policies and evidence eg Stern experience of first 18 months new PSA targets and CSR 07 climate change – adaptation and mitigation bring the environment into everyday life recognition of the needs of the natural environment best ways to use England’s finite natural resource Why do a refresh? What were the challenges identified?

Strategic Direction Framework of objectives - Outcome 1

Strategic Direction Framework of objectives – Outcome 2

Strategic Direction Framework of objectives – Outcome 3

Strategic Direction Framework of objectives – Outcome 4

What are the main developments? Landscape scale Healthy, resilient ecosystems Marine environment Engagement of people Engage at all levels Spatial understanding Long term vision Frameworks and funding Integrated solutions Environmental Leadership Strategic Direction – our leadership

The situation The state of the natural environment matters to everyone in England. It is an essential national asset that enriches our lives and economy. This natural wealth provides an essential foundation for our economic and social well being - A healthy natural environment provides an essential public service that sustains our way of life. It is in the interest of everyone that action is taken now to maintain this The challenges Our land and our marine resources are in demand more than ever before - England is now locked into 50 years of unavoidable climate change - Our growing population is increasingly disconnected from the natural world Manifesto for the natural environment – Our call to others

Services a healthy natural environment provides: Basic necessities of life such as clean air, clean water and food Increased economic productivity, providing raw materials for energy and construction and underpinning profitable tourism and recreation industries Security against climate change, reducing our carbon emissions, moderating temperature extremes, helping to protect against the risk of flooding and the spread of diseases Our natural health service, making a major contribution to the health and wellbeing of the nation, free for everyone to use and enjoy Our cultural identity, bringing pleasure to millions Manifesto for the natural environment – Our call to others

Demands - A call to action - Better management of the natural environment - Reconnecting people and nature - Using the natural environment sustainably - Taking difficult decisions for the future Manifesto for the natural environment – Our call to others

Our commitments We will demonstrate that significant cuts in carbon are achievable over the short-term. We will reduce the carbon footprint of our estates and business travel by 50% by the end of 2010 We will better target the £2.9 billion of taxpayers’ money that we manage through our green land management schemes to help people and nature adapt to climate change We will take steps to ensure that our National Nature Reserves do more to connect the public with the natural environment We will use our statutory powers to ensure that planning and transport proposals contribute to the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment We will help find the space for renewable energy by publishing a map of suitable locations for onshore wind energy developments Manifesto for the natural environment

Housing growth Green Infrastructure in new developments, Ecotowns, Growth Points Planning reform, avoiding/minimising impacts on the natural environment Climate change mitigation (renewable energy) Climate change adaptation and land use allocation Local Area Agreements Identifying local environmental priorities Targeting funding and action using evidence and local knowledge Responding to new duties (to cooperate & have regard) Sub-National Review Integrated Regional Strategies (to include sustainable development, and environment) New roles for RDAs and local authorities Role of the environment in economic development & regeneration Current opportunities for Natural England and Local Government to work together?

Discussion How might local government & the LGA respond to our “call to action”? How can the Board help Natural England to get its messages across? How can Natural England help you to give a lead on the natural environment within local government? How do we need to work together?