Defra has consulted on proposals to introduce a system of imposing time limits
on all abstraction licences. The CLA is concerned that, whilst the proposals
may have merit, the case has not been made out in the consultation. Before a
whole new regulatory regime is imposed on abstractors, the justification needs
to be fully thought through and all the options, not just more regulation, need
to be considered.
The Campaign for the Farmed Environment has been developed by the industry as a voluntary approach to retain and recreate the environmental benefits associated with former set aside land. It has been developed by the CLA and NFU with industry partners in GWCT, FWAG, LEAF and AIC. This Guidance Note provides the background to the Campaign and answers some of the common questions CLA members have on this approach.
Defra has consulted on a number of possible amendments to the regulations concerning Special Nature Conservation Orders. In particular it is proposed to extend their scope to water as well as land to introduce restrictions on the use of land outside the site.
Natural England has consulted on its draft policy on ecosystem approach and the importance of ecosystem services - the goods and services provided by ecosystems. The CLA supports much of what the policy contains, but is concerned about the apparent lack of appreciation of the importance of private land managers.
The CLA has responded to Natural England's consultation on the guidance for granting restrictions and exclusions on CROW open access land.
Forests, woods and trees are part of our cultural heritage. They connect us with our past, the countryside and our wildlife. They are a defining and well-loved part of both our rural and urban landscape and arouse strong emotions in both their owners and the public.
The CLA have outlined concerns regarding government proposals to introduce compulsory measures into cross compliance (Option A) which would require arable farmers and growers to actively manage five percent of their land, in addition to that already in agri-environment schemes, for environmental outputs particularly since success criteria seem to be based on areas of land out of production rather than the environmental outputs coming from such land. The CLA have advocated an industry led, voluntary proposal known as the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) which would better address the environmental outcomes sought by government.
This is a joint industry response by the Country Land & Business
Association, Agricultural Industries Confederation and National Farmers Union to
the Water Protection Zones consultation. This mechanism seeks to give defra
powers to control diffuse pollution from agriculture by designating zones in
catchments where problems have been identified. The response addresses specific
details and asks further questions for clarification as well as proposing to
Government a "WPZ charter" of principles
The CLA has responded to the Natural England's consultation "All Landscapes Matter" policy paper.
The CLA has expressed its concerns about the prescriptive and imbalanced nature of the proposed Defra guidance relating to Structures on Rights of Way, and the lack of consideration of landowner interests
