Final project reports out now! See the Resources page.
Introduction
Instinctively we all want to leave the environment in a better place than we found it. The Government’s proposed Environmental Land Management (ELM) programme in England will provide a key means to do this.
Our country has a sophisticated land use planning system but we have nothing similar for prioritising investment in nature and natural resources. This project is exploring how this can be achieved, using the County of Hampshire as an example.
The combination of leaving the European Union and the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, creates the opportunity to develop a modern, collaborative system for the governance of land management in England. A powerful consortium has come together to test and trial a new governance approach for the county of Hampshire including representatives of farmers and landowners, key environmental charities and the different tiers of local government in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Governance
Who is involved? The following organisations have agreed to test a new governance system, reporting to Defra’s ELM Test and Trial programme: The Country Land and Business Association, the National Farmers Union, Southern Water, the National Trust, the Wildlife Trust, the Council for the Protection of Rural England, Hampshire County Council, Winchester District Council, and Southampton City Council.
Objectives
How are we working together? The public sector interest in land management is spread across and throughout government. The delivery of the 25 Year Environment Plan can only be achieved through a consortia approach across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Intended outcomes
What are we doing it for? The public will benefit from the investment it makes with the farming industry and the Advisory Board has agreed a statement of intent.
Within Hampshire, the project is focussing on two contrasting landscapes, the Hampshire Downs and South Hampshire Lowlands
Questions?
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will respond to you.
For further information, please email info@rural-focus.co.uk