Rural Strategy draft bill launched1 March 2005
The Government's plans for England's wildlife, countryside and rural and farming communities are being debated by MPs.
Ministers have launched a draft bill on their Rural Strategy. The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill will reform the way rural matters are dealt with by the Government and its agencies.
The bill sets up two new bodies to replace the current crop of rural bodies such as English Nature (EN), the Countryside Agency and Rural Development Service.
- A Commission for Rural Communities - Ministers say this will be an "independent advocate, adviser and watchdog for rural people"
- A Rural Integrated Agency - Ministers say this "new and powerful" body will "integrate responsibilities for protecting and enhancing the value and beauty of our natural environment alongside functions to promote access, recreation and public well-being".
The demise of English Nature under the new bill must not mean that its vital role as independent advisor and watchdog protecting and extending England's biodiversity is lost.
Friends of the Earth has called on Ministers to ensure the reforms lead to better protection for wildlife species and habitats under pressure from new developments, pollution and deliberate damage.
