Archived press release

TOP NATURE RESERVE OFFICIALLY DELISTED TODAY

11 September 1996

English Nature says that dunes that make up the reserve should be grazed. The owner of the site, Sir George Christie, says that this is not necessary. Because of the disagreement,English Nature cannot renew its lease on the area and its status as a NNR will be lost [1].Although the Burrows will remain a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), English Nature can only secure grazing to comply with the proposed listing of the site under European Union Habitats Directive, if it instigates proceedings for compulsory purchase [2].

According to the official wildlife agency, English Nature, Braunton Burrows is "one of the three largest dune systems in Britain" [3] and "is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom" for dune grassland [4]. Braunton Burrows has some of the highest sand dunes in Britain and is home to over 440 plant species. The area is listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Friends of the Earth believes that the disagreement between the landowner and English Nature reflects a wider failing in the law. Under the present system, if accord cannot be reached on how site management should be changed, in most cases there is nothing that can be done. For the very best SSSIs, the official wildlife agencies can ask the Secretary of State for the Environment to issue a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO). Friends of the Earth has called for a legal 'duty of care' for landowners to replace the blunt instrument of CPO. Such a duty would require landlords to manage sites in accordance with conservation objectives. Compensation would be paid for conservation work.

Tony Juniper, Deputy Campaigns Director at Friends of the Earth, said:

"Some of the country's finest wildlife havens are withering away because of a failure in the law. A legal 'duty of care' would enable the official agencies to require that site owners use our best wildlife habitats in ways that benefit

conservation. We need new laws backed with more cash to pay for the necessary work. In the meantime, the Secretary of State better sort out a CPO".

The loss of NNR status could also jeopardise public access to the Burrows which are visited by over 50,000 people annually. NNRs are often managed for public access with an official warden and signs to aid visitor enjoyment. The loss of the NNR will lead to the withdrawal of English Nature's warden and interpretive materials.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] English Nature press release, 11 September 1996.

[2] Compulsory Purchase Order is the last resort mechanism available to English Nature to secure the appropriate management of sites of European importance. The 1994 Regulations implementing the Habitats Directive in the UK.

[3] English Nature SSSI citation sheet for Braunton Burrows.

[4] English Nature consultation document on proposed Special Area for Conservation under EU Habitats Directive.

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