Natural England

Drought is 'far from over' despite the recent rainfall, warns the National Drought Group

Environment

Drought is 'far from over' despite the recent rainfall, warns the National Drought Group

Five areas remain in drought, with more areas likely to declare drought status within the next few weeks as groundwater and reservoir levels across England continue to recede

clock 15 September 2025 • 3 min read
Farmers ignored on wildfire risk as Defra extends heather burning ban

Politics

Farmers ignored on wildfire risk as Defra extends heather burning ban

Is Defra right to extend a ban on heather burning?

clock 09 September 2025 • 7 min read
Social media's impact on the countryside needs to be considered as part of a refresh for the countryside code

Environment

Social media's impact on the countryside needs to be considered as part of a refresh for the countryside code

Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and the Countryside Code launched the 2025 Stakeholder Survey

clock 19 August 2025 • 2 min read
Farmer fury as Chris Packham says sheep are destroying precious British habitats

Environment

Farmer fury as Chris Packham says sheep are destroying precious British habitats

In a piece written for the Guardian, Mr Packham claimed large parts of Dartmoor have been denuded of wildlife and harmed by farming and costly government schemes

clock 16 July 2025 • 2 min read
Farming Matters: "The real risk is not the Compulsory Purchase Order itself, but inertia"

Politics

Farming Matters: "The real risk is not the Compulsory Purchase Order itself, but inertia"

This week's opinion from throughout the world of agriculture: Calum Gillhespy, head of planning at rural land specialists GSC Grays

clock 10 May 2025 • 3 min read
Farmers warn destocking sheep from uplands is leading to 'increased' wildfire risks

Sheep

Farmers warn destocking sheep from uplands is leading to 'increased' wildfire risks

Farmers have argued sheep grazing plays a 'vital role' in controlling the risk of wildfires

clock 29 April 2025 • 10 min read
Natural England chair reappointed in role as Gov seeks to 'rewire and reform' Defra

Environment

Natural England chair reappointed in role as Gov seeks to 'rewire and reform' Defra

Mr Juniper, former president of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts and adviser to King Charles, has been reappointed as chair of Natural England for a third term

clock 24 March 2025 • 2 min read
Grants special: Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme 'constrained' by Natural England

Funding

Grants special: Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme 'constrained' by Natural England

Anyone not currently on Natural England's shortlist will have to 'wait until later in the year' for guidance on how to access the scheme

clock 21 March 2025 • 2 min read
Fears for farmland after Defra announces return of wild beavers

Environment

Fears for farmland after Defra announces return of wild beavers

Farmers must be allowed to 'use every tool' to manage disruptive populations, says NFU

clock 28 February 2025 • 2 min read
Young Farmer Focus - Elise Sutton: "From milk to meat, they get the job done"

Young Farmer Focus

Young Farmer Focus - Elise Sutton: "From milk to meat, they get the job done"

Elise Sutton, 27, writes about her life as a stockperson at Cherry Lodge Farm in Salisbury. Ms Sutton also sits on the board of trustees for the Longhorn Cattle Society.

clock 22 February 2025 • 2 min read