Category Archives: Natural England

Defra’s double standards

Posted on 16/03/2023 by campaignerkate

The government fails to take an opportunity to revoke the 2026 cut off and instead tables amendments to delay the review of access maps. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, campaigns, Natural England, Open country, Public paths | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Michael Dower, doyen of the countryside

Posted on 22/02/2023 by campaignerkate

Adrian Phillips writes an obituary of Michael Dower, 1933-2022, both important figures in the development of British and European rural policy. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, National parks, Natural England, Obituary, Peak District, planning, rural services, Woods and forests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Aston Rowant festival

Posted on 06/11/2022 by campaignerkate

I took part in the celebrations of the seventieth anniversary of National Nature Reserves at Aston Rowant in Oxfordshire. Continue reading →

Posted in AONB, Chilterns, Natural England, Natural history | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Access regained

Posted on 16/04/2022 by campaignerkate

Access to downland at Chawley Manor in Bucks is not to be restricted, following a campaign but the Ramblers and Open Spaces Society. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, AONB, Bucks, campaigns, Chilterns, Natural England, Open country, Open Spaces Society, Ramblers, walking | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Secret access

Posted on 09/11/2021 by campaignerkate

When continuing access restrictions were proposed on land in the Chilterns I visited and decided that such proposals were unacceptable. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, AONB, Bucks, Chilterns, Natural England, Open country, Open Spaces Society, Ramblers, walking | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

People at the heart of policy

Posted on 27/10/2021 by campaignerkate

I spoke at the recent national park societies’ conference: national parks have never needed us more. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, campaigns, commons, Dartmoor, green spaces, National parks, Natural England, Open country, Public paths, wild country | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Warblerfest

Posted on 08/05/2021 by campaignerkate

A wonderful day on Otmoor, with nine warbler species seen or heard, and a chance meeting with an old friend. Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, Natural England, walking | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

The code renounced

Posted on 07/04/2021 by campaignerkate

The Countryside Code, which has recently been refreshed, was controversial in 1984 when the Ramblers renounced it at its AGM. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, campaigns, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Obstructed path, Open Spaces Society, Public paths, Ramblers, walking | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Remember your roots, NE!

Posted on 25/02/2021 by campaignerkate

Natural England needs to remember all its predecessor bodies when planning for nature recovery. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, AONB, campaigns, commons, National parks, Natural England | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Three nightjar-highlights

Posted on 15/06/2019 by campaignerkate

I had three nightjar-sightings on my survey visit this year, a record for me. Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, Natural England | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment