Tag: Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 17 June 2026.

The funding supports international programmes delivering for people and nature, from flood protection to tackling plastic pollution.

Ocean ecosystems will be protected and resilience increased in some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable coastal communities thanks to £13.9 million UK investment in new funding, Marine Minister Emma Hardy announced today at the eleventh Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.

Channelled through the UK’s Blue Planet Fund, which marks its fifth anniversary this year, the investment will support three international programmes delivering measurable results for people and nature: PROBLUE, the World Bank’s Blue Economy Multi-Donor Trust Fund, the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) and the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP).

PROBLUE is a World Bank-managed fund, supported by multiple donors, that partners with countries to protect and sustainably manage their marine resources.

ORRAA brings together the finance sector, governments and civil society to develop new ways of investing in the protection of coastal communities and marine environments, particularly in developing countries.

GPAP is the World Economic Forum’s flagship initiative on plastic pollution. It creates national partnerships that bring together governments, businesses and civil society to tackle plastic pollution and increase investment in waste management and the circular economy transition in over 20 countries.

A £6.7 million contribution to PROBLUE, up to £2.2 million in additional ORRAA funding and £5 million for GPAP bring the UK’s total commitment to these programmes to over £86 million since 2021.

Marine Minister Emma Hardy said:

Behind every statistic is a community better protected from storms, a mangrove forest pulling carbon from the atmosphere, a family no longer at risk of losing their home to rising seas.

This funding reaffirms the UK’s position at the forefront of international ocean protection. As climate pressures on our oceans intensify, investing in the resilience of coastal communities is not only the right thing to do, but essential.

In São Tomé and Príncipe, one of the world’s smallest and most climate-exposed nations, UK-backed funding through PROBLUE is building coastal resilience. The programme is working to reduce flood risk for over 800 households and supporting 2000 people through job-focussed interventions. Every dollar of PROBLUE funding has unlocked more than three in wider World Bank investment.

Off the Kenyan coast, ORRAA-supported work in Vanga Bay is pioneering a new approach to ocean finance: developing one of the world’s first marine biodiversity credit schemes in the global south, creating a sustainable income stream for coastal communities tied directly to the restoration and protection of seagrass ecosystems.

Karen Sack, Executive Director of ORRAA, said:

The UK’s Blue Planet Fund has been instrumental in supporting ORRAA’s work in developing an investable finance and insurance product pipeline that supports the resilience of climate vulnerable coastal communities in the Global South, and in building the Alliance.

This latest wave of funding will be critical as we double-down and scale-up vital action for the health of the Ocean and the communities it supports.

Clemence Schmid, Director, Global Plastic Action Partnership, World Economic Forum, said:

Since 2018, the United Kingdom’s continued leadership and partnership have helped the Global Plastic Action Partnership grow into the world’s largest multistakeholder platform tackling plastic pollution, connecting a global community of partners with 25 National Plastic Action Partnerships that translate global ambition into local action.

At a pivotal moment for the global plastics treaty, this renewed commitment will help strengthen this network. This includes NPAP Kenya, which we are proud to launch at the Our Ocean Conference this week, helping unlock investment, create jobs and accelerate the transition to a circular plastics economy.

We are grateful to the United Kingdom for its continued leadership in advancing the global circular plastics agenda.

UK Special Representative for Nature Ruth Davis OBE said:

Our ocean is fundamental to life on Earth and this investment will deliver real, measurable benefits for marine nature, from seagrass meadows to coral reefs that shelter extraordinary biodiversity.  

Tackling plastic pollution, restoring coastal ecosystems and building the finance mechanisms that make long-term marine protection viable are all essential steps in halting and reversing the decline of ocean nature.  

The UK’s continued leadership through the Blue Planet Fund shows what is possible when we treat the ocean crisis with the urgency it deserves.

Whilst in Kenya, Minister Hardy also signed a High-Level Global Commitment on Protecting Climate Resilient Coral Reefs on behalf of the UK and its Overseas Territories. The commitment calls on signatories to integrate reef protection into national plans, reduce local pressures on reefs, and mobilise global finance to support their conservation. This builds on the UK’s support of the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, which is helping to scale businesses that build sustainable livelihoods and protect coral reefs in critical locations across the globe. 

These announcement form part of the UK’s broader engagement at a pivotal moment for international ocean and environmental diplomacy, ahead of the first Conference of the Parties to the High Seas Treaty, CBD COP17 and UNFCCC COP31 later this year.

Delivering this work globally helps protect the UK’s own interests by supporting healthier seas, strengthening food security, and building resilience to climate impacts, recognising that our economy, environment and wellbeing all depend on a thriving natural world.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 June 2026.

The new approach will spread funding more fairly, target family farms and give farmers greater certainty.

Farmers in England will soon be able to apply for the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26), a simpler and fairer scheme designed to support family farms and meet the challenges of modern farming. 

Developed with farmers and industry, SFI26 is backed by £240 million for new agreements, building on more than £560 million already committed. The scheme cuts red tape and pays farmers for taking practical steps that benefit their land – such as improving soil health, keeping waterways clean, and creating space for wildlife. 

Applications are expected to open from 30 June 2026 for two groups: small farms and farms without an existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement. A second application window will open in September 2026, giving all farmers and land managers the opportunity to apply. 

Among the new offer are several actions that encourage the reduced use of synthetic fertilisers in favour of more sustainable and environmentally friendly options, cutting input costs and boosting resilience to global market shocks. 

At least £50 million will also be available for new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) agreements this year, supporting targeted environmental improvements where they will have the greatest impact. 

Together, these schemes will help boost food production, strengthen farm resilience, support nature recovery, and underpin the UK’s long-term food security. 

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: 

Farmers are fundamental to food security. They produce the food we rely on, support rural communities, and play a vital role in our economy. 

Under the previous Sustainable Farming Incentive, a quarter of funding went to just four percent of farms, so we have redesigned it to be simpler and fairer, helping more farms grow, boost productivity and protect the natural environment they depend on.

Building on the Environment Secretary’s commitment at the Oxford and NFU conferences to reform the Sustainable Farming Incentive in partnership with farmers, this new offer delivers greater certainty, fairer access to funding and a simpler, more accessible scheme for farmers. 

Notes to editors: 

• The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is a government scheme that pays farmers in England to manage their land in ways that improve nature, soil health, and the environment while producing food. 
• Of this total budget for SFI26, £60 million has been allocated to Window 1 for small farms and farms without an existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement. If we don’t allocate the full £60m in Window 1, that unspent budget would be available for Window 2. 
• SFI26 will include a series of changes to make the scheme fairer, simpler, and more accessible: 
• A new £100,000 annual agreement cap will help ensure funding reaches more farm businesses.
• Each farm business will be able to have one SFI26 agreement, helping spread available funding more fairly across the sector.
• The SFI management payment will end for new agreements, allowing more funding to be directed towards on-farm actions.
• A new cap on adding land to rotational actions after Year 1 will provide greater budget certainty and help support more agreements.
• Nearly all SFI26 actions will move to a standard three-year agreement length, simplifying the scheme and improving access for tenant farmers.
• SFI26 scheme information (scheme rules and guidance, terms and conditions, and the 71 actions farmers can choose from) can be found HERE.    
• We expect CSHT to continue supporting important habitats such as species-rich grassland through new targeted agreements, with further details to be announced shortly. 
• The government is also progressing the next group of Landscape Recovery projects expected to move into implementation this year, supporting large-scale action to restore rivers, habitats, and landscapes across England. 
• On 28 May, we published the Capital Grants offer guidance for this year which will open for applications in July. This new round will make £225 million, 50% more than in 2025, available to farmers to improve farm infrastructure and carry out works that help them make environmental improvements across England.   

Environmental Land Management agreements 

• If farmers have an ELM agreement that’s coming to an end soon, the government wants to make sure they can access the full SFI26 offer.
• The government is building new functionality into the SFI26 application service that will let these farmers apply for land currently in these expiring agreements before they end. The government expects this to be available from the start of Window 2 in September 2026.
• Some small farms eligible for Window 1 also have land in soon to expire agreements. They may want to consider waiting and applying during Window 2 instead, so they benefit from this new feature and make the most of their SFI26 agreement.
• The government aims to confirm whether this approach will be possible before Window 1 applications open, so affected small farms can decide which application window is right for them.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 June 2026.

Experts recommend new science-led approach aiming to protect farmers and reduce infection.

New measures have been recommended today (Wednesday 10 June) to help tackle bovine tuberculosis (bTB) as part of the Government’s drive to achieve TB-free status for England by 2038.  

Bovine TB remains one of the most significant animal health challenges facing England. The disease continues to impose a heavy emotional and financial burden on farming families, disrupt rural businesses and leads to the loss of thousands of cattle and the culling of badgers in affected areas every year. 

For too long, bovine TB has constrained the full potential of England’s livestock sector. Achieving TB-free status would mean healthier cattle, stronger farm businesses and greater confidence to invest, while enhancing the reputation of British livestock and supporting future trade opportunities. 

An independent steering group of farmers, scientists, veterinarians and academics was convened by Defra after the government entered office in 2024 to review and redesign England’s approach to achieve TB-free status and recommend how progress towards eradication can be accelerated. 

The group has now delivered a comprehensive package of science-led recommendations for government to consider as it develops the next phase of England’s bovine TB eradication strategy. 

Many of the recommendations focus on intervening earlier to prevent disease spread, including through strengthened cattle controls, improved surveillance, enhanced testing and vaccination. Together, they reflect the importance of reducing infection before it becomes established, while supporting the long-term transition away from widespread badger culling. 

Bovine TB remains a deeply contested and often polarised issue, particularly around wildlife and the role of badgers in disease transmission. This government has committed to ending the badger cull by the end of this Parliament, and the 2025 culling season marked the final year of industry-led culling in England’s High Risk and Edge Areas.

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: 

This Government is determined to remove the barriers that hold farmers back from reaching their full potential. Whether it is bovine TB or other challenges facing the sector, our message is clear: we are on famers’ side. 

By working together, we can protect animal health and help British agriculture succeed as we move towards our goal of achieving TB free status for England by 2038.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Christine Middlemiss, said:

Bovine TB is a complex disease and eradicating it requires a sustained, evidence-led disease control approach.

The recommendations published today reflect the importance of early detection, effective ongoing surveillance and robust disease controls. Together with continued advances in areas such as vaccination, these measures can strengthen our response and accelerate our progress towards eradication.

Ministers will now carefully consider the Steering Group’s findings alongside existing evidence, stakeholder views and delivery considerations. 

Fighting TB has a huge toll on farmers, veterinarians, farming businesses and their cattle. This government will continue to listen to farmers and adapt scientifically robust measures with cattle controls at the centre of disease management.

This Government is already delivering on some of these recommendations, including:  

• continued development of a safe and effective cattle vaccine;  
• the wider roll-out of gamma testing;  
• the establishment of a new badger vaccination field force;  
• and a new badger found dead programme to monitor TB in badger populations  

By combining strengthened cattle measures, improved testing, vaccination and wildlife disease control, the Government aims to continue driving down infection rates and move England closer to becoming TB free.  

A full copy of the steering group’s recommendations has been published today on the TB Hub.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 June 2026.

Public protection against banned dog breeds such as XL bullies will be strengthened.

Children will be better protected from dangerous dogs in the home under a new government measure introduced to Parliament today (June 9th) to strengthen safeguards around banned breeds, including XL Bully types.  

From 1 November 2026, owners must not leave a child under the age of 12 in close proximity to a banned breed dog in a domestic setting or other private settings place without adult supervision. This will be a condition of the Certificate of Exemption, which allows owners to legally keep a banned breed. 

The new safeguard will reduce the risk of serious injury to children in domestic environments, while allowing exempted dogs to remain with families where appropriate supervision is in place.  

As with other conditions of exemption, failure to comply with this requirement may result in enforcement action. This can include seizure of the dog and potential prosecution, in line with existing powers under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.  

Animal Welfare Minister, Baroness Hayman said:   

Any attack on a child by a dangerous dog is unacceptable.

The safety of children must always come first, and this new measure will strengthen protections in the home by ensuring young children are not left unattended around banned breed dogs, including XL Bully types.  

While many owners are acting responsibly – those that don’t should face the legal consequences.

While this measure applies specifically to banned breed‑type dogs, young children should be supervised around all breeds of dog.  

Further guidance will be published ahead of implementation on 1 November.  

Also being introduced are changes to the insurance requirements for owners of exempted banned dog breeds. The requirement for third-party public liability insurance will be removed from July 1st. This reflects the withdrawal of the only available provider and the absence of any suitable alternative products in the market.  

All other legal requirements remain in place, including requirements for exempted dogs to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places. Owners remain fully responsible for any harm caused by their dogs.  

Responsible dog ownership continues to be encouraged across all breeds of dog and Defra keeps current dog control rules under review to ensure they are sufficient to ensure communities are protected.

The press release issued by the Department For Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 May 2026.

Government commits up to £7.5 million and calls for delivery partners to submit bids to help deliver landmark new forest covering more than 200 square miles.

The creation of a third new national forest has taken an exciting step forward today (Tuesday 26 May), with the government committing up to £7.5 million over a five-year period to support the project. This marks continued progress towards fully delivering the government’s manifesto commitment to create three new national forests in England. 

The new national forest – to be located in either the Midlands or North of England – is expected to be between up to 600 square miles in scale, large enough to make a significant long-term contribution to tree-planting targets, while sitting comfortably within the area’s existing landscape and local identity. Eligible organisations across the Midlands and North of England are invited to submit bids to become a delivery partner. 

The third new national forest will have a particular focus on improving health outcomes for communities, with low-income communities disproportionately feeling the impacts of poor access to green and blue spaces. There is compelling evidence that access to woodland and green spaces delivers substantial public health benefits, including: 

• better mental health and reduced healthcare costs 
• increased physical activity and chronic disease prevention 
• cardiovascular benefits and stress relief 
• stronger social connections and community engagement 
• cognitive development in children and young people 

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

In our manifesto we promised three new national forests, and after the Western Forest and the OxCam arc forest we’re looking for England’s newest forest in the Midlands or the North.

Too many communities can’t access the green spaces that benefit mental and physical health. This new national forest will help change that, and I encourage every eligible organisation with the vision and expertise to come forward.

The National Forest in the Midlands has demonstrated what is possible, planting 10 million trees to transform the landscape, increasing tree canopy and woodland cover from 6% to 26%, and supporting more than 5,000 jobs in the visitor economy.

Delivery partners for the third new national forest will work with Defra and the National Forest Company to help identify and establish the forest, providing targeted economic, environmental, and social benefits. 

National Forest Company Chief Executive John Everitt said:

Opening the competition for the third new national forest is a major milestone in accelerating our tree planting ambitions. We are looking forward to seeing some strong applications that can make a real difference for the health and wellbeing of communities across the Midlands and North of England.

The government is keen to prioritise locations and approaches that best demonstrate how a richer, more accessible natural environment can improve health and wellbeing for the people who need it most. 

This investment forms part of the government’s commitment to the largest ever investment in nature, with over £1 billion invested in tree planting and support for the forestry sector this parliament. This will make a significant contribution to Environment Act targets, including the statutory target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050. It will also contribute to the government’s target to halt the decline of species and protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.  

New national forests will accelerate progress towards woodland creation targets, while shaping policy innovation that speeds up tree planting delivery across the country. 

This announcement builds on significant progress already made. Planting has already begun at the Western Forest — the first new national forest in more than 30 years — which will see more than 20 million trees planted across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset by 2050. A competition for a delivery partner for the second new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor has also recently taken place, with more details to follow in due course. 

Additional information:

• The third new national forest is expected to be between 200 and 600 square miles in scale. 
• Bids to become the Delivery Partner can be submitted from 26 May. The window to submit bids for the first stage of the competition will be open for 6 weeks and will close on 7 July.
• Further information on how organisations can apply can be found at X (add link on Tues morning once live). 
• The government has committed over £1 billion to tree planting and the forestry sector this parliament.
• The Environment Act target is to increase tree canopy and woodland cover to 16.5% of total land area in England by 2050.
• The existing National Forest in the Midlands has seen 10 million trees planted, with tree canopy and woodland cover increasing from 6% to over 26%.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 25 May 2026.

£30 million investment important step toward protecting 30% of England’s land for nature by 2030.

Precious wildlife habitat in our most important places for nature is set to be restored thanks to a new government fund, Nature Minister Mary Creagh announced today (Monday 25 May).  

The government will invest £30 million to restore and create wildlife-rich habitats across England’s most iconic landscapes from the wilds of Dartmoor to the rugged Lake District. 

Our protected landscapes act as vital havens for the country’s most threatened species such as hedgehogs, hazel dormouse, water vole, and rare birds like the curlew and turtle dove, with habitat degradation being one of the main drivers for their decline. 

The new Wildlife-Rich Habitat Fund will deliver thousands of hectares of new habitat across England’s National Parks, National Landscapes, and the Broads over three years, helping to bring nature back to the places people love most.  

The scale and ambition of projects that will soon be underway illustrates what investing in nature can achieve. For example, the Peak District National Park Authority is working with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, volunteers and contractors to start the transformation of over 80 hectares of upland moorland at Gun Moor. Following years of degradation with the Moor’s deep peat drying out and wildlife retreating, the project is restoring 24 hectares of wet heath, re-wetting deep peat, and establishing a new area of native woodland on the lower slopes. More funding means more projects like this getting off the ground.   

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:  

“Our national parks and protected landscapes are home to some of our most marginal species. Our Wild Again funding is already turning the tide on their decline. It will mean more birdsong, flower meadows full of bees and butterflies, and new areas of native woodlands.” 

“We’re funding this recovery with the highest ever budget for nature, field by field, across England’s most iconic and beautiful landscapes”. 

Mary-Ann Ochota, Independent Chair of the Protected Landscapes Partnership, said:  

“This multi-year investment in Wildlife-Rich Habitats is brilliant news. Protected Landscapes teams are empowered to make smart, efficient decisions, and support will reach local delivery partners quickly. These teams know their landscapes, understand the potential for change and can work together to achieve the best outcomes.   

“Locally rooted, trust-building partnerships are key. The result? Thriving, wildlife-rich landscapes, nurtured and cherished by farmers, land managers and local communities. It’s the very essence of why National Parks and National Landscapes exist”.   

Protected Landscape organisations will work closely with other conservation organisations, farmers and land managers, and the local communities who know their landscapes best.      

The funding announced today follows a £90 million commitment made in March to fund species recovery projects, the largest investment ever announced in species recovery by a government as part of our Wild Again drive aiming to restore our nature and return lost species including beavers and white-tailed eagles. 

The Wildlife-Rich Habitat Fund forms part of Wild Again: Restoring England’s Wildlife, the government’s umbrella campaign to halt species decline by 2030, bringing together species recovery and habitat restoration work across Defra and its arm’s-length bodies.   

This will help meet our international commitment to protect 30% land for nature and our legal Environment Act target to restore over 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat by 2042. 

Joan Edwards, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts, said:  

‘‘Generations have been inspired by the wonderful wild animals and plants they find in England’s National Parks and Landscapes. However, these special connections with nature have been fraying, as climate change, land use pressures and pollution take their toll, and nature declines across the country.   

“Today’s announcement of £30 million of new funding to help wildlife recover in protected landscapes is much needed if we are to reverse this loss and empower people to restore more habitats in cherished National Parks and Landscapes. With nature underpinning our economy, health and future resilience as a nation, there is still lots to do if we are to bring flourishing wildlife and habitats back and achieve vital Environment Act targets. This new funding is step towards delivering on that ambition.’’  

Martin Lines, CEO of the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN), said:   

“This funding is a positive recognition that farmers are essential partners in protecting and restoring the habitats that make our protected landscapes so special. Through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) scheme, farming businesses have already shown how productive farming and nature recovery can go hand in hand – creating and caring for habitats that support rare wildlife, strengthen landscapes and benefit local communities.”  
 
“We warmly welcome this announcement, which reinforces the importance of farmers as key partners in restoring and protecting our most treasured landscapes. When farmers are trusted and supported to lead, nature can recover at scale.” 

Additional information: 

• The Wildlife-Rich Habitat Fund provides £30 million in ring-fenced funding – £10 million per financial year – from 2026 to 2029. 
• 36 of England’s 44 Protected Landscapes are participating in the first year with every project funded rooted in local priorities. 
• The fund is delivered through the existing Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme infrastructure. 
• The fund is separate from and does not affect the farming budget or the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme. 
• Projects will be prioritised in line with Protected Landscapes management plans and Local Nature Recovery Strategies. 
• The fund forms part of the government’s broader programme of action to restore nature, alongside the Environmental Improvement Plan, the Land Use Framework and new legislation to strengthen the purposes and powers of National Parks and National Landscapes.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 May 2026.

Designated sites include first-ever site on the River Thames in London.

Today (Friday 15 May) 13 new bathing sites open across the country, helping to restore pride in local areas, giving a boost to outdoor and swimming groups, and protecting cherished rivers and beaches.   

The sites, including the first-ever on the River Thames in London, have now officially received designated status as the bathing water season begins.    

The 13 new sites take the total to over 460 bathing waters, covering nearly every coastal county in England as well as several more inland swimming spots.   

They will be rigorously and regularly tested by the Environment Agency throughout the bathing season meaning swimmers are better informed about water quality, and can swim with greater confidence.   

The designations follow a public consultation with each site receiving overwhelming public support, with 90% of responders in favour of designation and a record number endorsing the Ham & Kingston site.   

The Government’s commitment to improving water quality and expanding monitoring is delivering clear results for swimmers and the environment, with four in five bathing sites being rated as either ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’.    

Water Minister Emma Hardy said:    

The introduction of these new bathing sites means better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism, and greater confidence for local swimmers.    

Following years of indifference towards bathing waters, this government has expanded the number of sites as part of our overhaul of the water sector.   

We’re committed to generational reform of our water industry and won’t stop until the job is done.

The Environment Agency regularly monitors water quality at designated bathing water sites and assesses whether action is needed to cut pollution levels – working with local communities, farmers, and water companies to improve water quality at these locations.  

What that means is environmental officers on site every week at each of these locations throughout the summer, taking and assessing water samples, and publishing that information online for the benefit of swimmers.  

Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:  

The growing number of designations across the country reflects the importance communities place in their local environment and water quality.  

If you’re planning on going open water swimming this summer, I’d advise everyone to get informed – checking water quality and conditions before you go.  

Across the bathing water season, Environment Agency teams will be out conducting over 7000 tests across over 460 locations. Through strong regulation and the right data, we will continue to drive improvements to bathing water quality, working closely with local partners to direct investment and target action in the right places.

The filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch in Bridport, Dorset is another confirmed bathing water site. Government will also provide funding towards signage to ensure people have clear access to these new sites.  

Sites also play a vital role in connecting people with nature – bringing important social and health benefits and helping towns prosper through increased tourism, delivering on the government’s wider commitment to empower communities to shape how their local environment is protected and enjoyed.   

These new designations come alongside recent changes to the bathing water regulations that will modernise the system, helping to ensure it is fit for today and reflects how people use rivers and beaches.  

Last year, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable standards for swimming, with 87% rated as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’. The government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms will allow us to move away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach to better reflect how people use our beaches, lakes and rivers.    

This announcement is in line with the upcoming Clean Water Bill, announced this week in the King’s Speech, which will continue momentum on once‑in‑a‑generation reforms to end weak oversight, stop water companies marking their own homework and restore public trust.  

Supportive quotes: 

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban said:  

The announcement of the first-ever river swimming site on the River Thames in London is a moment of celebration for Londoners and highlights the role of community groups in helping to make London’s rivers and waterways cleaner and more accessible spaces.  

There is still more work to be done, and the Mayor and I are committed to improving water quality in all the capital’s waterways. This is why we are launching the Clean and Healthy Waterways plan in the summer to ensure they are safe and welcoming spaces for all, as we continue to build a better, greener London for everyone.

Ben Seal, Head of Access & Environment, Paddle UK said:  

The designation of these 13 new bathing sites, is another positive step forward in protecting our precious waters. For the millions of people who love being in, on, and beside the water, access to safe, regularly monitored blue space is vital. This expansion ensures that more communities can be better informed when choosing where and when to access the water. Furthermore, the overwhelming public demand for these new designated sites just proves how passionate the public is about being and being active in blue spaces.  

Together, the increase in designated bathing water sites and the Clean Water Bill represent a historic opportunity to secure healthy, pollution-free waters for everyone to enjoy.

Marlene Lawrence, Leader and Founder of the Teddington Bluetits chill swimmers, said:   

We are absolutely delighted to have achieved Bathing Water status for the Thames at Ham and Kingston.  The river is widely used by all ages to swim, row, paddle and sail, and it is wonderful to have such a natural resource to use to enhance our health and mental well-being.   

With water testing throughout the bathing water season, I really want to encourage more people to enjoy leisure time in and on the Thames here.

Notes to editors:  

Designated Bathing Waters are regularly tested for water quality throughout the bathing season (15 May – 30 September).  

The confirmed sites include:    

1. Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland, a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea popular with locals   
2. Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon, a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty   
3. Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex, a unique family favourite sandy beach.     
4. Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent, shingle beach enjoyed by swimmers, and kayakers.    
5. Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire, one of Salisbury’s most cherished parks opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II   
6. East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch.    
7. Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire, a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind in the Willows   
8. River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, a scenic tidal river, flowing through the heart of the town   
9. River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire, with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps   
10. Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk, a riverside community space on the River Waveney   
11. River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London, London’s first river bathing site on the Thames   
12. New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside, a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary   
13. River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire, a popular spot for families and water sports   

The Bathing Water Regulations were updated in November 2025, introducing changes that prioritise public safety and water quality. We are now working towards implementing the reforms. The Bathing Water Reforms include:    

• removing the automatic de-designation of sites that have been classified as ‘poor’ for five years running. Now waters with the potential to recover aren’t abandoned prematurely.  
• prior to designation, consideration will now be given to the feasibility of a site’s ability to achieve the “sufficient” standard, as well as any known significant risks to the physical safety of bathers arising from the site, and wider environmental impacts.  
• opportunity for flexible, site‑specific bathing seasons, allowing monitoring to align with when people actually use the water.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 May 2026.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds visits Northern Ireland to highlight how a UK-EU food and drink deal will cut red tape, lower costs and keep trade flowing.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds is visiting Northern Ireland this week to meet farmers, growers and businesses at the heart of its agri-food sector and discuss the benefits of the new UK–EU food and drink deal.

Northern Ireland already benefits from full EU market access, thanks to its unique position under the Windsor Framework. But for the first time since EU Exit, most food and drink goods moving from GB to NI will no longer require checks, including regulatory certificates that can cost between £80 and £200 each, saving businesses millions every year. Over the last three years, these charges for Export Health Certificates have cost businesses between £13m and £32m.

By cutting “paperwork tax” an SPS agreement will make trade easier for businesses, help British produce reach European markets and could help bring down the cost of food and drink.

The new SPS agreement is part of rebuilding the UK’s relationship with Europe in a way that strengthens the economy and supports trade, with the potential to boost UK GDP by up to £5.1 billion a year.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:

We are cutting red tape and scrapping unnecessary checks, making it easier and cheaper to keep goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland’s food and drink businesses deserve a better deal. That means protecting the UK internal market, supporting businesses and giving families more choice, availability and value across Northern Ireland.

At the Balmoral Show on Thursday 14 May – Northern Ireland’s premier farming event – the Environment Secretary will meet stallholders and sector representatives from across the farming and horticultural communities, who will benefit from the removal of certification requirements for plants, seeds and used agricultural and forestry machinery. 

Northern Ireland Office Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Minister Matthew Patrick will also meet with farming community representatives and businesses at the Balmoral Show. He said:

Northern Ireland’s agrifood sector is of great importance to the UK economy and to our food security, and I’ve been hugely impressed by the high-quality produce on offer at the Balmoral Show.

It’s great that this deal will provide real benefits for consumers, helping to ensure availability and cut costs at a time when many are facing cost of living pressures.

The Environment Secretary and Borders Minister Baroness Hayman will also chair a roundtable discussion with members of the Confederation of British Industry, ensuring Northern Ireland businesses are represented in a deal that will cut paperwork, support choice and availability on supermarket shelves, and help ease food price inflation for families across Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Eddie Murphy, Country Director for M&S Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: 

We have over 20 stores and work with nearly 2,000 Select Farm partners in Northern Ireland.

This deal will remove unnecessary bureaucracy and reduce cost pressures, helping us to go further in offering Northern Irish customers the very best of M&S by speeding up the flow of goods and access to fresh produce.

The visit comes as the European Partnership Bill was announced at the State Opening of Parliament yesterday, kickstarting the legislative framework needed to implement the agreement and allow businesses to start realising its benefits from mid‑2027.

Along with the removal of the vast majority of food and drink checks, the new agreement will also dramatically reduce costs, paperwork and checks on flowers, plants and seeds moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, while final restrictions on the movement of certain tree species will disappear.

Together, these changes will support Northern Ireland’s farmers, gardeners, garden centres, environmental projects and rural businesses, ensuring they can benefit fully from smoother trade with Great Britain.

NOTES TO EDITORS

• The Windsor Framework facilitates Northern Ireland’s ability to trade freely within both the UK internal market and the EU Single Market. This will remain in place, addressing NI’s unique dual market access and safeguarding the Good Friday agreement.  

What businesses in Northern Ireland can do now

• While negotiations continue, businesses can take practical steps to get ready:
• Engage with their relevant trade body or industry association: They will be key partners in providing sector-specific guidance and many are already working with government to help members prepare.
• Engage with your supply chain: To understand any changes that may apply to them.
• Sign up to Defra email alerts here for regular updates: To receive the latest information on negotiations, implementation timelines, and details of guidance and support available.
• Detailed guidance will be published as negotiations progress to ensure businesses across Northern Ireland – from farmers and processors to retailers and hauliers – are ready to benefit from day one.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 May 2026.

New strategy launched to strengthen UK preparedness against African and classical swine fever.

Plans to strengthen protections for pig farmers and industry have been stepped up today (Thursday 14 May) as the government introduces new measures in the event of a swine fever outbreak.

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a disease which affects pigs and wild boar and in recent years it has been circulating in parts of Asia and Africa, leading to the deaths of millions of pigs worldwide and causing significant disruption to the meat trade. The disease has also spread to parts of Europe through the movement of wild boar and human actions including moving infected meat.

Whilst there has never been an outbreak of ASF in the UK, the updated control strategy is an important part of the government’s plans to prevent and respond to a potential future outbreak. 

The revised strategy introduces a more flexible, risk-based framework designed to control disease effectively without imposing severe restrictions on famers and producers. It reflects the latest scientific and veterinary evidence and aligns with international best practice. 

A central feature of the update is the introduction of additional restricted zones (Restricted Zones 1, 2 and 3), which can be deployed depending on the situation. This will help farmers avoid blanket movement restrictions on live pigs and pork products, reducing pressures such as overcrowding and enabling day-to-day operations to continue more smoothly. 

The strategy, developed jointly with Scottish and Welsh Governments, also strengthens surveillance requirements. Veterinary inspectors will carry out visits to premises within disease control zones to verify compliance, while enhanced testing will support earlier detection of infection. These measures are expected to provide greater confidence in disease freedom, allowing restrictions to be lifted sooner. 

Risk-based movement licensing has been expanded to support both welfare and business continuity. Under veterinary oversight, pigs may be moved within zones for welfare reasons or to complete production cycles, helping to prevent overcrowding and maintain appropriate housing conditions. 

Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said:

This updated strategy reflects our commitment to working in partnership with farmers and the wider pig industry to manage disease risks effectively and protect a sector worth over £8 billion.  

These changes will help reduce unnecessary pressures on farmers and producers, maintain high standards of welfare, and ensure we are well prepared to respond quickly and confidently to any outbreak.

UK Chief  Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, said:  

Our updated swine fever disease control strategy will ensure that we are better prepared than ever before to respond swiftly and effectively to a potential outbreak of African and classical swine fevers.  

Enhanced surveillance and flexible movement licensing will help us detect disease earlier and protect our national herd whilst maintain essential farming operations in a biosecure manner. Whilst the disease is not present in Great Britain, we encourage all farmers to maintain strong biosecurity standards and familiarise themselves with the new measures.

Further updates include: 

• A clearer framework for implementing a national movement ban, ensuring restrictions are proportionate and lifted as soon as conditions allow.
• Greater flexibility in meat controls, allowing certain products from restricted zones to remain commercially viable under specific conditions.
• Detailed guidance on cleansing and disinfection procedures, helping producers plan for safe and timely restocking.

The duration of disease control zones has also been revised. For example, the minimum period for protection zones has been reduced to 15 days, down from 30-45, following initial cleansing and disinfection, subject to surveillance outcomes. This is expected to significantly reduce welfare pressures on farms while maintaining robust disease safeguards. 

The updated framework also strengthens the UK’s ability to apply regionalisation principles, helping to protect trade by enabling disease-free areas to continue exporting safely during an outbreak. 

ASF poses no risk to human health as it only affects pigs and related animals. Everyone can help to stop the spread of ASF to the UK by doing the following: 

• If you have visited ASF-affected areas in Europe, or elsewhere in the world, you must not bring any pork or pork products back to the UK. 
• Disposing of leftovers or food waste in secure bins that pigs or wildlife cannot access. 
• Farmers, the public and members of the food industry should practise high biosecurity standards, including never feeding catering waste, kitchen scraps or meat products to pigs which is illegal and can spread the disease. 

The Government continually monitors disease outbreaks around the world to assess whether there may be risks for the UK and takes action to limit the risk of the disease reaching our shores.