Tag: Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 July 2024.

New maerl beds discovered just off the coast are crucial in supporting other marine species.

Dive into the ocean…pink?

What colours would you expect to see when dipping beneath the waves off the coast of Cornwall? Perhaps the calm blue of the waves, or the soft greens and browns of the seaweeds.

Few people would expect the rose pink of a maerl bed – the Barbieland of the underwater realm.

These slow growing, fragile beds of rare pink calcified seaweeds form the basis of marine food chains in the area, and as well as being breathtakingly beautiful, are hugely important for the local ecosystem.

Maerl beds act a little like coral reefs, slowly growing to provide three-dimensional structure which is a habitat for many other seaweeds and small organisms.

This has led maerl to be recognised for its crucial role in supporting fish populations and underpinning healthy fisheries.

It is classed as an “irreplaceable habitat”, because of its almost complete inability to recover from damage and if the maerl is lost the species it supports will also be lost.

Expedition ‘to find out more’

In England, very little maerl is thought to exist outside Cornwall, where it particularly thrives in clear waters, estuaries and tide swept bays.

The beautiful and ancient maerl beds of the Fal and Helford Estuaries in Cornwall have long been known about and were duly designated within a Marine Protected Area in 2005.

But far less is known about the maerl that exists outside the estuaries in the bays along Cornwall’s south coast, and in July, Natural England set out on an expedition to find out more.

A dive team of seaweed experts and specialist survey divers embarked on a mission to explore the areas just off the Roseland Peninsula and St Austell Bay.

Using scant knowledge from the few previous surveys, the skills of dive boat skipper Mike Anselmi from Porthkerris Divers and Natural England’s underwater drone, the team were able to find and survey entirely unknown areas of maerl beds.

Evidence will help seek better protection

Natural England’s Marine Senior Officer, Angela Gall, who led the survey said:

It’s incredible to think, that in Britain, within sight of the shore, there are still completely undiscovered sites. We will use this new evidence on the maerl bed sites to seek better protection for these ‘ancient woodlands of the sea.”

The divers surveyed the sites in detail, recording 110 different seaweed species and 79 different types of animals living on the maerl.

They assessed the health of the beds and collected photographic evidence.

Small samples were collected for genetic work by the University of Exeter, which will help with understanding the genetic uniqueness of maerl beds in this area.

The work was intensive, with detailed microscopic examination of many seaweeds, small snails and worms back at base camp following the dives.

The new information about maerl sites will be used to help target mapping efforts this autumn, adding to understanding of where these precious beds can be found.

It is hoped that by knowing where these sensitive habitats occur it will be possible to better protect them as the foundations of healthy ocean ecosystems.

The project was funded by Defra’s Marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment programme, which is leading the way in integrating natural capital and ecosystem assessment approaches into Government decision making.

Over three years, the programme is gathering evidence and developing tools and frameworks to enable us to better manage our marine natural environment, and the services it provides for people – before it is too late.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 25 July 2024.

Volunteers helped to plant 400 wildflowers at Purple Horizons Nature Recovery site in Walsall to attract rare bees.

Wildflowers planted by volunteers in Walsall are helping to attract rare bees to the area as part of a project to restore nature in the West Midlands.

The wildflower planting was part of the Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project, a partnership that includes Natural England, Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust (BBCWT), Walsall Council and the University of Birmingham.

It aims to restore and connect areas of heathlands across 12,000 hectares on the fringes of the urban West Midlands to support the species which rely on it and is part of a national initiative to develop a Nature Recovery Network.

Much of the project aims to make space for bees and wasps in freshly dug earth including the Tormentil Mining Bee, a priority species in desperate need of ‘bee beaches’ – areas of soft soil banks where they burrow and build their nests. The bee is scarce in the UK due to the loss of heathlands, with around 80% of heathlands lost over the last two centuries.

Earlier this year 60 volunteers took part in the planting at Pelsall Common, Heath End and who helped to plant 400 plug plants of the Tormentil, Harebell and Cat’s Ear species. These attract the Tormentil Mining Bee and provide a source of food for the bees and their young.

Emma Johnson, Natural England’s Deputy Director for the West Midlands said:  “We are so grateful to the volunteers who have given their time to help plant hundreds of wildflowers to provide vital food for these important and amazing species.  A thriving population of wild bee species is critical to supporting healthy natural systems and for pollinating crops such as apples, strawberries and oilseed rape.

Volunteers were also able to visit the Turner’s Wood Nature Reserve, where Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust were holding an open day.

The Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project aims to create a network of heathlands, wetlands, woodlands and grasslands which will help the recovery of and ensure long-term resilience of the area’s reptiles, birds and pollinators.  Within this initiative, several partners are trialling different habitat creation methods for bees.  This includes Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire County Council, Walsall Council and the Canal & River Trust.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure, and Public Spaces at Walsall Council said:  “Walsall Council is proud to be a part of the Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project. This initiative not only restores vital habitats for rare bees but also fosters a strong sense of community through volunteer engagement. The efforts of our volunteers today demonstrate our collective commitment to enhancing our natural environment and supporting biodiversity in the West Midlands.”

The effectiveness of the habitat creation methods is being monitored by Aaron Bhambra, a researcher at the University of Birmingham.

Aaron said:  “The work we are carrying out restoring locally important sites like these is critical for conserving threatened pollinators across the region.  The wildflowers are starting to flower and seem to have established well at the sites, we had bees foraging on them whilst we were planting them on the day so I am sure they are being used.”

Advice and funding is being provided by Natural England, and the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust are helping communities get involved.

Walsall Council was recently awarded a Defra Bees Needs Champion award in recognition of the flower planting and creation of bee-beaches.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 July 2024.

Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed has today (11 July 2024) announced a series of initial steps towards ending the crisis in the water sector.

As Ofwat publishes its draft responses on water company spending, the new measures represent a step change after years of failure to ensure the water industry cuts illegal sewage dumping and attracts major private-sector investment to upgrade infrastructure while prioritising the interests of customers and the environment.

This afternoon the Secretary of State will also meet with water company Chief Executives to make clear that under this government water companies will be answerable for their performance for customers and the environment. He will set out his plans to work in partnership with the sector and investors to attract investment, jobs, and clean up the nation’s polluted waterways.

He has today announced:

• He has written to Ofwat to ask them to make sure funding for vital infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment. He also wants Ofwat to ensure that when money for investment is not spent, companies refund customers, with money never allowed to be diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases.
• Water companies will place customers and the environment at the heart of their objectives. The Secretary of State is clear that he expects companies to change their ‘Articles of Association’ – the rules governing each company – to make the interests of customers and the environment a primary objective.
• Consumers will gain new powers to hold water company bosses to account through powerful new customer panels. For the first time in history, customers will have the power to summon board members and hold water executives to account.
• Strengthened protection and compensation for households and businesses when their basic water services are affected. Subject to consultation, the amount of compensation customers are legally entitled to when key standards are not met will more than double. The payments will also be triggered by a wider set of circumstances including Boil Water Notices.

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said:

We will never look the other way while water companies pump sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas.

This unacceptable destruction of our waterways should never have been allowed, but change has now begun so it can never happen again.

Today I have announced significant steps to clean up the water industry to cut sewage pollution, protect customers and attract investment to upgrade its crumbling infrastructure.

That change will take time. Over the coming weeks and months, this Government will outline further steps to reform the water sector and restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health.

These steps sit alongside the Government’s manifesto commitments to put failing water companies under tough special measures to clean up our waterways.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 19 June 2024.

A licensing regime for the use of rodent glue traps has opened to applicants today (19 June) ahead of new restrictions coming into force on 31 July. From that date it will be an offence to use glue traps for rodent control unless done under a licence.

Licences will be issued to professional pest controllers for the purpose of preserving public health and safety. Glue traps will only be permitted for use in exceptional circumstances where there is no alternative satisfactory solution.

The Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 aims to improve humaneness for target rodents, but also other animals that can sometimes become accidentally trapped. The Act gave users and suppliers of glue traps two years in which to finish off their existing stock and move to alternative methods of rodent control.

Defra has appointed Natural England as the licensing authority. Natural England has worked with Defra to develop a licensing regime that will only permit appropriate and strictly controlled use of glue traps. Professional pest controllers can find further information on the licence application process from today on Glue trap licences – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Natural England has a responsibility to protect the welfare of animals affected by wildlife licences. Natural England provides guidance on animal welfare and is the licensing authority for other welfare-based licensing regimes.

Natural England welcomes feedback on this new licensing regime. For further information or to provide feedback, please contact us via: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 18 June 2024.

New fisheries arrangements will significantly reduce fishing pressure on mackerel.

Those arrangements reduce fishing pressure on the stock significantly and act as a stepping-stone towards a long-term quota-sharing arrangement involving all coastal states to the stock.

They will mean access for Norway and Faroes to fish some of their quota in the UK zone in return for an annual transfer of some of their quota to the UK.

The details of the arrangements can be found on gov.uk.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 June 2024.

All cat owners should now have their pets microchipped as new legislation comes into force today (10 June).

Owners must ensure their cat is microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks with their contact details stored and kept up to date in an approved pet microchipping database.

With more than 9 million pet cats in England, the introduction of mandatory microchipping will make it easier for lost or stray pet cats to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely. Microchipping is already compulsory for dogs and is proven to be the most effective method for identifying lost pets, with microchipped dogs more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owner.

Microchips are safe and easy to implant with an average cost of around £25 for microchipping and registration. Charities and reputable cat rescue organisations may be able to microchip your cat for a reduced rate.

The process of microchipping involves the insertion of a chip, generally around the size of a grain of rice, under the skin of a pet. The microchip has a unique serial number that the keeper needs to register on a database. When an animal is found, the microchip can be read with a scanner and the registered keeper identified on a database so the pet can quickly be reunited with them.

Owned cats must be microchipped before reaching 20 weeks of age, with their contact details stored and kept up to date on a pet microchipping database. This includes cats that usually only stay indoors.

Microchipping is not compulsory for free living cats that live with little or no human interaction or dependency, such as farm, feral or community cats.

The legal deadline was confirmed in legislation laid in March 2023 giving owners overs a year to comply with the new requirements. Failing to comply with the law could see owners receive a fine of up to £500.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 7 June 2024.

A catch and release fishery will open in England this summer.

Legislation has come into force today (Friday 7 June) establishing permitting regimes for vessels to fish recreationally for Atlantic bluefin tuna in UK waters.

The legislation allows for vessels with a permit to fish using rod and line, on a catch and release basis, following the resurgence of the species.

16 tonnes of bluefin tuna quota have been allocated this year allowing catch and release recreational bluefin tuna fisheries to be opened in UK waters.

A fishery will open in English waters in August. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will open the application process, for permits within this fishery, from the 10-30 June 2024.

Today’s legislation follows a three-year scientific research programme delivered by Cefas to understand the management of bluefin tuna populations, and a formal consultation launched last year to gather views on the permitting regimes.

Details of how to apply for a catch and release bluefin tuna permit in England can be found through the MMO.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 7 June 2024.

Water company inspections will more than quadruple as the government cracks down on poor performing companies.

• Fourfold increase in water company inspections to hold companies to account.
• Includes up to 500 additional staff for inspections, enforcement and stronger regulation over the next three years, with recruitment already underway.
• Part of a tougher regime fully funded by government and water company permits.

Water company inspections will more than quadruple as the government cracks down on poor performing companies, under plans announced today (20 February). In recent months, robust steps have been made under the Plan for Water with all 15,000 storm overflows now monitored and the cap on civil penalties for pollution removed. Last week, Defra went further in announcing that water bosses are set to be banned from receiving bonuses if a company has committed serious criminal breaches.

The Environment Agency (EA) is already ramping up inspections on water company assets, with over 930 completed this financial year. Today’s announcement goes further as water company inspections carried out by the EA will rise to 4000 a year by the end of March 2025, and then to 10,000 by April 2026. This will include an increase in unannounced inspections – strengthening oversight of water companies and reducing the reliance on water company self-monitoring, which was established in 2009.

Increased inspections and enforcement will be backed by around £55 million each year. This will be fully funded through increased grant-in-aid from Defra to the Environment Agency and additional funding from water quality permit charges levied on water companies, subject to a public consultation closing in March 2024.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:

We are clear that we need to get much tougher with unannounced inspections to bring an end to the routine lawbreaking we have seen from water companies, which is what this announcement will deliver.

We are going further to quadruple the Environment Agency’s regulatory capacity – allowing them to carry out 4,000 water company inspections by the end of the next financial year.

Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said:

Last year we set out measures to transform the way we regulate the water industry to uncover non-compliance and drive better performance. Today’s announcement builds on that. Campaign groups and the public want to see the Environment Agency better resourced to do what it does best, regulate for a better environment.

Proposals to get extra boots on the ground to increase inspection visits will help further strengthen our regulation of the industry.”

With 100% of storm overflows now monitored, data-driven analytics will also help the Environment Agency map discharges against rainfall more effectively so they can quickly direct new specialist officers to any sites at risk, identify any non-compliance and take action.

The EA is already conducting the largest ever criminal investigation into potential widespread non-compliance by water and sewerage companies at thousands of sewage treatment works. Since 2015, the EA has concluded 59 prosecutions against water and sewerage companies securing fines of over £150 million.

Today’s announcement builds on the recent improvements the government has delivered to the water environment, including:

• 100% of storm overflows in England are now monitored – providing a complete picture of when and where sewage spills happen.
• Removing the cap on civil penalties for water companies and broadening their scope so swifter action can be taken against those who pollute our waterways.
• Increased protections for coastal and estuarine waters by expanding the Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan, prioritising bathing waters, sites of special scientific interest and shellfish waters.
• Requiring the largest infrastructure programme in water company history – £60 billion over 25 years – to revamp aging assets and reduce the number of sewage spills by hundreds of thousands every year.
• Providing £10 million in support for farmers to store more water on their land through the Water Management Grants to support food production and improve water security.
• Speeding up the process of building key water supply infrastructure, including more reservoirs and water transfer schemes.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 30 May 2024.

The UK has self-declared freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 30 May 2024.

Owners of registered XL Bully dogs that were aged 12 months or older on 31 January 2024 must have their dogs neutered by 30 June 2024.

XL Bully dog owners are today (30 May) being reminded to have their dog neutered as there is one month to go before the mandatory deadline for older dogs comes into force.

Owners of registered XL Bully dogs that were aged 12 months or older on 31 January 2024 must have their dogs neutered by 30 June 2024 in order for the Certificate of Exemption to remain valid.

If owners do not submit the Confirmation of Neutering form to Defra by 26 July, the dog will no longer be exempt.

Strict controls have been implemented for existing XL Bullies – they must be registered, neutered and kept muzzled and on a lead in public. These measures will enhance public safety while making sure that the existing population of XL Bullies reduces over time.

Anyone found in possession of these dangerous dogs and not meeting the strict rules could have their dog seized and faces prosecution and a criminal record.

For XL Bully dogs already neutered, a vet must complete and submit a Confirmation of Neutering VCN01 form with the owner.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

“The legal deadline for XL Bullies to be neutered is now only one month away. Do not risk leaving it to the last minute, owners should book in to get their dog neutered as soon as possible.

“If evidence is not provided that the dog has been neutered by the relevant deadline, owners will be breaching the legal requirements to keep an XL Bully dog and it could be seized by the police.”

Owners can access the most up to date information on what action they need to take to neuter their XL Bully on this dedicated page: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/confirm-an-xl-bully-dog-has-been-neutered