Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

I must admit that I was rather puzzled by the noble Duke’s support for this amendment, which would remove the provision and improvement of facilities for the study, understanding and enjoyment of the natural environment from the inclusive list of objectives included in Natural England’s purpose. Helping people to study, understand and enjoy the natural environment has been an important part of the work of both the Countryside Agency and English Nature since the 1940s. ““Facilities”” is interpreted widely and includes everything from direct provision in the case of English Nature’s national nature reserves, through grants towards visitor facilities, to websites and media projects aimed at children. My noble friend Lord Judd and the noble Baroness, Lady Miller of Chilthorne Domer, share our view of an increasing need for action in this area. It makes a crucial long-term contribution towards sustainable development. The general purpose in Clause 2(1) remains broad, so Natural England could continue activities in pursuit of these objectives even if the subsection was removed. But we prefer to keep it, since it both signals continuity with previous legislation and tells staff and customers that action to achieve these objectives will certainly form part of the body’s work. I hope that on that basis the noble Duke will feel able to withdraw this amendment and will consider very carefully the value of this work, especially in teaching those from a more urban background how the countryside works and in helping them to understand and to become part of the protection and enhancement of the countryside.