The five statutory nature conservation bodies of the UK – Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, NatureScot and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency – have come together to produce Nature Positive 2030 – a summary report and an evidence report. Published in September 2021 to mark the anniversary of the Leaders’ Pledge for
Newsletter sign up
For latest news and events
National News
Consultation: Best Practice Guidance for Developing Compensatory Measures in Relation to Marine Protected Areas
by NW Coastal Forum on September 30, 2021
Consultation closes 11:45pm on 30 September 2021 DEFRA is seeking views on best practice guidance for developing compensatory measures in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), a future approach to strategic compensation, and how net gain and compensation can work together to deliver the best outcomes for the marine environment. The guidance has been developed as a
Future of Seaside Towns – Updated Government Response to House of Lords Select Committee Report
by NW Coastal Forum on June 23, 2021
The Government has published – in June 2021 – an updated government response to the House of Lords Select Committee on Regenerating Seaside Towns and Communities ‘The Future of Seaside Towns’ report, which was published in April 2019. The updated response, and accompanying letter from Luke Hall MP, Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government
North West Marine Plans Adopted!
by NW Coastal Forum on June 23, 2021
The UK Government has, today (23rd June) formally adopted the marine plans for the North West, North East, South West and South East of England. The marine plans have been produced by the Marine Management Organisation on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Accompanying each of the
Government Response to the Highly Protected Marine Areas Review
by NW Coastal Forum on June 16, 2021
The Government has – on 8th June 2021 – published its response to the Highly Protected Marine Areas Review which they had previously commissioned former Environment and Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon to undertake to examine whether and how the strongest protections for areas of sea, known as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), could be introduced.
Fishing and Offshore Wind – Policy Brief
by NW Coastal Forum on June 16, 2021
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries has published a policy brief on UK Fishing and Offshore Wind. The briefing summarises the outputs from the APPG on Fisheries open Parliamentary webinar, which took place in May 2021. This webinar brought together a wide range of stakeholders to explore how the fisheries and offshore wind sectors
Closed – consultation: UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy
by NW Coastal Forum on April 29, 2021
Consultation Closes 14 Jun 2021 The Scottish Government, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Welsh Government, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland (DAERA) and the UK Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, have developed a UK-wide conservation strategy for dolphins, porpoises and minke whales. The aim of the strategy is
Closed – consultation on draft regulations for the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments
by NW Coastal Forum on April 29, 2021
Consultation close: 6pm on 16 June 2021 The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are seeking views on the draft merchant shipping (control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments) regulations 2021 and associated guidance. These will implement the international convention for the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments into domestic law.
Closed – consultation: Introduction of a deposit return scheme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
by NW Coastal Forum on April 29, 2021
Consultation close: 11:45pm on 4 June 2021 The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is carrying out a second consultation on proposals for a deposit return scheme (DRS) on drinks containers. The aim of a DRS would be to help change behaviour and encourage recycling / reduce littering. DEFRA is seeking views on:
Closed – consultation: Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment 4 Scoping
by NW Coastal Forum on April 29, 2021
Consultation close: 5pm on 7 May 2021 The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy is conducting a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on the draft plan/programme to enable future offshore energy leasing and licensing for offshore wind, wave and tidal devices and licensing/leasing for seaward oil and gas rounds, hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide gas storage,