Meeting the conservation challenge in England's designated landscapes - The Glover Review and the future of land management.
The Glover Review, published in September 2019, sets out an ambitious and far reaching reform agenda for England's designated landscapes. It places particular emphasis on doing more for nature and connecting with people in deeper and more inclusive ways. This new CRE Research Report focuses on the conservation challenge in England's National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, using the evidence produced by a range of organisations during the Review and reactions to its publication.
Report authors Nicola Bell and Guy Garrod argue that, while the ambition of the Glover Review is welcome, we need to consider what can be achieved without significant new resources or legislation. Hence they argue that the design, delivery and resourcing of the post-Brexit Environmental Land Management System (ELMS) is critical to the future of both conservation and sustainable socio-economic development in protected landscapes. The Report concludes by explaining why this is the case and setting out some specific questions on the future of ELMS that the Glover Review neglects.
What is stopping upland farms in England from increasing their productivity?
New CRE research reveals barriers constraining the productivity of upland farming. Agricultural productivity in the UK has fallen behind many of our competitors. An important contribution to this fall is the reduction in productivity of upland farming, which, in England, covers 17% of agricultural land in England (some 2.2 million ha). A new study led by Dr Jeremy Franks explores the impacts of resource constraints on the productivity of upland farms in England. Based on a survey of 124 upland farmers, this report details the constraints that face these farmers, the impact of these constraints on farm performance and the barriers that prevent farmers from removing them.
Mike Butcher, Agronomist and Landbridge member
