Review of safeguarded sites
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today announced a review of England's wildlife and ecological network, including the links with national parks and its ability to adapt to climate change and other pressures.
The team producing the report, due in June 2010, will explore if existing sites represent a coherent and robust ecological network for England, capable of responding to the challenges of climate change and other pressures.
Announcing the review, Hilary Benn said: "With the effects of climate change and other pressures on our land, now is the time to see how we can enhance ecological England further."
The review team will also look to see what benefits could be gained by connecting sites within designated areas and outside them through "re-wilding" initiatives. The team will be asked to take account of ecological, economic and social costs and benefits of such a programme and make costed and prioritised recommendations.
