Richard Benwell
@richardbenwell.bsky.social
CEO, Wildlife & Countryside Link, for #wildlife, animal #welfare and #wellbeing. http://wcl.org.uk @wclnews.bsky.social. Chair, #Oxfordshire Local Nature Partnership.
The #PlanningBill needs far more than cosmetic change to ensure that, instead of harming nature, it delivers nature-positive development.
So it's good to see the Minister recognise some top issues: legal certainty & scientific basis for offsite action. Now for amendments please.
So it's good to see the Minister recognise some top issues: legal certainty & scientific basis for offsite action. Now for amendments please.
June 10, 2025 at 7:30 AM
The #PlanningBill needs far more than cosmetic change to ensure that, instead of harming nature, it delivers nature-positive development.
So it's good to see the Minister recognise some top issues: legal certainty & scientific basis for offsite action. Now for amendments please.
So it's good to see the Minister recognise some top issues: legal certainty & scientific basis for offsite action. Now for amendments please.
Here's our letter expressing the scale of risk in the current version: wcl.org.uk/docs/2025/20...
Here are our suggested changes: wcl.org.uk/proposed-ame...
We're grateful to MPs across Parliament for tabling amendments: @elliechowns.bsky.social @gideonamos.bsky.social @chrishinchliff.bsky.social
Here are our suggested changes: wcl.org.uk/proposed-ame...
We're grateful to MPs across Parliament for tabling amendments: @elliechowns.bsky.social @gideonamos.bsky.social @chrishinchliff.bsky.social
April 9, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Here's our letter expressing the scale of risk in the current version: wcl.org.uk/docs/2025/20...
Here are our suggested changes: wcl.org.uk/proposed-ame...
We're grateful to MPs across Parliament for tabling amendments: @elliechowns.bsky.social @gideonamos.bsky.social @chrishinchliff.bsky.social
Here are our suggested changes: wcl.org.uk/proposed-ame...
We're grateful to MPs across Parliament for tabling amendments: @elliechowns.bsky.social @gideonamos.bsky.social @chrishinchliff.bsky.social
Looking at the @mcsuk.bsky.social State of our Beaches report, this graph shows the great results of the plastic bag levy.
Wouldn't it be great if the Spending Review were to introduce more #polluterpays approaches, especially for corporate polluters, with funds directed to restore nature?
Wouldn't it be great if the Spending Review were to introduce more #polluterpays approaches, especially for corporate polluters, with funds directed to restore nature?
March 25, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Looking at the @mcsuk.bsky.social State of our Beaches report, this graph shows the great results of the plastic bag levy.
Wouldn't it be great if the Spending Review were to introduce more #polluterpays approaches, especially for corporate polluters, with funds directed to restore nature?
Wouldn't it be great if the Spending Review were to introduce more #polluterpays approaches, especially for corporate polluters, with funds directed to restore nature?
Too often, environmental targets are announced with a shout, but die with a whimper. We welcome OEP's investigation, which will help uncover why action to clean up rivers was left until too late.
Government's answer must be rapid public & private investment, enforcement & water system reform.
Government's answer must be rapid public & private investment, enforcement & water system reform.
March 20, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Too often, environmental targets are announced with a shout, but die with a whimper. We welcome OEP's investigation, which will help uncover why action to clean up rivers was left until too late.
Government's answer must be rapid public & private investment, enforcement & water system reform.
Government's answer must be rapid public & private investment, enforcement & water system reform.
Once again, over half of UK fisheries catch limits agreed for 2025 are above scientific advice.
Just 36% were in line with a precautionary approach.
Overfishing is bad for wildlife & self-defeating for the economy. Time to reduce & police catch limits and let the ocean recover.
Just 36% were in line with a precautionary approach.
Overfishing is bad for wildlife & self-defeating for the economy. Time to reduce & police catch limits and let the ocean recover.
March 19, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Once again, over half of UK fisheries catch limits agreed for 2025 are above scientific advice.
Just 36% were in line with a precautionary approach.
Overfishing is bad for wildlife & self-defeating for the economy. Time to reduce & police catch limits and let the ocean recover.
Just 36% were in line with a precautionary approach.
Overfishing is bad for wildlife & self-defeating for the economy. Time to reduce & police catch limits and let the ocean recover.
The #ClimateChange Act and the #NetZero targets that followed must surely be among the UK's greatest contributions to international relations, future generations, and technological & environmental progress.
Giving up now would be a tragedy. It would diminish us.
Giving up now would be a tragedy. It would diminish us.
March 17, 2025 at 10:56 PM
The #ClimateChange Act and the #NetZero targets that followed must surely be among the UK's greatest contributions to international relations, future generations, and technological & environmental progress.
Giving up now would be a tragedy. It would diminish us.
Giving up now would be a tragedy. It would diminish us.
But all hope of a win-win for nature & development will be dashed if the Prime Minister keeps repeating nature vs economy misrepresentation. It's undermining his own Government's more considered work.
First newts, then bats, now jumping spiders are *wrongly* blamed for delays in development.
First newts, then bats, now jumping spiders are *wrongly* blamed for delays in development.
March 13, 2025 at 8:59 PM
But all hope of a win-win for nature & development will be dashed if the Prime Minister keeps repeating nature vs economy misrepresentation. It's undermining his own Government's more considered work.
First newts, then bats, now jumping spiders are *wrongly* blamed for delays in development.
First newts, then bats, now jumping spiders are *wrongly* blamed for delays in development.
Overall, the bill strikes a better tone toward nature than previous attempts to speed up planning. But big changes are needed to make the planning system work & halt nature's decline. This is a prize worth fighting for. We hope Parliamentarians work with us to achieve it. 🧵12/12
March 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Overall, the bill strikes a better tone toward nature than previous attempts to speed up planning. But big changes are needed to make the planning system work & halt nature's decline. This is a prize worth fighting for. We hope Parliamentarians work with us to achieve it. 🧵12/12
There's more to consider in the Bill. Clause 8 limits attempts at judicial review as part of wider reforms (such as removing the "paper permission" stage) that could limit access to justice. The Clause 60 limitations on challenging an EDP raise similar concerns. 🧵11/12
March 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
There's more to consider in the Bill. Clause 8 limits attempts at judicial review as part of wider reforms (such as removing the "paper permission" stage) that could limit access to justice. The Clause 60 limitations on challenging an EDP raise similar concerns. 🧵11/12
3rd, the Clause 50 "modular" approach is good. Nature isn't included wholesale but schemes are developed one-by-one. For example we support a #NutrientNeutrality module, but species need much more care. Legal tests should ensure sound science before a new feature is added. 🧵9/12
March 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
3rd, the Clause 50 "modular" approach is good. Nature isn't included wholesale but schemes are developed one-by-one. For example we support a #NutrientNeutrality module, but species need much more care. Legal tests should ensure sound science before a new feature is added. 🧵9/12
When development happens, it should be "wilder by design", with swift bricks, green roofs, bird & bat boxes... not concrete & astroturf horrors.
The bill should require new Building Regulations for biodiversity, so that nature is built into the fabric of development. 🧵5/12
The bill should require new Building Regulations for biodiversity, so that nature is built into the fabric of development. 🧵5/12
March 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
When development happens, it should be "wilder by design", with swift bricks, green roofs, bird & bat boxes... not concrete & astroturf horrors.
The bill should require new Building Regulations for biodiversity, so that nature is built into the fabric of development. 🧵5/12
The bill should require new Building Regulations for biodiversity, so that nature is built into the fabric of development. 🧵5/12
Clause 24 allows the Public Forest Estate to be used for renewables, bringing the Forestry Commission in scope of the bill.
So Government should also give Forestry Commission (which too often focus on commercial forestry) a strong duty to help meet climate & nature goals. 🧵3/12
So Government should also give Forestry Commission (which too often focus on commercial forestry) a strong duty to help meet climate & nature goals. 🧵3/12
March 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Clause 24 allows the Public Forest Estate to be used for renewables, bringing the Forestry Commission in scope of the bill.
So Government should also give Forestry Commission (which too often focus on commercial forestry) a strong duty to help meet climate & nature goals. 🧵3/12
So Government should also give Forestry Commission (which too often focus on commercial forestry) a strong duty to help meet climate & nature goals. 🧵3/12
Local Authorities have long struggled with vague duties to be nice to nature.
The #PlanningBill should oblige Authorities to make policy & decisions in line with #ClimateChange Act & #EnvironmentAct targets, with guidance on how much each must contribute to national goals.🧵2/12
The #PlanningBill should oblige Authorities to make policy & decisions in line with #ClimateChange Act & #EnvironmentAct targets, with guidance on how much each must contribute to national goals.🧵2/12
March 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Local Authorities have long struggled with vague duties to be nice to nature.
The #PlanningBill should oblige Authorities to make policy & decisions in line with #ClimateChange Act & #EnvironmentAct targets, with guidance on how much each must contribute to national goals.🧵2/12
The #PlanningBill should oblige Authorities to make policy & decisions in line with #ClimateChange Act & #EnvironmentAct targets, with guidance on how much each must contribute to national goals.🧵2/12
Nature recovery & development can go hand-in-hand and Ministers have taken strides toward that approach.
But the #PlanningBill must do much more to live up to the promise. Here are some of the major amendments we'll be proposing. We hope Government will accept them.🧵1/12
But the #PlanningBill must do much more to live up to the promise. Here are some of the major amendments we'll be proposing. We hope Government will accept them.🧵1/12
March 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Nature recovery & development can go hand-in-hand and Ministers have taken strides toward that approach.
But the #PlanningBill must do much more to live up to the promise. Here are some of the major amendments we'll be proposing. We hope Government will accept them.🧵1/12
But the #PlanningBill must do much more to live up to the promise. Here are some of the major amendments we'll be proposing. We hope Government will accept them.🧵1/12
Now the potentially positive bit. This can only be done if the EDP would result in benefits *for that protected feature* that outweigh the damage from development.
So, polluters pay not just to offset but improve nature.
That guarantee is here in Clause 55(4).
So, polluters pay not just to offset but improve nature.
That guarantee is here in Clause 55(4).
March 11, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Now the potentially positive bit. This can only be done if the EDP would result in benefits *for that protected feature* that outweigh the damage from development.
So, polluters pay not just to offset but improve nature.
That guarantee is here in Clause 55(4).
So, polluters pay not just to offset but improve nature.
That guarantee is here in Clause 55(4).
So, will it succeed? The scary bit first.
Schedule 4 would allow developers to "disregard" the Habitats Regulations if they pay a Nature Restoration Levy in accordance with a new Environmental Delivery Plan. This is a big change, affecting our most effective nature protections.
Schedule 4 would allow developers to "disregard" the Habitats Regulations if they pay a Nature Restoration Levy in accordance with a new Environmental Delivery Plan. This is a big change, affecting our most effective nature protections.
March 11, 2025 at 2:35 PM
So, will it succeed? The scary bit first.
Schedule 4 would allow developers to "disregard" the Habitats Regulations if they pay a Nature Restoration Levy in accordance with a new Environmental Delivery Plan. This is a big change, affecting our most effective nature protections.
Schedule 4 would allow developers to "disregard" the Habitats Regulations if they pay a Nature Restoration Levy in accordance with a new Environmental Delivery Plan. This is a big change, affecting our most effective nature protections.
🧵Previous attempts to speed up environment planning rules were deregulatory: ripping up rules defending rivers from pollution, habitat from destruction, wildlife from extinction. The #PlanningBill sets a new tone aiming for nature recovery & development.
publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbi...
publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbi...
March 11, 2025 at 2:35 PM
🧵Previous attempts to speed up environment planning rules were deregulatory: ripping up rules defending rivers from pollution, habitat from destruction, wildlife from extinction. The #PlanningBill sets a new tone aiming for nature recovery & development.
publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbi...
publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbi...
Overseas Development Assistance is an amazing way to help reduce poverty, climate change & nature loss.
Programmes like the Darwin Initiative restore ecosystems for people & nature. They make the world safer.
Today's huge cut in ODA to fund defence puts all that at risk.
Programmes like the Darwin Initiative restore ecosystems for people & nature. They make the world safer.
Today's huge cut in ODA to fund defence puts all that at risk.
February 25, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Overseas Development Assistance is an amazing way to help reduce poverty, climate change & nature loss.
Programmes like the Darwin Initiative restore ecosystems for people & nature. They make the world safer.
Today's huge cut in ODA to fund defence puts all that at risk.
Programmes like the Darwin Initiative restore ecosystems for people & nature. They make the world safer.
Today's huge cut in ODA to fund defence puts all that at risk.
Positive to see Defra reward ongoing environmental action from wildlife-friendly farmers today.
Now, quick work is needed to multiply higher tier stewardship agreements - frozen for too long - dedicating more budget to drive this cutting edge of wildlife-friendly farming.
Now, quick work is needed to multiply higher tier stewardship agreements - frozen for too long - dedicating more budget to drive this cutting edge of wildlife-friendly farming.
February 25, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Positive to see Defra reward ongoing environmental action from wildlife-friendly farmers today.
Now, quick work is needed to multiply higher tier stewardship agreements - frozen for too long - dedicating more budget to drive this cutting edge of wildlife-friendly farming.
Now, quick work is needed to multiply higher tier stewardship agreements - frozen for too long - dedicating more budget to drive this cutting edge of wildlife-friendly farming.
Bad news too for wild bird populations, especially in England, especially in farmland, woodland & at sea.
Clearly, investment and enforcement of wildlife-friendly farming rules, protection and management of woodlands, and fisheries and industrial improvements at sea are urgent.
🧵2/3
Clearly, investment and enforcement of wildlife-friendly farming rules, protection and management of woodlands, and fisheries and industrial improvements at sea are urgent.
🧵2/3
February 21, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Bad news too for wild bird populations, especially in England, especially in farmland, woodland & at sea.
Clearly, investment and enforcement of wildlife-friendly farming rules, protection and management of woodlands, and fisheries and industrial improvements at sea are urgent.
🧵2/3
Clearly, investment and enforcement of wildlife-friendly farming rules, protection and management of woodlands, and fisheries and industrial improvements at sea are urgent.
🧵2/3
New data shows all bad news for England's priority wildlife habitats.
❌big drop in monitoring: Natural England needs funds to keep up
❌fall in favourable management in & outside SSSIs
❌fall in SSSIs in good condition: better incentives & enforcement urgent.
🧵1/3
❌big drop in monitoring: Natural England needs funds to keep up
❌fall in favourable management in & outside SSSIs
❌fall in SSSIs in good condition: better incentives & enforcement urgent.
🧵1/3
February 21, 2025 at 9:52 AM
New data shows all bad news for England's priority wildlife habitats.
❌big drop in monitoring: Natural England needs funds to keep up
❌fall in favourable management in & outside SSSIs
❌fall in SSSIs in good condition: better incentives & enforcement urgent.
🧵1/3
❌big drop in monitoring: Natural England needs funds to keep up
❌fall in favourable management in & outside SSSIs
❌fall in SSSIs in good condition: better incentives & enforcement urgent.
🧵1/3
We're intervening in a Supreme Court case today, this time in *support* of the Housing Department against developers in a key case for the future of river rules & the Habitats Regulations. For development & nature recovery to work together environmental assessment can't be reduced to a tick box.
February 17, 2025 at 9:20 AM
We're intervening in a Supreme Court case today, this time in *support* of the Housing Department against developers in a key case for the future of river rules & the Habitats Regulations. For development & nature recovery to work together environmental assessment can't be reduced to a tick box.
There's a sad irony in the typo in this Government press release. Most people want to broker agreement, not disagreement.
By falsely setting up bats & newts as the enemy of development, "brokering disagreements" is exactly what they're doing - with millions who care for nature.
By falsely setting up bats & newts as the enemy of development, "brokering disagreements" is exactly what they're doing - with millions who care for nature.
February 13, 2025 at 2:24 PM
There's a sad irony in the typo in this Government press release. Most people want to broker agreement, not disagreement.
By falsely setting up bats & newts as the enemy of development, "brokering disagreements" is exactly what they're doing - with millions who care for nature.
By falsely setting up bats & newts as the enemy of development, "brokering disagreements" is exactly what they're doing - with millions who care for nature.
We brought a legal challenge against the last Government when it didn't review the Environment Plan after the OEP found that targets were likely to be missed.
The new Government agreed to a review & the 1st stage is done. Now we need the policies to "speed up & scale up" action.
The new Government agreed to a review & the 1st stage is done. Now we need the policies to "speed up & scale up" action.
January 30, 2025 at 4:51 PM
We brought a legal challenge against the last Government when it didn't review the Environment Plan after the OEP found that targets were likely to be missed.
The new Government agreed to a review & the 1st stage is done. Now we need the policies to "speed up & scale up" action.
The new Government agreed to a review & the 1st stage is done. Now we need the policies to "speed up & scale up" action.
Chancellor @RachelReevesMP, millions of people are worried about #wildlife, even if some developers want to wash their hands of it.
The best way to stop people worrying about chalk streams, dormice, wildflower meadows and, yes, bats isn't to deregulate. It's to #RestoreNatureNow.
The best way to stop people worrying about chalk streams, dormice, wildflower meadows and, yes, bats isn't to deregulate. It's to #RestoreNatureNow.
January 29, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Chancellor @RachelReevesMP, millions of people are worried about #wildlife, even if some developers want to wash their hands of it.
The best way to stop people worrying about chalk streams, dormice, wildflower meadows and, yes, bats isn't to deregulate. It's to #RestoreNatureNow.
The best way to stop people worrying about chalk streams, dormice, wildflower meadows and, yes, bats isn't to deregulate. It's to #RestoreNatureNow.