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Richard Benwell

@richardbenwell.bsky.social
911 followers 27 following 100 posts

CEO, Wildlife & Countryside Link, for #wildlife, animal #welfare and #wellbeing. wcl.org.uk @wclnews.bsky.social. Chair, #Oxfordshire Local Nature Partnership.

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Reposted by Richard Benwell
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
The plunder of our seas by industrial fishing is a monstrosity in which almost everyone unwittingly collaborates. For decades this truth has been deliberately hidden from us. Now at last the consensus is cracking. This week's column. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Attenborough’s Ocean is the film I’ve been waiting my whole career for – now the world must act on its message | George Monbiot
The documentary shows the damage that fishing does to our planet. So why does the industry still hold governments to ransom? asks Guardian columnist George Monbiot
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
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.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
Great plan. Please support whole-site bottom trawling bans in Marine Protected Areas in the consultation. There's a long way to go to protect 30% of land & sea for nature by 2030, but it can be done. We'll be reporting on progress in summer. This helps. observer.co.uk/news/oceans/...
observer.co.uk
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Good to see LGA consult on new statutory environmental duties. Please respond in support of adding duties in the #PlanningBill to drive councils' contribution to Climate Change Act and Environment Act targets. Plus the resources to help them do it. www.local.gov.uk/about/campai...
local.gov.uk
Local government and legal responsibilities to act on climate change: An LGA open consultation
Tackling climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our communities and ranks high in peoples’ priorities.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
A #PlanningBill that simplifies sustainable development *and* helps restore nature is a prize worth fighting for. And it's still within reach. We hope Government & Parliamentarians fix the weaknesses and make the Environmental Delivery Plan idea something we can all support.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
🧵Planning reform that speeds up sustainable development *and* restores nature is worth fighting for. The #PlanningBill is currently one sided, weakening nature laws with scant benefit for biodiversity. But Ministers could get back on track for a win-win. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Planning bill ‘throws environmental protection to the wind’, say UK nature chiefs
Heads of 32 charities warn proposals could push species towards extinction and lead to irreversible habitat loss
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Very good consultation from @DefraGovUK, proposing to extend the burning ban on peatland. The proposal is to increase the designated area to cover Less Favoured Areas (currently just SSSIs that are also SACs/SPAs) & protect shallower peat. Please support! www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
New proposals to ban heather burning on peatland to protect air, water and wildlife
Extension to ban of burning on deep peat proposed by Government, so that an extra 146,000 hectares are protected
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
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?
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Over 50 nature & farming groups have written to Rachel Reeves: without investment in nature-friendly farming, any hopes of sustainable food production, climate change mitigation, nature recovery & a resilient economy will be lost. www.express.co.uk/news/politic...
express.co.uk
Rachel Reeves risks 'hammer blow' to food security and nature
Nature could be in the firing line as Chancellor Rachel Reeves gives her spring statement in the Commons on Wednesday.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Here's our #PlanningBill Second Reading briefing to go with the blog: wcl.org.uk/docs/Plannin... We hope Parliamentarians and Government will work across parties to take this chance to make planning work for nature.
wcl.org.uk
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Last Parliament set targets. This Parliament is for delivery. Restoring nature needs major landowners to play a part. We proposed a Public Nature Estate, inspired by @guyshrubsole, @MarkAvery & more. @SteveReedMP has taken the 1st steps to make it real. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Defra asks England’s biggest landowners to come up with plans to restore nature
Exclusive: Representatives of king, National Trust and others called on to work together to protect environment
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Reposted by Richard Benwell
Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
BREAKING: DEFRA asks England’s biggest landowners to come up with plans to restore nature. The new National Estate for Nature is a bold move by Labour, summoning landowners who own a tenth of the country to report on their stewardship. With comment from me: www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Defra asks England’s biggest landowners to come up with plans to restore nature
Exclusive: Representatives of king, National Trust and others called on to work together to protect environment
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
New #PlanningBill blog: wcl.org.uk/planning-ref... The bill currently poses unacceptable risks to environmental law. But Environment & Housing Ministers say they want win-wins for nature & development. Their ideas could be made to work for nature. That's a prize worth fighting for.
wcl.org.uk
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill: what are the risks and opportunities?
As we approach second reading of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, nature groups are concerned about the
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
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.
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Reposted by Richard Benwell
Louisa Casson @louisacasson.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
As talks on divisive deep sea mining resume, governments need to stand firm against the unacceptable pressure by an industry that risks wreaking irreparable damage on our ocean and exacerbating the planetary crisis www.france24.com/en/live-news...
france24.com
Talks on divisive deep-sea mining resume in Jamaica
Several countries united with campaign groups Monday to call for caution in regulating the divisive practice of deep-sea mining at a meeting on the issue in Jamaica.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
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.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
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.
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Wildlife and Countryside Link @wclnews.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Leaky dams, ponds & tree planting are just some of the natural measures to curb flooding🌳 A new report from @the-wildlifetrusts.bsky.social has shown that for every £1 spent on these, there would be economic benefits of £10🪙 More investment is a no-brainer👇 www.independent.co.uk/climate-chan...
independent.co.uk
Invest in beaver dams, ponds and wild driveways to curb flooding, report urges
Natural flood measures can deliver £10 in benefits over 30 years for every £1 invested, a study says.
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Kent Wildlife Trust @kentwildlife.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Sir Keir has misrepresented the impact of conservation on housing in Ebbsfleet. The majority of the homes are going ahead. The distinguished jumping spider isn’t even in the development area, but it is a precious habitat. Let's move beyond nature vs. growth - sustainable development benefits us all.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
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.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
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
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Bat Conservation Trust @batconservation.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
🦇 A new episode of our podcast BatChat is now out! In this noisy episode, we’re taking you to the heart of the Restore Nature Now march in London, where 60,000+ passionate individuals gathered on 22 June 2024, to demand stronger action for nature. Listen here: batchat.buzzsprout.com/680561/episo...
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Government's answer to growing demand for nature-friendly farming should be to increase the budget, not to cut off contracts. SFI can be improved, but the Chancellor should use the Spending Review to invest in green farming practices as a vital foundation of sustainable growth.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
🧵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...
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Principles like #polluterpays & the #precautionaryprinciple give a crucial perspective on how environmental enhancement must be integrated in policy-making across Govt. We support the OEP's recommendations for strengthening implementation of the #EnvironmentAct legal duty. bit.ly/3QzNabs
bit.ly
Positive start to implementation of EPPS but more can be done, says OEP | Office for Environmental Protection
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Please share your views! A chance to reshape corporate governance in the public interest; to drag regulation up-to-date with nature & health targets; and make catchment plans deliver with #polluterpays & incentives across sectors consult.defra.gov.uk/independent-... www.gov.uk/government/n...
consult.defra.gov.uk
Independent Water Commission – Call for Evidence - Defra - Citizen Space
This site contains consultations that are run by Defra.
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Reposted by Richard Benwell
Estelle Dehon KC @estelledehon.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
It's out! The CCC recommends an 87% reduction in emissions by 2040 (compared to 1990 levels). Super interesting section on demand management! And an important recognition that action must ramp up quickly "on transport, buildings, industry and farming." www.theccc.org.uk/2025/02/26/e...
theccc.org.uk
​​End the fossil fuel age for a secure and prosperous future.​  - Climate Change Committee
Today the country’s climate advisors, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), present a new pathway to a decarbonised UK.…
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
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.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
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.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
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
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
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.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Please don't forget to #ShowTheLove2025 with @TheCCoalition by emailing your MP to ask them to be a champion for environmental action in Parliament. www.theclimatecoalition.org/show-the-love
theclimatecoalition.org
The Climate Coalition - Show The Love
Help create a collective artwork, craft green hearts, spark meaningful conversations, and call on your MP to stand with us in showing the love!
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Green Alliance @green-alliance.org.uk · 12/02/2025
"In the face of the current wave of environmental backlash and net zero scaremongering, rejecting Rosebank is a golden opportunity for the UK to draw a line in the sand against the myths and misinformation" writes @carolinelucas.bsky.social in our latest blog. Read it now👉
greenallianceblog.org.uk
The evidence is clear, the Rosebank oilfield would do nothing for the UK
This post is by Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion 2010-2024, former leader and co-leader of The Green Party, and co-president of European Movement. Last week, it was leaked from the top of g…
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
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.
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Wildlife and Countryside Link @wclnews.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
As Biodiversity Net Gain approaches its 1st Birthday, how can Government boost it to its full potential?🌱 In our new blog, @richardbenwell.bsky.social sets out the need to up the ambition, close loopholes & increase local ecological capacity🏘️ Read more👇 www.wcl.org.uk/happy-birthd...
A pond with green reeds. Text reads "Net Gain for Nature. Government must ensure the Net Gain scheme & planning reforms deliver for nature, climate, communities & development"
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Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Been reading through the Government's new Land Use Consultation. Here's the juiciest bits I've seen so far! An excellent, bold proposal to spare 9% of England's least-productive land for nature & carbon - restoring peat bogs & regenerating woods - & changes to ag land use over a further 10% /1
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
I left Steve Reed's #LandUseFramework consultation launch feeling hopeful. For healthy food, green infrastructure *and* nature, it'll need: 🌎a legal link to planning & consenting 🌍rules to target incentives 🌏public interest in private land important for wildlife. www.gov.uk/government/s...
gov.uk
Environment Secretary announces Land Use Framework
Steve Reed sets out how the most sophisticated land use data ever published will support decision-making by local government, landowners, businesses and farmers
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
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.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
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.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
The objectives of the Chancellor's Infrastructure Strategy all need nature. 💚Resilient growth 💚Net zero 💚Illness to prevention The Chancellor needs an investment programme, a project pipeline & priority projects for Critical Natural Infrastructure. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6793c6...
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Genuinely baseless challenges shouldn't hold up projects like renewables development. In reality this rarely happens. Legal changes mustn't unfairly weigh the system against access to environmental justice when few delays come from troublesome claimants. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Legal challenges to UK infrastructure projects to be blocked in push for growth
Keir Starmer hopes his plan to ‘take the brakes off Britain’ will send a message to business to build more
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
In 2023-24, the UK was off-track in all its nature targets. Coming months are make or break for Government to meet its legal duty to halt nature decline by 2030. We need: 💚Investment in the Spending Review 💚Space & protection for wildlife in planning reform 💚X-sector polluter pays in water reform
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
Beavers: politically-neutral, environmentally-positive. Let's go for it! #RiversNeedBeavers beavertrust.org/wp-content/u...
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
The Water Restoration Fund is a great way to ensure water company fines help restore nature. Government is resisting putting the Fund in law & the first £11m hasn't been paid, leaving projects in limbo. If not in law, will the Government secure this vital fund in the Budget?
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Green Alliance @green-alliance.org.uk · 14/01/2025
Will the Nature Restoration Fund help or harm? 🌱 In this new blog, @richardbenwell.bsky.social unpacks how the UK’s planning reforms could shape a better future for wildlife—if done right. 🦋 greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/01/14/c...
greenallianceblog.org.uk
Can the Nature Restoration Fund really restore nature?
This post is by Richard Benwell, chief executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link. In his excellent blog, ‘We can make space for nature and people’, Tony Juniper is right that the current planning …
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Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
A tale of two headlines based on the same press release. The reality, of course, is that the National Trust’s nature restoration efforts will bolster good farming, by “improving the health of enough soil to provide habitat for 1 billion earthworms.”
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
When nature targets are missed, Governments shrug shoulders & move on. Like the 2020 goal for healthy UK seas. Since then, positive steps on fishing have been delayed & there's no credible plan for marine wildlife. The OEP's investigation will help ensure that nature targets aren't just forgotten.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
At our General Election hustings the Shadow Nature Minister said the Labour Party would "stop destructive bottom trawling" in Marine Protected Areas as "one of our first measures". Now the previous government's deadline has passed, we need quick work from Defra to protect UK seas & restore wildlife
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Our Marine Protected Area network is big, but it's not strong. Just 44% of protected species & habitats are in good condition. The Environmental Improvement Plan promised byelaws to stop harmful fisheries in 2024, but only 60% are done. Defra must get back on track quickly.
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Richard Benwell @richardbenwell.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Although it's new, BNG needs urgent review. The weaknesses are ones we flagged from the outset: 🏡Enforcement is failing so promised gains never appear. 🏠The 10% gain requirement isn't enough to contribute to nature recovery 🏘️Huge loopholes leave many developments exempt.
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