Upland Vision Needs Testing

12 November 2009

The NGO said today that a new ‘upland vision', launched by Natural England, has put the cart before the horse by describing what NE wants before the debate with partners has even begun.

In 'Vital Uplands', NE has set out how it believes the English Uplands should look in 2060 but in an accompanying press release it says it wants the report to 'kick start' a debate. Consulting with land managers first might have been a more efficient and cost-effective way forward.

"Suggesting that 25% of the uplands should have some woodland cover will certainly provoke a debate," said Alan Edwards, Chairman of the NGO Moorland Branch. Currently only 3% English uplands has native woodland cover and the open character of the rest is vital to moorland species like red grouse, merlin and golden plover.

Alan went on, "NE did not show us any drafts of the report. Doing so could have led to a more sensible document." For example, the ‘vision' does acknowledge the role of red grouse management but it underplays its contribution to the sustainability of the English uplands and undermines some of its core management requirements.

The NGO Moorland Branch will now be engaging with other interested bodies in discussing the ‘upland vision' with NE.