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.
Reposted by Richard Benwell
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...
This week's column.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
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
www.theguardian.com
June 13, 2025 at 9:24 AM
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...
This week's column.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
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.
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/...
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
June 9, 2025 at 7:42 AM
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/...
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/...
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...
www.local.gov.uk/about/campai...
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.
www.local.gov.uk
April 11, 2025 at 10:09 AM
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...
www.local.gov.uk/about/campai...
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.
We hope Government & Parliamentarians fix the weaknesses and make the Environmental Delivery Plan idea something we can all support.
Without big changes, the Government’s Planning Bill could spell disaster for nature 🥀
The Gov has promised a win-win for building & nature, but right now the Bill doesn't deliver🏡
@richardbenwell.bsky.social explains what the Gov needs to do to make the Bill work for people and nature 👇
The Gov has promised a win-win for building & nature, but right now the Bill doesn't deliver🏡
@richardbenwell.bsky.social explains what the Gov needs to do to make the Bill work for people and nature 👇
April 9, 2025 at 11:59 AM
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.
We hope Government & Parliamentarians fix the weaknesses and make the Environmental Delivery Plan idea something we can all support.
🧵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/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
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
www.theguardian.com
April 9, 2025 at 7:13 AM
🧵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/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
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...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
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
www.gov.uk
March 31, 2025 at 8:01 AM
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...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
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?
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...
www.express.co.uk/news/politic...
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.
www.express.co.uk
March 25, 2025 at 11:52 AM
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...
www.express.co.uk/news/politic...
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.
We hope Parliamentarians and Government will work across parties to take this chance to make planning work for nature.
March 21, 2025 at 1:42 PM
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.
We hope Parliamentarians and Government will work across parties to take this chance to make planning work for nature.
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/...
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/...
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
www.theguardian.com
March 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM
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/...
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/...
Reposted by Richard Benwell
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/...
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/...
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
www.theguardian.com
March 20, 2025 at 5:17 PM
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/...
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/...
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.
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.
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
wcl.org.uk
March 20, 2025 at 5:33 PM
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.
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.
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.
Reposted by Richard Benwell
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...
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
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.
www.france24.com
March 19, 2025 at 5:21 PM
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...
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
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.
Reposted by Richard Benwell
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...
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...
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.
www.independent.co.uk
March 13, 2025 at 2:42 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by Richard Benwell
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.
March 13, 2025 at 2:45 PM
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.
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.
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
Reposted by Richard Benwell
🦇 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...
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...
March 12, 2025 at 11:28 AM
🦇 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...
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...
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.
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.
Joined @farmersweeklyuk.bsky.social emergency podcast to discuss Defra’s sudden SFI closure. Many farmers blocked by complexity, slow RPA processes, waiting months, now shut out overnight.
We need an interim solution now and a clear, workable long-term plan. 👇
www.fwi.co.uk/farmers-week...
We need an interim solution now and a clear, workable long-term plan. 👇
www.fwi.co.uk/farmers-week...
Farmers Weekly Podcast - Farmers Weekly
Farmers Weekly Podcast
www.fwi.co.uk
March 12, 2025 at 8:14 PM
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.
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.
🧵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...
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
We support the OEP's recommendations for strengthening implementation of the #EnvironmentAct legal duty.
bit.ly/3QzNabs
Positive start to implementation of EPPS but more can be done, says OEP | Office for Environmental Protection
bit.ly
February 27, 2025 at 10:45 AM
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
We support the OEP's recommendations for strengthening implementation of the #EnvironmentAct legal duty.
bit.ly/3QzNabs