www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

You may already be aware of this, but the Chief Executive of Natural England, Dr Helen Phillips, has called a review of the "sanctity" of the green belt to ensure that future policies are "appropriate to modern times".

Dr Phillips has stated that she hopes to generate debate about how it "could be better used to benefit people and the environment, rather than acting as a barrier between the two"

Any alarm bells ringing yet

Felix.

That's very worrying on several fronts.

- First of all, the fact that one of the "guardians" of the green belt seems to be buckling to pressure.
- Secondly, the phrase "appropriate to modern times" is worrying - what does that mean? Too many people and not enough space? How about curbing immigration instead?
- Lastly, how can any loss of green belt "benefit ... the environment".

Unbelievable. I'd expect a Chief Exec. to stand their ground

Cheers,

- Pete

Indeed Pete,

Worrying on several fronts.

This is the same Natural England that has sanctioned the release of 257 Grey Squirrels into "acceptable areas" which seems contrary to all common sense.

The Wildlife and Counrtyside Act prohibits the release of alien species but NE has assumed powers under the act to issue 18 licences to release grey squirrels.

It seems inconceivable that either of it's predecessors the NCC or English Nature would have sanctioned such an action.

The European Squirrel Initiative (ESI) has tried under the Freedom of Information Act to ascertain to whom the 18 licences has been granted, but Natural England have refused to reveal this information.

Don't get me wrong, I am not Natural England bashing, but it is important to recognise that when the name changed, so did the raison d'être.

I know that this isn't a butterfly issue, it's a red/grey squirrel one; but it may not be long before an issue closer to our collective heart rears it's head.

Cheers,

Felix.