What next for nature? MPs hear from outgoing Natural England Chair
On Wednesday, the Environmental Audit Committee will hear evidence from the outgoing Chair and Chief Executive of Natural England, Dr Tony Juniper and Marian Spain respectively, on the future of nature protection in England.
In light of recent extreme heat and the risk of flooding this winter, MPs are likely to ask how Natural England responded to the effects of the summer’s drought on nature in protected sites, and how it will help to deliver flood planning across catchments.
Meeting details
At 2:30pm: Oral evidence
Work
Tony Juniper CBE and Marian Spain: Valedictory (Non-inquiry session)
Outgoing Chair at Natural England
Outgoing CEO at Natural England
Other topics likely to be discussed include:
- The balance between delivering economic growth and protecting nature and the environment
- Natural England’s resourcing, in light of 2000 full time staff being cut in 2025-26
- Whether Natural England an remain independent while both delivering and assessing the Nature Restoration Fund, which it also delivers
- How the organisation is ensuring nature features in national security discussions across government