Natural England

Countryside Agency will play vital role after shake up in rural delivery - 11 November 2003

Sir Ewen Cameron, Chairman of the Countryside Agency and Rural Advocate, said:

“The Secretary of State acknowledges us as an effective champion for rural issues.   We have made a substantial and positive difference for people who live in and who visit the countryside.   Changing circumstances demand some change in structure.   But within these, we will continue to be an independent voice on behalf of those people, advising the government and monitoring the effectiveness of its rural policies.” 

The detailed arrangements will need much work over the coming months.   The Countryside Agency’s Board will play a full role in shaping the new agenda, helping to ensure that the outcomes will be the best possible for people living in and visiting the countryside.

Sir Ewen said: “The Countryside Agency Board believes we are best able to contribute under the new arrangements by:

• Acting as a source of rural expertise, able to advise government and others on rural issues (rural advocacy, intelligence and expertise)
• Reporting on best practice in the delivery of Government’s rural objectives (rural watchdog)
• Developing further the rural proofing agenda (rural proofer)
• Testing ideas locally (rural innovator) and ensuring that regional and local delivery bodies are aware of best practice.    

“The Agency’s Board is also concerned that the other new arrangements will be a success.”

“In particular, the complex agenda for sustainable land use and the public benefits that flow from it, could benefit from the formation of an integrated body.   Like everybody involved we want to ensure the changes are a success. Such a body will only work if recreation and access are as important to its vision as biodiversity – they must be given equal billing.    That way, people and the rural economy can benefit from the investment, the nation makes in conservation.”                                           

Sir Ewen continued:   “Equally, the clear challenge which the Secretary of State has set out for Regional Development Agencies and others to deliver more to rural communities at local level is welcome.   But, to make it work, capacity will have to be built at a local and regional level and there must be sufficient money made available to deliver the schemes we have pioneered in all the areas that need it.   We shall want to ensure that the lessons of our pioneering social and economic programmes underpin best practice everywhere.

“The Countryside Agency shall of course continue its work for rural communities and the rural environment to our usual high standards.” 

Praising the work of the Agency staff, Sir Ewen said:   “I want to applaud all of our staff who have continued to work with great professionalism throughout a time of real uncertainty.   I have no doubt they will continue to contribute to the successful implementation of these changes. ”

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Note to Editors:

Further information or interview – please contact Isobel Coy at the Countryside Agency on 0207 340 2906 or (mobile) 07973 94 28 92

Sir Ewen Cameron’s comments follow the publication today (11 November 2003) of Lord Haskins’ Review of Rural Delivery and the Government’s interim response.

The Countryside Agency is the statutory body working to make the quality of life better for people in the countryside and the quality of the countryside better for everyone.   It is funded by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.   

The Agency was established at the end of March 1999, following the merger of the Countryside Commission and the Rural Development Commission  to champion the English countryside and tackle real rural priorities - the statutory body responsible for advising Government and taking action on issues relating to the social, economic and environmental well-being of the English countryside.