Andy Egan, head of conservation policy for the Woodland Trust, said:" We understand Government had a difficult balance to strike. However, the pick and mix approach announced today is a gamble and one that, as it stands, won’t bring the change that is required to halt the spiralling biodiversity loss in the UK, or make our country more resilient to the impacts of climate change. The guiding principle of ELM was to see public money for public goods – farmers rewarded for helping nature thrive. Introducing management payments and moving away from packages of standards is a step away from this original principle. That said, what it does do is allow farmers to test the water and we welcome the recognition of the need to support woodland management as well as creation, help for farmers to protect ancient and veteran trees, and payments for agroforestry. And we’re keen to lend our support and advice."
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Posted On: 27/01/2023