WIREDGOV

“We are delighted to have received the Government’s positive and encouraging response to our report on conservation covenants.

“We recommended the introduction of a new statutory scheme of conservation covenants in June 2014. The scheme would, if implemented, allow landowners to ensure the long-term conservation of features such as habitats and historic buildings. In its formal response to these recommendations the Government says it “broadly agrees” that such a scheme could contribute to the protection of England’s natural and historic assets. The response applies only to England but the position in Wales will be kept under review.

“In her letter to me, Elizabeth Truss MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, thanks the Commission for our “excellent work”, “thorough analysis” and “thoughtful recommendations”, and commits to exploring what part conservation covenants could play in her Department’s 25-Year Environment Plan.

“We remain very much of the view that conservation covenants are a versatile, effective tool that would enable charities, communities and private individuals to achieve their conservation aims for the long-term benefit of the public. We look forward to them becoming part of the fabric of conservation in England.”

Sir David Bean, Chairman