Reports about and affecting the region's environment
Reports about the South West's environment or of interest to the South
West, this page includes links to key websites. Find out more by viewing
the 5 most recent reports below or selecting a theme:
Can't find your report here and would like to make a link?
Contact Annette Carr via annette.carr@environment-agency.gov.uk or
telephone 07867 663908
Regional
reports
Title & link to report |
Details |
|
|
State of the Countryside 2008 provides a comprehensive description of social, economic and environmental conditions and changes across rural England, highlighting the main challenges and future trends for government and other organisations. |
|
This State of the Natural Environment 2008 Report, brings together
for the first time the evidence we have about the current state
of our natural environment. By integrating this evidence and presenting
it in this report we are able to ensure that both Natural England
and other organisations have evidence at their fingertips, that
can inform policies, priorities and decisions which may affect
the natural environment. |
|
The second publication of a comprehensive look at
the current state of the South West. Produced in partnership with
key organisations in the region, this report looks at the current
trends in our:
- Environment
- Economy
- Health
- Transport and communications
- Labour market
- Skills and learning
- Governance
- Crime
- Social & welfare
- Housing
- Culture
|
|
We all know that the South West is a great place to live, work
or visit but what is really happening in our environment.
This report looks at key environmental issues in the region, giving
local / county level, regional, national and international trends.
Chapters include:
- Atmosphere
- Biodiversity
- Energy
- Flooding
- Inland water
- Land & land use
- Marine environment
- People & communities
- Waste & pollution
|
|
|
A poster summary of the South West's environment, including 52
facts with barometer indications of whether the region's environment
is getting better or worse.
A map of the region also highlights some of the key good and bad
environmental impacts.
A full summary report of the state of the South West's environment
will be available in the spring. |
|
A year on from the launch of the Strategy, this first Progress
Report assesses how the environment in the region is changing, and
the response that partner organisations have made in delivering
priority actions.
The Progress Report is based on two elements: monitoring environmental
outcomes in relation to the targets and indicators set out in the
Strategy; and monitoring delivery of the actions in the implementation
plan. |
|
An eclectic mix of numerical, historical and quirky facts, 100
things... is designed to celebrate the wealth of cultural activity
in the region and promote its economic, social and environmental
value.
It's about culture in the broadest sense, including landscape,
the built environment and faith activities, alongside the arts,
media, sport, museums, libraries, heritage and tourism. Even more
broadly, it's about the important things we choose to do.
|
|
According to Steeping Forward - a resource flow and ecological
footprint analysis of the South West, if everyone lived like the
average South West resident we would need two extra planets. In
2001, the South West:
- Consumed over 48 million tonnes of materials and products
- Generated 20 million tonnes of waste
- Generated nearly 27 million tonnes of CO2, 45% of which came
from road transport
- Used 93,760 GWh of energy and more than 3 million megalitres
of water
- Residents travelled a total of 56 billion kilometres, 82% by
car and 5% by air
- Tourists travelled 9.8 billion kilometres to and from the region
- The eco-efficiency of the South West's economy was 58%: for
every tonne of product consumed by the economy nearly half becomes
waste
The ecological footprint of a South West resident was 5.56 global
hectares. If everyone on the planet lived like the average South
West resident, we would need two extra earths.
A summary
report, resource
flow report, ecological
footprint report, scenarios
report, tourism
report and technical
report are all available to download. |
|
This study by the Environment Agency takes data provided in
water company plans and models the consequences for public water
supplies of accelerating the rate of household growth across the
region by up to 50% above current rates.
It informs the work of the South West Regional Assembly to develop
the Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West (RSS10). It reviews
the impact on public water supplies of accelerating growth over
the period up to 2030. Housing growth is modelled against the background
provided in water company plans including:
- Predicted changes in per capita water consumption
- Reductions in leakage
- Changes in the coverage of metered properties and water available
from new resource developments.
|
|
If we want to continue to enjoy a high quality environment and
high quality of life in the South West, we need to protect our environmental
assets, improve our management and stewardship of these assets,
and invest in their enhancement for the future. The Regional Assembly
and Regional Environment Network believe this is critical for the
long-term sustainable development of the South West. This is why
they have collaborated on producing the first ever Regional Strategy
for the South West environment, to provide focus for co-ordinated
regional action on the environment.
Following the launch of Our Environment: Our Future A Regional
Strategy for the South West's Environment, the strategy is now available
to download.
|
|
(word file 1.44MB) |
SW Envirotech, the sector body for the Environment Technology
Sector in the SW of England, has now developed a Sector Strategy
for the Environmental Technology Sector in the South West.
EKOS Consulting, on behalf of SW Envirotech, has drawn together
this Sector Strategy for the Environmental Technology Sector (ETS)
in the South West. |
National & international
reports
Title & link to report |
Details |
|
|
This report aims to be a 'first call' for those seeking quantitative
information on social, economic and environmental issues in rural
areas.
The annual State of the Countryside report sets out to provide
a broad picture of social, economic and environmental conditions
and change across rural England. It aims to raise the profile of
rural issues, to develop understanding of the rural dimension and
to generate and influence debate about the challenges and choices
ahead.
|
|
This report provides information on the conditions of homes and
places at a regional level and the differences between those regions.
Presented within this report are key regional findings from the
2003 English House Condition Survey (EHCS) for the nine regions,
including:
- Decent homes
- Private sector vulnerable households living in non-decent homes
- Energy efficiency and liveability.
It also reviews the extent into which regions differ from each
other on key indicators and how they differ from the national picture. |
| |
The Environment Agency's annual Spotlight report, highlighting
the environmental performance of business in England and Wales over
the past year.
Good environmental performance could save UK industry £5.8
billion every year, enhance reputation with customers and investors,
drive innovation and create markets; all giving business a competitive
edge.
But it works both ways: poor environmental performance will cost,
and cost you in more ways than you might realise. Download the Spotlight
report on the left to find out who's improved their environmental
performance this year. |
|
Ecological Budget UK provides a much needed evidence base to
better understand the important issues of Sustainable Consumpion
and Production (SCP).
Counting Consumption provides a clear picture of the CO2 emissions,
material flows and Ecological Footprint of the UK by region and
devolved country. The report also provides a statistical and scientific
basis for SCP strategies in the UK at national and regional levels.
|
|
For everyone who lives and works within rural England and for
those who value its unique character and beauty and who care about
its future, State of the Countryside 2005 provides essential, informative
reading. For the first time, this comprehensive report draws on
the new rural and urban definition, providing a detailed picture
of life in the hamlets, villages and towns across the English countryside.
Covering vital new ground, it presents evidence on the social,
environmental and economic factors that shape rural life today.
State of the Countryside 2005 analyses and interprets the complete
picture, presenting critical new information in an approachable,
fully illustrated format.
|
|
Europe’s demand on the biosphere plays a significant part
in this. With merely 7% of the world population, the European Union
uses 17% of the biosphere’s regenerative capacity.
Today, the footprint of the EU-25 is 2.2 times as large as its
own biological capacity. This means that at its current rate of
consumption just over twice its own land and sea space would be
required to support Europe’s resource demands.
As a result of increasing human demand and declining ecological
wealth, Europe is losing room to manoeuvre. It increasingly exports
its insatiable demands for natural resources to poorer countries.
To reduce this constriction and to eventually reverse these trends,
we need sustainable development – which WWF defines as improving
the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity
of our supporting ecosystems. |
|
Five years ago the Environment Agency reported on the state of
the environment and the major challenges facing us in the new millennium.
Environment 2000 and beyond set out the environmental priorities
for the future and the Environment Agency's corporate strategy,
Making It Happen, identified the actions we were going to take to
address them.
This is an overview of the state of the environment now and how
it has changed since 2000. The report has been split into subjects,
showing what is getting better and what is getting worse and then
outlining what the Environment Agency plan to do about them as well
as what society as a whole needs to do. |
|
This Strategy aims to enable all people throughout the world
to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life
without compromising the quality of life of future generations.
It contains:
- A new integrated vision building on the 1999 strategy –
with stronger international and societal dimensions
- Five principles – with a more explicit focus on environmental
limits
- Four agreed priorities – sustainable consumption and
production, climate change, natural resource protection and sustainable
communities
- A new indicator set, which is more outcome focused, with commitments
to look at new indicators such as on wellbeing
|
|
A new vision for a very extensive and often overlooked resource
- the countryside in and around England’s towns and cities.
This document results from a collaboration of English Nature, Rural
Delivery Service and Forestry Commission, together with the landscape,
access and recreation responsibilities of the Countryside Agency
(which are being merged by the Government in April 2005. |
|
|
The Living Planet Report is WWF's periodic update on the state
of the world's ecosystems. This is measured using 2 main indicators:
- The Living Planet Index is derived from trends over the past
30 years in populations of hundreds of species of birds, mammals,
reptiles, amphibians and fish.
- The second indicator is a measure our human Ecological Footprint
- this is the pressure placed by humans on these populations,
and caused by our consumption of renewable natural resources.
This report confirms that humanity is now consuming over 20% more
natural resources than the Earth can produce, causing rapid declines
in wild animal populations. |
Air, climate & flooding
(see also biodiversity & marine)
Title & link to report |
Details |
|
Friends of the Earth 2007 |
A new South West survey published on 24th October 2007, reveals
a massive surge in community activity on climate change across
the South West.
The survey carried out by Friends of the Earth shows that:
- Over 250 community groups are involved in activities
around climate change.
- Between them they involve over 25,000 people, who
give their time almost entirely voluntarily.
|
|
|
Over 600,000 people are now surfing in the UK. Surfers in the
UK rely on a combination of clean, safe water, consistent swells
and favourable tidal conditions to get the most out of British waves.
SAS have spent the last year researching the potential impacts
of a changing climate and are now concerned that surfers in the
UK could suffer from:
- A reduction in water quality as sewer systems are overwhelmed
during storm events, increasing the health risks to surfers and
other recreational water users.
- Changes in surf conditions as sea level rise leads to less
surf at some lowtide reefs, increased beach erosion at some sites.
- Possible changes in the amount of surf reaching some areas or
at certain times of the year.
- Much reduced water temperature if the Gulf Stream were to shut
down.
|
| |
Action is needed now to prevent the loss of some of the UK's
most valued plants and wildlife as a result of climate change, according
to a new report launched on the 22nd May 2007 by Natural England.
The MONARCH report illustrates potential impacts of climate change
on some of our most rare or threatened species, under different
projected levels of greenhouse gas emissions to the 2080s. |
| |
The over 50s make up an increasing proportion of the UK population.
This study was undertaken as part of a DEFRA funded communication
project “Climate Talk” aimed at raising awareness and
understanding of climate change issues in the over 50s. The report
examines the carbon footprint of the over 50s in the UK and their
attitudes to climate change.
A survey of over 700 people aged 50 years and older in the North
Yorkshire area was undertaken to gain an understanding of their
perceptions of climate change and their attitudes on:
- causes of climate change
- timings for current and potential climate change on the UK
and the world
- impact of climate change on aspects of their life (e.g. health,
safety, holidays)
- influences on climate change
- action they might personally take to limit climate change
|
| |
The first Marine Climate Change Impacts Annual Report Card represents
the first step to bring together evidence from across the UK science
community to help you understand and act upon the issues.
The Annual Report Card begins with a summary of climate changes
in the marine environment, setting the context for the subsequent
assessments of impacts on our vision for an ecosystem that is healthy
and biologically diverse; clean and safe; and (commercially) productive.
These impacts could be good or bad, but that judgement needs further
debate, and what is presented here should inform it. |
| |
The “Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change” book, which
has just been launched by Defra, explores these questions posed
by the growing evidence of climate change such as how much climate
change can we take and how can we avoid levels which can be considered
dangerous?
The book gives an account of the most recent developments on the
science of climate change, explores how much climate change is too
much and how can we avoid it. It examines the consequences of different
levels of climate change in terms of impacts for different sectors
and regions, as well as the world as a whole. And it considers technological
options that can be deployed to achieve different levels of climate
change as the world moves to a lower carbon economy.
The book builds on the scientific findings presented at the “Avoiding
Dangerous Climate Change” conference, which took place at
the Met Office, Exeter in February 2005 at the start of the UK's
G8 Presidency. |
| |
A report commissioned by Defra and prepared by a group led by
the British Trust for Ornithology, which draws together broad research
on the effects of climate change migratory wildlife.
Key findings include:
- Changes in range are widely documented in all taxa, with distributions
of most shifting polewards.
- Incidence of ‘southern’ species, such as the Little
Egret (a bird), Loggerhead Turtle and Red Mullet (a fish) is increasing
in the UK.
- The wintering areas of bird populations are changing as a result
of climate-driven changes in migratory behaviour, with birds such
as chiffchaff now living in Britain all year round.
- Species found in arctic and mountain habitats, like polar bears,
are under the greatest threat as they are already at the limit
of available habitats.
- Barriers to migration may become more severe in response to
climate change.
- Arctic and montane species (most of which are migratory) are
a major conservation concern, as they cannot shift further north
in warmer climates.
|
|
A new note outlining how Defra is using science and technology
to tackle climate change was published on Wednesday 17 August.
This note, the second in a series, presents a snapshot of the science
and technology Defra fund in order to tackle climate change. Climate
change is an important area for Defra - in 2004-05, the Department
spent more than £15.6 million on research, from funding the
Hadley Centre who analyse the trends in our climate system, to studying
the effects of changing temperatures and rainfall on the tourism
industry. |
| |
Some of the worst floods ever seen in Britain devastated Boscastle
and surrounding areas of North Cornwall on 16 August 2004.
This booklet has been produced by the Environment Agency to explain
what happened, the work done since and the possible options that
may reduce the risk of future flooding.
It is based on an expert study of the floods, analysing information
about the
storms, rainfall and rivers in the area. This study is being used
to advise North Cornwall District Council on the rebuilding of properties
and to help the Environment Agency look at improvement options.
It aims to help and inform not only the people of Boscastle and
North Cornwall but also others who want to learn about the events
of 16 August 2004. |
|
|
A report from the Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) following on
from the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland. Contents include:
- What is particulate matter?
- Where does it come from?
- What are the health effects of particulate matter?
- Particulate matter and the UK Air Quality Strategy
- How are emissions of particulate matter changing?
- How is particulate matter measured?
- Particulate matter monitoring networks
- What are the concentrations of particulate matter and how are
they changing?
- Are there conditions that can lead to high concentrations of
particulate matter?
- Do current concentrations exceed the EU limits?
- What are the concentrations in places without monitoring sites?
- How are concentrations predicted to change in the future?
- The future
|
|
The Environment Agency's first national report on climate change
- revealing how the environment and quality of life in England and
Wales will be affected by climate change.
Climate change is one of the Agency's highest priorities and it
is building the country’s resilience to some of the biggest
impacts: water shortages, flooding and environmental deterioration.
And, in our regulation of industry, we are playing our part in addressing
the causes.
In this first national report on climate change, some of the questions
above are answered by using real examples of conditions that will
become more common as the climate changes. It is reported from the
Agency's own point of view focuses on the threats rather than the
opportunities, because that is where action is needed. |
|
The government's plan to improve and protect ambient medium-term
air quality in the UK. It sets out objectives for the following
eight main air pollutants in order to protect health:
- Benzene
- 1,3-butadiene
- Carbon monoxide
- Lead
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Ozone
- Particles (PM10)
- Sulphur dioxide
|
|
|
A report published by The Energy Saving Trust, in association
with the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP), showing what changes
climate change could bring about in the UK.
Different scenarios are given which illustrate how much our environment
will change depending upon what action we take today. Information
includes:
- Predicted changes in species, health, economy, society and environment
- Regional summary of expected impacts
- How you can help
Published as part of Energy Efficiency Week. |
|
The impact of global warming is being felt most by the world’s
poorest people, as many case studies make clear. Food production,
water supplies, public health, and people’s livelihoods are
all being damaged and undermined.
This report looks at the threats that global warming poses to human
development and suggests urgent actions required. |
|
A comprehensive website on climate change in the South West,
including:
- Links to key reports and publications
- Key climate change impact study findings
- Climate change news
- Links to find out more about climate change
- Background information about climate change in the SW
|
|
A paper reviewing the evidence for climate change, its human
causes, projections for future climate change, its likely impacts
and related adaptation options, and the issues surrounding stabilisation
of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at an acceptable level.
|
|
Introductory leaflet to climate change in the South West |
|
Report on the likely impacts of climate change in the South West |
|
The UK Strategy describing the plans drawn up by the Government
and the devolved administrations to improve and protect ambient
air quality in the UK in the medium-term. |
|
Advice on the health impacts of air pollution
|
Biodiversity (see also
marine environment)
Title & link to report |
Details |
|
|
This new document provides a coherent set of answers to the
questions that many concerned about the natural environment ask
when it comes to birds, biodiversity and climate pressures. |
|
In the 25th year of the Wildlife and Countryside Act gaining
Royal Assent, a report on bird-related crimes across the UK in 2006,
published by the RSPB, shows that wildlife crime is still a significant
hazard to some of our most threatened birds.
The Society's latest Birdcrime report shows 1,109 reported incidents
relating to wild birds in 2006, more than a 50 per cent increase
on the previous year (726 incidents). However, investigators at
the RSPB believe the increase in reported figures partially as a
direct result of improved procedures for recording wildlife crimes,
particularly aided by the creation of the National Wildlife Crime
Unit in 2006. |
|
The MONARCH report illustrates potential impacts of climate change
on some of our most rare or threatened species, under different
projected levels of greenhouse gas emissions to the 2080s.
The report is the result of a seven-year research programme, led
by Natural England in partnership with conservation bodies throughout
the UK. It has been written in response to climate change - the
most serious threat to biodiversity in the 21st Century. |
| |
Examining 14 years of cetacean records records from the South
West and summarising what needs to be done to ensure a safe and
healthy future for these animals off our coast. |
|
The Hedgerow Survey Handbook has been prepared on
behalf of the Steering Group for the UK Biodiversity Action Plan
for Hedgerows. Published in March 2007, this first edition handbook
aims to improve the fact that we still don’t know enough about
the quality and make up of our hedgerows. There is a broad picture
available at a national level through the national Countryside Survey
programme, but action requires local knowledge and this is lacking
over the majority of the UK.
This detailed survey handbook described how and what
should be surveyed, how to complete Field Survey forms and data
management. |
|
The number of non-native species in England and the impacts they
have on the environment have been revealed for the first time in
research commissioned by English Nature, the Government’s
independent wildlife advisor.
Researchers discovered there are 2,721 non-native species and hybrids
in the wild in England, including 1,798 flowering plants (73% of
the total), most of which have escaped from gardens.
|
|
The 2004 IUCN Red List contains 15,589 species threatened with
extinction. The assessment includes species from a broad range of
taxonomic groups including vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and
fungi. However, this figure is an underestimate of the total number
of threatened species as it is based on an assessment of less than
3% of the world’s 1.9 million described species.
|
|
The lack of veteran trees and deadwood in Europe's forests is
a major cause of biodiversity loss, according to a report by WWF.
This report reveals that a third of forest-dwelling species rely
on dead or dying trees, logs, and branches for their survival. Deadwood
is at a critically low level, mainly due to a lack of recognition
for its importance, inappropriate management practices in commercial
forests and even in protected areas. In western Europe forests have
on average less than 5% of the deadwood expected in natural conditions.
Levels are particularly low in western Europe where compared to
rare existing natural forests up to a quarter of the timber is deadwood.
|
|
|
The South West Biodiversity Implementation Plan has been developed
by the South West Regional Biodiversity Partnership to set out a
framework of policy, priorities and actions to assist in a more
joined up approach to biodiversity delivery.
It identifies key programmes of work, both for those directly
involved and for those who can enable these, under five specific
sectors:
- Farming and Food
- Water and Wetlands
- Woodlands and Forestry
- Towns, Cities and Development
- Coastal and Marine Environment
|
|
Produced by the South West Biodiversity Partnership - including
details of a range of partnership projects. |
|
Results and analysis of the 4th otter survey |
Energy
Title & link to report |
Details |
|
Ten non-governmental organisations joined forces to ensure that the feasibility study fully explores the appropriate role of the UK Government in supporting major energy projects; and considers the alternatives to and the opportunity costs of different energy projects in the Severn. |
|
Energy White Paper published - setting out a long term framework
for action to address the challenges of climate change and maintaining
stable & affordable energy supply in an increasingly unstable
world |
|
Britain should use biomass to generate heat according to the
Biomass Task Force report.
The Task Force concludes that biomass (fuel from forestry, crops
and waste) could reduce the nation's carbon emissions by almost
three million tonnes a year if used to provide heating. The carbon
saving would be the equivalent of taking 3.25 million cars off the
road.
|
|
A survey of renewable electricity & heat projects in the
South West in 2005 finds:
- 102 grid connected renewable electricity projects
- The installed capacity for renewable electricity now stands
at 109.4 MW, up 4.4 MW in the last twelve months.
- The renewable electricity schemes in the region are now producing
enough electricity to supply the equivalent of 130,8751 homes,
avoiding the production of 313,0002 tonnes of carbon dioxide per
year.
|
|
Full details of renewable energy in the South West, including
reports, resource mapping, sensitivity assessment maps and links |
|
Identification of sub-regional (i.e. county) targets and to specify
criteria for use in development plans and in considering applications
for renewable energy proposals. |
|
A strategy to maximise the social, environmental and economic
benefits of renewable energy through the integration of renewable
energy into mainstream policy and practice. |
|
A report defining a long-term strategic vision for energy policy
combining our environmental, security of supply, competitiveness
and social goals. It builds on the Performance and Innovation Unit's
Energy Review, published in February 2002, and on other reports
which have looked at major areas of energy policy. |
|
A report re-affirming the Government’s commitment to the
four objectives set out in the Energy White Paper, to:
- Cut carbon dioxide emissions
- Maintain reliable energy supplies
- Promote competitive energy markets and
- Ensure homes are affordably heated
This report sets out the progress made to date and summarises the
practical steps already taken in pursuit of the long-term goals. |
Historic environment
Title & link to report |
Details |
|
Heritage
Counts: South West 2007 (English Heritage) is now available,
which contains the annual audit of the state of the historic
environment in the region, detailing the current state and condition
of our historic environment and key regional heritage initiatives.
Heritage Counts 2007 is the sixth annual survey of the state of
England’s historic environment. It is five years since the
publication of the original State of the Historic Environment Report
and this year’s report looks at the principal changes which
have occurred in the historic environment since 2002. It also includes
a focus on the historic environment as a learning resource and
on the issues faced by the sector in relation to the skills of
the workforce. |
|
English Heritage's plans in the South West for the next three
years. Information includes:
- What English Heritage does
- Developing understanding of the historic environment
- Getting the historic environment on other people's agenda
- Enabling & promoting sustainable change
- Helping local communities to care for heritage
- Stimulating enthusiasm for the historic environment
- Working in partnership
- Key facts
|
|
|
This Strategy sets out a vision for the future management of
one of our most valuable assets – our past. It aims to change
the way we perceive and value the historic environment of the South
West.
|
Indicators
Title & link to report |
Details |
| |
The 11th edition of Environment
In Your Pocket 2007 is now available (Defra, 2007), containing
a summary of key statistics and facts from the Defra e-
Digest of Environmental Statistics. It is the annual booklet
that makes readily accessible environmental trends and statistics
on climate change, air quality, water quality, land use, waste
and recycling wildlife and other environmental issues.
EIYP also includes UK Framework Indicators from the set of UK
Government Sustainable Development Strategy indicators. The full
set of indicators can be accessed on the government sustainable
development website. |
| |
Indicators are integral to the communication of sustainable development.
This booklet presents and assesses the indicators - measures of
everyday concerns, including health, housing, jobs, crime, education
and environment.
It aims to be a useful and accessible reference for experts, to
help illustrate the breadth and challenges of sustainable development.
Compared with the position in 1999, 53 measures show improvement
(representing over half of those for which it is possible to make
an assessment), and 24 show little or no change.
A wide range of measures show improvement including renewable
electricity, emissions of air pollutants, manufacturing, service
and public sector emissions, waste recycling, agricultural emissions
and land stewardship, biodiversity loss, river water quality, land
recycling, community participation, vehicle crime and burglary,
fear of crime, poverty measures, mortality rates, road accidents,
housing conditions and fuel poverty, rough sleepers and local environmental
quality. |
|
To support the new UK Government Sustainable Development Strategy,
‘Securing the Future’ (published in March 2005), there
is now a suite of 68 national sustainable development indicators.
For 44 of these indicators, for which data are available, it has
been possible to produce regional versions for the Government Office
Regions.
The indicators highlight issues within the priority areas of Sustainable
Consumption and Production, Natural Resources, and Sustainable Communities.
Other indicators provide useful contextual information.
Key findings within the Regional Sustainable Development Indicators:
- Every region has shown improvement in a number of areas during
the last decade.
- With a few exceptions, every region is moving in the same direction
as the national trends.
- There is no single region that is in the best or worst position
for all of the indicators.
- For every region there are areas where they are in a better
position and areas where they are in a worse position, relative
to other regions.
|
|
This report is the first step in identifying a set of indicators
which could be used to monitor how the climate of the United Kingdom
is changing and how it may be affecting aspects of our lives and
natural environment. |
|
Working towards a co-ordinated UK Marine Monitoring and Reporting
Framework, including links to previous workshops on developing marine
indicators and detailed background information. |
|
An RSPB commissioned review of the marine environmental indicators
reporting on the biodiversity aspects of ecosystem health.
The review looks at the present range of existing and proposed
indicators that the UK has signed up to both domestically and internationally
and identifies those best suited to give an overview of marine ecosystem
health and the sustainability of human activities.
|
Landscape & landuse
Title & link to report |
Details |
|
| A vision of how England’s trees, woods and forests can
yield environmental, social and economic benefits for future generations
is set out in this Strategy.
From helping to combat climate change to boosting business opportunities,
a new Strategy for England Trees, Woods and Forests highlights the
potential of these important natural resources to improve life for
people and wildlife.
The strategy shows how long-term sustainable management of trees,
woods and forests can help people and wildlife adapt to a changing
climate and how people can make the most of their local woodlands.
It also highlights the way in which woodlands protect and enhance
natural resources, improve urban environments, and promote better
markets for sustainable woodland products and services.
|
|
| This is a major new report that the Environment Agency has produced
with the National Farmers Union, the NFU Cymru and the Farmers Union
of Wales.
Good farming, better environment: the state of the farmed environment
in England and Wales gives important information about what is going
on in the farmed environment, and outlines what we need to do to
make further improvements. |
|
| The fourth report of a study which was initiated in 1971, when
the Countryside Commission began a study the impact of modern farming
methods on the countryside in seven areas. The study areas were
revisited at 11-year intervals following the inital 1972 study,
the landscape being analysed along similar lines, and some reduced
level of survey work being carried out among the farmers.
2 of these study areas are in the South West - Crewkerne (Somerset)
and Piddlehinton (Dorset)
|
|
| In February 2006 a new report on SSSI condition was published
by English Nature. This report reviews the current situation in
England and details the progress made towards the 2010 target since
September 2003. It summarises the major factors affecting SSSI condition
and the key actions that need to be carried out over the next five
years if the target is to be achieved.
There are 968 SSSIs in the South West covering almost 169,000 hectares
- about 16 per cent of all SSSI land in England. This is a significant
proportion of the national total, explained in part by the fact
that this is the largest region and that there are extensive areas
of upland, coast and estuaries. Of the nine English regions, the
South West contains the third largest area of SSSI land and, with
77.5%, has the fourth largest percentage meeting the 2010 target. |
|
| This First Soil Action Plan is aimed at policy makers, industry
leaders and influencers across the wide spectrum of activities that
impinge on soils: from land use planning, construction and minerals
extraction to agriculture, forestry and nature, landscape and cultural
heritage conservation.
It builds on the earlier Draft Soil Strategy for England and sets
out the actions which Defra and partners are committed to take to
help protect soil functions.
The Action Plan is complemented by an Environment Agency report
on the State of Soils in England and Wales. |
|
| This report gives an indepth review of:
- The importance of soil
- The interdependence of soil, water and air - erosion, nutrient
loss, climate change and air pollution
- Soil wildlife and biodiversity - soil organisms and habitat
protection, including agri-environment schemes
- Producing food and fibre - arable crops, livestock and forestry;
manure, slurry and waste; and the quality of agricultural soils
- Providing raw materials - the impacts of mineral and peat extraction;
water resources
- The built environment - the loss of soil to development; flood
risk; and soil contamination
- Cultural heritage - damage to archaeological remains in the
soil
|
|
| |
|
| An online database describing the state of play of landscape
character assessment (LCA) across the whole of England.
Completed online by local authorities, national parks, AONBs and
other organisations, this database forms an ongoing record of LCA
information, helping you to apply the landscape character approach
to your work and increase awareness of LCA as a tool for planning
and development. |
|
|
A new look at the environmental, social and economic value of
the South West's finest landscapes and the contribution that they
make to rural development and quality of life. |
|
|
The people trying to make a living from farming and food in the
South West want a profitable future; and we all need them to secure
it for the sake of our communities and our countryside. However,
true sustainability requires much more than that.
This Strategy provides a long-term approach, which will:
- Provide high quality, healthy food and quality land-based products
and services
- Support a skilled, fairly-paid workforce
- Enhance the environmental assets which form such a significant
foundation for the region’s
future prosperity, health and social well-being.
|
Marine environment (also see climate
change & biodiversity sections)
Title & link to report |
Details |
|
Results of the 2007 annual Beachwatch survey of litter on our beaches,
organised by the Marine Conservation Society |
|
Results of the 2006 annual Beachwatch survey of litter on our
beaches, organised by the Marine Conservation Society. |
| |
The Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Network has launched
a new report documenting evidence of fisheries-related bycatch in
dolphins that washed up on Cornwall's shores in January this year.
49 dolphins were reported to the Network during January. Since then
the stranding figure has risen to over 120.
The evidence gathered by dedicated, trained volunteers indicates
that gill and entangling net fisheries are responsible for the bycatch
of not only harbour porpoises, but also common dolphins and potentially
pose a serious threat to bottlenose dolphins. |
|
A report giving a snapshot of the state of our coasts and seas,
highlighting recent improvements, such as the reduction of discharges
of sewage, hazardous and radioactive materials; as well as remaining
areas of concern.
The report highlights that there are still significant problems
with our marine environment, including:
- Climate change is altering marine habitats
- Coastal erosion, flood risk, and habitat loss are all increasing
- Stocks of marine and migratory fish are low, and modern fishing
methods may damage seabed habitats
|
| |
A leaflet produced by the Environment Agency looking at the challenged
and priorities for working for a better marine environment.
This leaflet aims to outline the challenges in finding the right
balance between managing human activities today and protecting the
marine environment for the future. The UK Government has recently
made a commitment to tackle this challenge with a Marine Bill that
will embrace all uses of the sea, protect marine resources and simplify
regulation.
It briefly summarises the role of the Environment Agency, sets
out its priorities for the future, and shows how it will help to
achieve the UK and Welsh Assembly Governments’ aims for the
marine environment. |
| |
Published today, Shifting Shores is a wake-up call to recognise
that planning for the inevitable, and potentially extensive, impacts
of coastal change is now essential. It draws on the National Trust’s
experience as the UK’s largest owner of accessible coastline.
Over 1,130km – nearly 10% of the coastline of England, Wales
and Northern Ireland – is now in the care of the National
Trust.
In the South West, 279 km of National Trust coastline have been
affected by erosion (the most of any region in England and Wales),
whilst 852 hectares of Trust land is at risk of flooding (2nd only
to the East of England). |
|
Marine Health Check 2005 is an independantly written report published
by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) highlighting the many demands on
the UK's seas and the impact that they have on the marine species
and habitats studied.
This report highlights the many demands in the seas such as coastal
development, fishing, aquaculture, oil and gas exploitation and
the toll they take on the marine species and habitats studied.
Five years ago WWF's first Marine Health Check (Marine
Health Check 2000) warned of the potential threats to marine
wildlife, such as sand and gravel extraction of pristine areas of
the seabed. This new report shows that these threats have now manifested
themselves, adding to longer-term threats such as pollution and
invasion by non-native species. |
|
Undersea noise has steadily increased and there is a greater
awareness of the potential effects on marine mammals of military
sonars, seismic surveys, shipping and boat traffic, oceanographic
experiments, as well as other noise sources.
This report has been produced to to educate us on the issues, review
the research to date, identify problem areas, and suggest future
protocols and legal approaches for the prudent regulation of
undersea noise. |
| | A report highlighting the serious threats that are affecting
the marine environment, and the barriers in tackling these threats. |
|
Detailed look at the South West fishing industry, including:
- Strategic context & economic importance
- Fishing fleet & landings analysis
- The future
|
|
An inquiry into the by-catch of dolphins and porpoises off the
UK coast. This publication includes detailed investigation into
the extent of the bycatch problem, fisheries implicated in bycatch,
the UK's legal position, assessing the Government's proposals, compulsory
use of pingers on certain set net fisheries, taking action and information
gaps. |
People, leisure & economy (see
also climate change)
Title & link to report |
Details |
| |
Making Connections is a report aimed at policy makers in volunteering,
cultural and environmental organisations in the region.
Here in the South West, we have more volunteers than any other
region in England. We are also rich in cultural and environmental
assets, from festivals to world heritage sites, many of which rely
heavily on volunteers for their existence.
This initiative ‘Making Connections’, commenced in
2005, the ‘Year of the Volunteer‘. It has been an ideal
opportunity for cultural and environmental organisations to recognise
the value of volunteers to
their sectors and find new ways of working together to develop this
important cross cutting area of interest. |
|
Stress and mental ill-health are becoming more common, and the
associated public health costs are growing. The World Health Organisation
estimates that depression and depression-related illness will become
the greatest source of ill-health by 2020.
It is known that physically active people have a lower risk of
dying from coronary heart disease, type II diabetes, hypertension
and
colon cancer. In the UK, there is evidence for a dramatic fall in
physical activity over the past 50 years.
There is substantial evidence that links the natural environment
with good physical health and psychological wellbeing. As a result,
Countryside Recreation have undertaken research to explore the synergy
in adopting physical activities whilst being directly exposed to
nature - ‘green exercise’ |
|
In the past, improvements in the environment have caused big
improvements in health. However, disparities in health between different
social groups living in different areas remain. Often these disparities
are amplified by the quality of people’s environment –
pollution in their air, the risk of flooding, or lack of access
to green spaces in their neighbourhoods.
Although the Environment Agency has achieved major cuts in pollution
from many of the regulated industries it must continue to regulate
effectively, targeting pollution from those industrial sites which
pose the highest risk to our health. It also recognises public concern
about the safety of the vast range of chemicals in everyday use.
While research into potential health risks continues, the Agency
believes further investment in cleaner technologies and responsible
environmental management is needed. |
|
A study into the economic value accrued as a direct outcome of
the South West Coast Path, from overnight and day visitors. |
|
Audit and analysis of existing research data on the cultural
sector in the South West |
|
A study of the economic impact of conserved landscapes and of
the National Trust in the South West |
Wast |
