A species reintroduction is the return of a plant, animal, or fungi to an area from which it has been lost.聽
鈥淐ertain species reintroduction could have significant impacts on the many benefits the countryside and farming deliver, potentially putting livestock at risk, spreading disease and damaging land and crops,鈥� NFU Environment Forum chair Richard Bramley explained. 鈥淗owever, we also recognise that many species could be beneficial.鈥�
The NFU submitted both written and oral evidence to the Efra inquiry and was pleased to see that the , published during July, acknowledged the NFU's concerns regarding the potential impacts of species reintroductions on rural landscapes and farming practices, as well as our ask for a government framework which outlines the process they will follow when managing species reintroductions in England.
You can read the government's response in full at: .
Government framework still needed
Richard welcomed the Efra Committee鈥檚 report and expressed disappointment that that the government won鈥檛 be taking the majority of its recommendations forward, especially the recommendation to create a species reintroduction strategy.
The Efra Committee had outlined in its report that government should:
- produce a list of priority species and species register
- classification and requirements for high/low risk species reintroductions
- a long-term Strategy on species reintroduction
- and an online species reintroduction hub by June 2024.
In its response, Defra has said it will not be actioning any of these points and maintains that is has already produced the best practice guidance in the form of the , alongside information on applying for a licence.
Defra has said that it has 鈥渃onsistently supported the reintroduction of recently lost former native species,鈥� and while species reintroduction will not be a priority, environmental efforts will be focused elsewhere to improve biodiversity and habitat connectivity.
鈥�Although we understand that reintroductions aren鈥檛 a priority, we would still like to see a government framework.鈥�
NFU Environment Forum chair Richard Bramley
The government will look to 鈥渉abitat restoration, creation and improved connectivity; tackling pressures on species including pollution, unsustainable use of resources and climate change; and targeted action to recover specific species鈥� to achieve its biodiversity ambitions.
皇家华人welcomes the prioritisation of other policy areas but continues to call for a clear idea from government on how future reintroduction proposals will be managed as well as its long-term vision for existing reintroduced populations.
鈥淎lthough we understand that reintroductions aren鈥檛 a priority, we would still like to see a government framework which outlines the process it will follow when managing species reintroductions in England,鈥� Richard added.
鈥淲e鈥檒l continue to work alongside government to ensure responsible decisions are taken which incorporate the farming communities鈥� views.鈥�
You can read the NFU鈥檚 work and response to the inquiry at: Species reintroduction inquiry 鈥� final report and NFU evidence.