The CLA has called for the latest report on habitats provided for birds and wildlife to form the basis of debate on sensible legislative reform.

The organisation, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, made its call in response to the EU State of Nature report. EU Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella presented the report saying that it shows a mixed picture overall, clearly demonstrating that efforts to improve vulnerable ecosystems can be highly effective but underlining the scale of the challenges that remain.

CLA Director of Policy and Advice Christopher Price said: “It is vitally important that the EU Commission, member states, environmental groups and landowners work together to ensure that habitats are managed to give birds and wildlife every opportunity to thrive. This report is a useful insight into where success has been seen in the United Kingdom such as improving unfavourable habitats, and also where challenges remain.

“We support the review of the Birds and Habitats Directives that is underway. It is crucial that governments, conservationists, farmers and other land managers are working within a regulatory framework that is flexible and that is effective in meeting both agricultural and environmental objectives.

“We will continue to work with the Commission, Defra, Natural England and Natural Resources Wales on the implementation of measures that farmers and land managers can put in place to help meet these objectives.”