Welsh Government has launched a consultation on their proposals for a post-Brexit Land Management Programme for Wales to entirely replace the CAP. Full details at https://gov.wales/about/cabinet/cabinetstatements/2018/launchofbrexitourland/?lang=en. Closes 30 October.
Natural Resources Wales’ Area Statements are now live at https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/area-statements/?lang=en.
The National Assembly’s Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee has called for a ten-year strategy to boost low-carbon housing, including all new-builds to be zero-carbon and retro-fitting of existing homes – both with financial incentives.
Welsh Government has reversed a decision to cut its National Park budget and announced a set of priorities for the Parks and AONBs – including a refreshed woodland strategy, halting the loss of biodiversity, a greater focus on green energy and decarbonisation, and realising the economic potential of the landscape, boosting tourism and outdoor recreation.
There will be an open forum at MCC’s special Strong Communities Select Committee meeting at County Hall on Monday, 30 July (10.00am). The meeting is to discuss the council’s controversial policy on advertising boards, café seating, etc within the highway, and the committee will be making recommendations.
Recent NRW forestry felling and other changes at Goytre Wharf have prompted the formation of a new group with a Facebook presence at https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Goytre-Wharf-797285523802981/.
Meanwhile Torfaen and Caerphilly councils have European, Welsh Government, Canal and River Trust and their own funds for £4.6m plans for an Adventure Triangle to develop recreation and leisure activities on their sections of the canal connected by upland walking and cycling links.
A feature article in today’s Western Mail compares Wales’ efforts to get rid of single-use plastics with those of other countries. Despite Wales’ green credentials and the steps taken by some organisations and community groups, other countries such as Norway, Kenya and Costa Rica are in some ways doing more, and China’s decision to decision to ban imports of plastic waste presents the UK and other nations with a big challenge. You could help by signing this petition (https://act.wemove.eu/campaigns/835?utm_source=civimail-16207&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20180713_EN) to support the European Commission’s proposed law to reduce single-use plastics.
Welsh Government is consulting (https://beta.gov.wales/low-carbon-pathway-wales) on their initial thoughts on how greenhouse gas emissions might be reduced by 45% between now and 2030 – en route to the legal requirement to reduce them by at least 80% by 2050. Proposals include more opportunities for active travel, a comprehensive charging network for electric vehicles and higher energy efficiency standards for new buildings. The consultation closes on 4 October.
Nature charity Plantlife is warning that air pollution, in particular a high atmospheric nitrogen level, is damaging the habitats of rare wildflowers across Wales. High nitrogen levels favour plants such as brambles and nettles while most wildflowers prefer less rich conditions. Plantlife say the increased nitrogen levels are substantially derived from intensive arable and livestock farming emissions of ammonia, and they can reach all parts of the country via rainfall. Plantlife is calling for more regulations controlling ammonia emissions.
An Institute of Welsh Affairs report has concluded that Wales is the most car-reliant part of the UK and risks not meeting its carbon emission targets. The report recommendations include planning policy changes to make sustainable transport infrastructure a fundamental requirement for new developments, increased funding for active travel, decarbonised buses and a default 20mph limit in urban areas.