The evaluation is part of a broader 'Fitness Check' due in early 2016, which takes stock of EU legislation to ensure that it is fit for purpose.
The consultation consists of a range of questions, including whether the directives have met their nature conservation objectives, whether the associated social and economic benefits are appreciated and, if so, whether they are doing so at a reasonable cost.
Get involved in the consultation here
The NFU will also be responding to the consultation. We're collating member's experience of the Directives to inform our response. We'd welcome your thoughts and comments on the Directives to develop our response. Please forward these to Y2xhaXJlLnJvYmluc29uQG5mdS5vcmcudWs=.
NFU comment:
“The Commission is consulting on whether the framework for these Directives is proportionate and fit for purpose and delivering as expected. The consultation does not consider possible future changes to legislation, but if required, a separate impact assessment would be needed.”
Find out more on the background of the Directive and our work on birds and habitats via the links below:
Our work on the Environment and Farming:
- British farmers looking after the environment - Back British Farming
- EU seeks opinions on birds and habitats
- Take part in the EU 'Nature Check' Consultation - includes a briefing for NFU members, closes 24 July
- Positive facts about farming
- VIDEO - How farmers protect the environment
- Hedge-cutting: Know the rules for 2015
- Staff blog: How to make hedges work for your farm business
- Staff blog: Making greening work on your farm
- Staff blog: Picture a pollinator and win a hectare of wildflower mix
- Blog: Farmers have a strong story of the environment
- Guy Smith on the BIg Farmland Bird Count
- Results of the Big Farmland Bird Count - GWCT
- CFE Hedges Leaflet
- NFU Environment Forum - meet the members of our new group who meet quarterly to discuss the environmental issues which affect farming.
Industry Initiative:
CAMPAIGN FOR THE FARMED ENVIRONMENT (CFE): The CFE helps farming businesses by giving best practice advice on soil management, crop nutrition and pesticide use. The CFE helps farmers support the natural environment while farming productively, enabling farmers to demonstrate their green credentials to the public and the industry.
Round-up of environmental work happening in your area:
EAST ANGLIA:
SOUTH EAST:
- Sussex farmer nets Silver Lapwing award for her conservation efforts (NFUonline)
- East Sussex farmer to retain margins (CFE)
- Cover crops trials (CFE)
NORTH EAST:
- Farmers to help revive the Barn Owl population (ITV)
- Case study: Read how farmer Martin Lowcock supports the CFE (CFE)
- Staff blog: James Copeland NFU North East Environment and Land Use Adviser (NFUonline)
- Case study: Read how Richard Bramley supports the bird population on his farm which site barely above sea level (CFE)
- Case study: Read how Tom and Karen Burn implement hedge planting, wild bird seed mixtures and other stewardship options
SOUTH WEST:
British farmers are working hard to protect the environment and countryside. Watch our video below to find out how habitat for birds, bees, beetles and more are provided as part of a productive farm. This films stars Ally Hunter-Blair of Channel 4's First Time Farmers. With thanks to the Campaign for the Farmed Environment and the Allerton Project: