5/7/2016

Brexit and the countryside - have your say

EUThe vote to end all EU legal superiority over our Parliament, recovering our right to trade independently in the world and allowing us to control our borders has sent shockwaves around the world.

Exactly when we will leave and on what terms has yet to be agreed, but the lobbying has begun. Details of the Brexit plan for our countryside and farming, which hardly featured in the referendum debate itself, will need to be thrashed out.

Countryside groups have begun outlining their expectations and making recommendations on how Ministers should proceed. The GWCT will be bringing its wealth of scientific literature and practical experience to this debate.

What are your expectations?

Politicians, pollsters and the bookies told us Brexit was not going to happen – but it did. The rejection of the status-quo is clear and there is a real risk of repeating the same mistakes if, as a nation, we fail to acknowledge how wrong, or right, previous policies were.

The GWCT will write its policy recommendations based on the available evidence but we do have the freedom to carefully explain our position and acknowledge both concerns and expectations. Whether you work in our countryside or just enjoy what it has to offer – please take part in this short, anonymous five question survey:

Create your own user feedback survey

Comments

Build alliances

at 16:52 on 05/07/2016 by Christine

Surely it would make sense if a group of rural organisations put forward a co-ordinated vision. I'm thinking of the NFU, CLA, GWCT, BASC, Countryside Alliance, etc, so that we have a stronger voice collectively than alone. I don't doubt that, following initial consultations, such organisations' goals will in any case be largely similar. This must ensure that the public are kept onside.

Bee it

at 15:03 on 05/07/2016 by Peter Graves

Population control is vital In a small Country for the future of shooting and wildlife. And ability to try and feed ourselves

Post-Brexit river health

at 15:02 on 05/07/2016 by Michael Heaton

It is of great importance to me, selfishly, that the UK government retains the EU's Water Framework Directive and Habitats Directive. These have been instrumental in what little protection salmonid populations have and I am concerned that Westminster will cave in to industrial and agricultural interests, once again.

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