The case for and against Natural England | Letters

Chief executive James Cross defends the organisation and Norwich Green councillor Denise Carlo takes it to taskGeorge Monbiot (4 July) should be assured that Natural England retains its strong voice for nature, along with its statutory role and driving mission to protect and enhance the country's wildlife, geology, habitats and landscapes. Our independence from government is firmly set out in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, which gives Natural England the powers to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and future generations.Like all public bodies we have met the challenge of reduced budgets by reducing our reliance on public funding and instead increasingly working in partnership with organisations and individuals that share our commitment to the natural world - such as the Back from the Brink partnership that has helped save 20 species from the threat of extinction. Furthermore, in recent years we have made great progress in creating the world's longest continuous coastal footpath and helped establish a "blue belt" of 50 marine conservation zones around England, with more in the pipeline. With the publication of the government's 25-year plan for the environment, Natural England has a key role to play in delivering this ambitious agenda to leave the environment in a better state.James CrossChief executive, Natural England Continue reading...