Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (Defra)

Today we have confirmed that the maximum sentences for animal cruelty will be increased tenfold following the results of our animal welfare consultation.
"This Government is making good on our commitment to make the UK a world leader in the care and protection of animals as we leave the EU. Our proposals to raise maximum sentences for animal abusers attracted strong support. We will now legislate so courts have the power to punish offenders properly." Animal Welfare Minister Lord Gardiner on the new legislation.
https://www.gov.uk/…/animal-cruelty-max imum-sentences-will-…

Natural England marine specialists helped us create this handy guide on how to enjoy a wonderful encounter with marine wildlife without disturbing them. We hope you are lucky enough to see seals, dolphins, basking sharks or even a whale off our coasts this summer, especially on #NationalMarineWeek. Thanks to our partners at The Whale and Dolphin Conservation, The Marine Management Organisation and Partnership Against Wildlife Crime for their help.

The Marine Management Organisation, Natural England and Macmillan Children’s Books have teamed up to help families go on their own big adventures this summer, exploring the England Coast Path and beaches. While you might not see icebergs, sharks and penguins, with the help of our ‘The Snail and the Whale Coastal Adventure’ booklet you will have all the information you need to explore the coast - matching animals to their coastal homes and learning fun marine animal facts.
https://marinedevelopments.blog.gov.uk/‚Ä ¶/A-coastal-adventur‚Ķ

128 rangers have died on duty in the past 12 months. For #WorldRangerDay we’re remembering the rangers who have died in the line of duty over the past 12 months and celebrating the continuous work of rangers from all corners of the world. Find out more about the 2018 Conference and the work we’re doing to #EndWildlifeCrime: https://www.gov.uk/…/london-conference- on-the-illegal…/about

34 chicks have fledged in the most successful hen harrier breeding season in years. There were 14 nesting attempts of which nine were successful in producing chicks.
"The increase in hen harrier chicks this year is truly remarkable. These figures are a tribute to all those working hard for the survival of this breath-taking bird and show that responsible management of grouse moors must be part of the solution." Andrew Sells, Chairman of Natural England on the hen harrier breeding success.
https://www.gov.uk/government/…/hen-har rier-breeding-success

On #NationalMarineWeek we’re working hard to protect our native wildlife. England’s largest seabird colony will soon benefit from greater protection thanks to a 7,600 hectare extension to the Flamborough Head and Filey Coast Special Protection Area (SPA).
“National Marine Week is a fantastic opportunity for us all to celebrate the diverse range of habitats which make up the British coastline, and the role we all have to play in protecting these. These new safeguards for seabirds will help our most precious and iconic wildlife to thrive, and protect our marine environment for future generations to enjoy.” Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey on the new SPA.
https://www.gov.uk/…/new-protections-fo r-thousands-of-seabi…

It’s #GlobalTigerDay! The number of tigers in the wild has fallen by over 95% since 1900. While there’s hope - since 2010, numbers have risen – there are only around 3,900 left. Find out more about the 2018 Conference's aim to #EndWildlifeCrime https://www.gov.uk/…/london-conference- on-the-illegal…/about

Oh look, another Facebook post talking about the work we're doing to improve our air quality #slurrynotslurry
Today we are setting out a series of simple steps that all farmers can take to reduce ammonia emissions. Agriculture is responsible for 88% of UK emissions of ammonia gas, that leads to loss of sensitive plant species, and combined with other pollutants produces fine particulate matter which is harmful to human health. Farmers will be able to access a package of help,... apply for grants to cover up to 40% of the cost of upgrading equipment and get one-to-one advice from a team of expert advisers.
Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/…/new-guide-for-farm ers-to-help-reduce-a…
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#PlasticBag sales in #England’s ‘big seven’ supermarkets have dropped by 86% since the Government introduced its 5p plastic bag charge in 2015.
“These figures demonstrate the collective impact we can make to help the environment by making simple changes to our daily routines. We want businesses to continue to look at what they can do to help improve our environment to leave it in a better state than we found it.” Environment Secretary Michael Gove on the success of the plastic bag charge.
https://www.gov.uk/…/plastic-bag-sales- in-big-seven-superma…

Mangroves are under threat – by development, pollution and rising sea levels. This #WorldMangroveDay, find out more about the work we’re doing to conserve mangroves through our Blue Forest project.
Read Minister Therese Coffey’s op-ed in today's Daily Express and find out more: https://www.express.co.uk/…/UNESCO-Inte rnational-Day-Conser…

The newest stretch of the England Coast Path has been opened today in north east England, linking South Bents in Sunderland to Amble in Northumberland.
"The England Coast Path is already playing a significant role in opening up access to our most spectacular sites, ensuring sensitivity to the environment while making a valuable contribution to our rural economy. With Northumberland home to some of the country’s most breath-taking coastal scenery, the new path makes it easy for all to access this beautiful area." Lord Gardiner on the opening of the new coast path stretch.
https://www.gov.uk/…/44-mile-public-pat h-opens-up-north-eas…

Yesterday Environment Secretary Michael Gove released a pair of Eurasian Beavers in the Forest of Dean as part of a reintroduction scheme.
The Environment Secretary said on the release: “The beaver has a special place in English heritage and the Forest of Dean. This release is a fantastic opportunity to develop our understanding of the potential impacts of reintroductions.” #BeaverFever
https://www.gov.uk/…/n…/beavers-arriv e-in-the-forest-of-dean

“The beaver has a special place in English heritage and the Forest of Dean. This release is a fantastic opportunity to develop our understanding of the potential impacts of reintroductions of beavers and help this iconic species.” – Secretary of State Michael Gove at today’s beavers release in the Forest of Dean. Find out more about the funding he announced for beaver research: https://www.gov.uk/…/n…/beavers-arriv e-in-the-forest-of-dean #BeaverFever

In April 2017 we launched the first ever Litter Strategy for England. Our strategy set out how government will work with communities and businesses to reduce litter over the course of this generation. Today we have published our first annual report on the strategy, showing the important progress we’ve made over the past 12 months.
"I am pleased to present this report on the first year of implementation of our Litter Strategy. Litter is lousy and unpleasant. Littering behaviou...r is lazy and irresponsible. It has been suggested that 80% of the litter in the seas and oceans comes from litter dropped on land. That is why our Litter Strategy sets out our intention to clean up the country and deliver a substantial reduction in litter and littering within a generation." Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey.
https://www.gov.uk/…/litter-strategy-fo r-england-progress-r…
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This year's #NationalParksWeek is kicking off with some exciting events across the country. Why not take part in an evening Deer Search in Exmoor National Park tomorrow? The Exmoor shoreline is the most remote in England and is home to the most extensive broadleaved coastal woods in Britain.
Secret coves, historic hillforts, ancient forests and tranquil lochs are all waiting to be discovered this National Parks Week. Take part in a #NationalParksWeek event near you: http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/ national-parks-week
Photo credit: Peak District National Park/ North York Moors National Park

Peat bogs and fens help manage floods, improve water quality, and aid climate regulation. Restoration work on English peatlands will start on an area the size of 10,000 football pitches in Yorkshire, Shropshire South West England and the Peak District. #WorldBogDay
You can find out more about bogs, including events throughout the country, on the World Bog Day website: https://bogday.org/

Do you have 15 minutes this weekend to lend butterflies a helping hand? The Big #ButterflyCount launched yesterday, calling on you to take 15 minutes to count the butterflies you see in a park, garden, field or forest near you!
Butterfly Conservation have made recording your findings easy through a mobile phone app, and their handy identification chart means you don't need to be an expert distinguish between butterfly species.
Find out more and get outside this weekend for the big count: https://www.bigbutterflycount.org/

Environment Minister Therese Coffey confirmed today that thousands of properties across #England will be better protected against the threat of #flooding thanks to a multi-million pound investment by the government. https://www.gov.uk/…/40m-extra-funding- to-better-protect-th…