Briefings

RSPB Briefing on a Draft Strategic Energy Framework for Northern Ireland

We welcome the publication of the Draft Strategic Energy Framework and believe that many of the measures proposed will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, in order to achieve a truly sustainable energy future for Northern Ireland, we set some challenges for inclusion in the final Framework.

Climate change, Transport and energy

'The Natura 2000: providing protection and avoiding ambiguity'

A briefing from RSPB Scotland describing the Natura 2000 process, the role of designation in highlighting and protecting our best wildlife sites and why site protection works

Habitat conservation, Site conservation, Species conservation

RSPB Scotland parliamentary briefing on supporting econmic recovery

Investing in green infrastructure: RSPB Scotland believes that the time is right for increasing investment in green infrastructure and a commitment to sustainable development principles as we move out of recession.

Economic development

Reversing Declines in Welsh Farmland Birds

A key actions summary from a breakout seminar as part of the Wales Biodiversity Partnership Conference 2007

Farming

RSPB Scotland Parliamentary Briefing on Seabirds

Scotland is internationally important for seabirds, hosting 45% of EU breeding populations. They are an iconic part of Scotland’s wildlife and attract tourism and essential revenue to our coastal communities. Seabirds are also important indicators of changes to our marine environment.

Marine and coastal

RSPB Scotland Parliamentary Briefing on the Marine Bill Consultation

RSPB Scotland strongly supports the Scottish Government’s commitment to introducing a Marine Bill based on the principles of sustainable development.

Marine and coastal

Scottish Environment LINK briefing on the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill

Scottish Environment LINK briefing ahead of the Stage 1 debate on the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill

Water and wetlands

RSPB Scotland parliamentary briefing on the CAP Health Check January 2009

RSPB Scotland parliamentary briefing ahead of the Scottish Government debate on the CAP Health Check

Farming

RSPB Scotland Parliamentary Briefing: A five point plan for rescuing hill livestock farming

Briefing written by RSPB Scotland ahead of a debate in the Scottish Parliament

Farming

RSPB Scotland Parliamentary Briefing on sea fisheries

Briefing written by RSPB Scotland ahead of a debate in the Scottish Parliament

RSPB Scotland Parliamentary Briefing on Scottish Aquaculture

Briefing written by RSPB Scotland ahead of a debate in the Scottish Parliament

RSPB Scotland Parliamentary Briefing on non-native invasive species

Briefing written by RSPB Scotland ahead of a debate in the Scottish Parliament

RSPB Scotland Parliamentary briefing on cross compliance and wildlife crime

Briefing written by RSPB Scotland ahead of a debate in the European Parliament

Law

Farming for life: Agri-environment support in the English uplands

The English uplands fall entirely within the Less Favoured Area (LFA). The LFA incorporates 2.2 million ha of land of which 73% is designated as Severely Disadvantaged Area and 14% is registered as Common Land.

Farming

Farming for life: The uplands

We believe Government must develop a clear and widely accepted vision for the future of uplands, embracing environmental and rural development priorities. Current Less Favoured Area support should be re-directed to agri-environment support for uplands.

Farming

Agri-environment schemes

Today's countryside provides us with a number of products; food and fibre and a whole host of less tangible assets. The countryside provides a home for much of our wildlife, a place of recreation and a landscape that draws tourists from across the globe.

Farming

Farming for life: Common Agriculture Policy

Recent CAP reforms have removed the link between production and subsidy but not replaced production with another policy objective. We are calling for agriculture subsidies to be made in return for public goods and services generated by land managers.

Farming

Farming for life: Farming and birds

Farmland birds have declined due to changes in farming practices. Farming systems can be adapted to help birds, and we are calling for Government and market support for farmers who do this, as well as working directly with farmers.

Farming

Farming for life: Genetically Modified Organisms

The RSPB maintains an open mind on the principle of using genetic modification technology. Where GM crops and varieties are shown to cause environmental harm, the RSPB believes they should not be approved for commercial planting.

Farming

Farming for life: Bioenergy

The RSPB vision is for bioenergy to be a commercially profitable and environmentally sustainable option, which will both contribute to UK renewable energy targets and benefit biodiversity.

Farming