Policy

Policy
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Policy

Agricultural policy

The RSPB campaigns for policies that provide a fair deal for farmers, consumers and wildlife. In this section you can find out about agricultural policies and how the RSPB helps to influence them. More...

Harvesting oilseed rape, Essex

Bioenergy - fuel for the future?

Bioenergy can be derived from a variety of sources. Though it is often touted as being 'carbon-neutral' and therefore environmentally-friendly, what are the real implications for birds and the countryside? More...

Corn bunting perching in oilseed rape

Climate change policy

We work on policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to allow wildlife to adapt to climate change. We also conduct research into the effects of climate change on wildlife, both at home and abroad. Find out more about our policy on climate change. More...

Traffic

Countryside and Rights of Way Act

The Countryside (or CRoW) Act 2000 is the most important wildlife legislation for England and Wales since the Wildlife and Countryside Act of two decades ago. More...

Moorland landscape with heather in August

Economic development

Economic development brings many advantages, but can also have detrimental impacts. The RSPB campaigns against policies that provide economic incentives for people to damage the environment and supports policies that provide people with sustainable jobs and economic opportunities. More...

View of barrage under construction, Cardiff Bay

Education Policy across the UK

Without education, conservation of the natural world can only be a short-term, single-generation activity. Without mechanisms for creating and establishing conservation values, knowledge and skills, today's conservation efforts remain unsustainable. More...

Boy looking for beasties!

The RSPB's vision for forestry

The RSPB believes that the environmental, social and economic benefits provided by the UK's publicly and privately owned woodland can all be increased. Read more about our policies. More...

Black grouse project

Health - nature improves your fitness and reduces stress

Physical inactivity has serious effects on human health, which cost the UK economy more than Ł8 billion a year. Research commissioned by the RSPB underlines the strong links between good physical health, good mental health and the natural environment. More...

Visitors walking at Titchwell RSPB reserve

Marine and coastal policy

The RSPB works on a range of issues to protect and conserve the birds of our seas and coasts, and the wonderful marine environment on which they depend, from the impacts of human activities. More...

Puffin perching on rock

Planning policy

Land use planning helps to secure sustainable development. It determines the location and design of buildings - such as housing, industry, retail and leisure developments - it helps to protect the countryside, and it shapes the future of where we live. More...

New housing development at Canford Heath

Safeguarding sites

Many of our most important places for wildlife are now protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (Areas of Special Scientific Interest in Northern Ireland). The legislation under which they are notified and managed varies by country. More...

Singing skylark

Species policy

What are the RSPB's views on tricky topics such as ruddy ducks, ring-necked parakeets and eagle owls? More...

Male ruddy duck swimming in pond

Sustainable development

We've always believed in sustainable development. A better planet for wildlife will be a better planet for people, too. Ultimately, we want and need decision-makers to think and act with nature in mind. More...

Boy in hat smiling in snow

Water and wetlands

The RSPB's vision for water and wetlands is a landscape teeming with wildlife - with your help we can make it a reality. More...

Haweswater reserve with snow

Wild birds and the law

Find out how wild birds are protected by the law and where you can go to find out more detailed information. More...

Female kingfisher perched on branch

Wind farms

Wind power has a significant role to play in the UK’s fight against climate change. With the right strategic approach, it can be expanded without detrimental effects on important bird populations. The RSPB works with Government and developers, ensuring wind power contributes to the fight against climate change. More...

Wind farm on the pier at Blyth

Halting UK biodiversity loss by 2010

In 2001, the European Union, including the UK Government, made a commitment to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. This can still be achieved, but the clock is ticking. What must be done to reach this target? More...

RSPB Ynis-hir nature reserve - view of pool from Ynys Eidiol hide