The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is not convinced that environmental regulators and government can fulfil their existing responsibilities while delivering ambitious reforms.

As Defra and the two largest environmental regulators, the Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England (NE), embark on a period of reform they face several challenges, and success will depend on a joined-up, strategic approach, says the National Audit Office (NAO) in a new report.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed has today confirmed that Tony Juniper CBE has been reappointed as Chair of Natural England for a third term.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has issued a Direction to Natural England on measures to address nutrient pollution via strategic mitigation schemes which has been implemented with immediate effect.

Natural England has downgraded the environmental condition of the Somerset Levels and Moors Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) due to water quality issues - phosphates are causing algal blooms in the Somerset Levels, like Tealham SSSI.

The Department for Food Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) is getting ready to set up district licensing schemes to deliver pond creation and restoration across England to protect the habitats of great crested newts.

The Chair of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has condemned what is described as Defra’s raid on staff at Natural England to prepare for Brexit.

The Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England (NE) will remain as separate bodies, the Government announced today, following a triennial review which suggested they could merge.