Government, Public Bodies and Agencies

County, City and Parish Councils

Contact your local City, County or Parish Council Officers for help with funding local conservation and community projects.

Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

www.defra.gov.uk

UK Ministerial Department, supported by 34 agencies and public bodies with a broad remit including environment and landscape management, supporting food and farming and rural economy. Responsibilities include monitoring and enforcement of regulations and administration of rural grants and payments.

Works directly in England but also closely with the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Generally leads on negotiations in the EU and internationally.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee

www.jncc.gov.uk

Public Body that advises the UK Government and devolved administrations on UK-wide and international nature conservation.

The Forestry Commission

www.forestry.gov.uk

The Government Department responsible for forestry policy throughout Great Britain. Aims to protect and expand Britain’s forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment. Provides grants for various woodland activities.

England

Environment Agency

www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Public Body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.

Natural England

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england

Public Body, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Advises the English Government the on natural environment in England, in order to help protect England’s nature and landscapes.

Wales

Environment Agency

www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Public Body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.

Natural Resources Wales

www.naturalresources.wales

Public Body formed in April 2013, largely taking over the functions of the Countryside Council for Wales, Forestry Commission Wales and the Environment Agency in Wales, as well as certain Welsh Government functions. Responsible for environmental and natural resource management in Wales.

Scotland

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

www.sepa.org.uk

The Government Agency that provides an integrated environmental protection system for Scotland.

Scottish Natural Heritage

www.snh.org.uk

This Government Agency that supports the conservation and enhancement of Scotland’s wildlife, habitats and landscapes. Grant support may be available for projects promoting biodiversity conservation, education and interpretation activities.

Northern Ireland

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland

www.dardni.gov.uk

Government Department that promotes economic growth and development of the countryside in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

www.doeni.gov.uk/niea

Government Department responsible for the management of environment and heritage in Northern Ireland. Responsibilities include monitoring and enforcement of regulations and administration of rural grants.

The Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside

www.doeni.gov.uk/council-nature-conservation-countryside.htm

Statutory advisor to the Department of the Environment on matters affecting nature conservation and the countryside. Much of the Council's advice is channelled through NIEA and Planning NI.

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