Document Type

Article

Disciplines

International Law

Abstract

Agriculture and conservation are issues which, taken together, arouse deep feelings and considerable controversy in the United Kingdom. In the last thirty years, changes in the scale and practice of agriculture have resulted in great pressures upon the rural landscape. Such changes have coincided with an increased awareness by the public of the need to conserve and protect the natural features of the countryside and its wildlife. Many commentators have called for more comprehensive and stringent governmental controls over agricultural activity that may result in long term or even irreversible changes to the countryside. However, the approach of the government to the problem largely remains one of voluntary agreement and incentives, rather than strict regulation. Since Britain acceded to the European Community [EC], the Common Agricultural Policy [CAP] has added a new and extremely complex dimension to the problems of reconciling profitable and efficient modern agriculture with the well-being of the rural environment. Indeed, it is difficult to envisage how the problem may be resolved effectively without some measure of reform of the CAP.

This paper is divided into five parts. The first will outline the background of the present conflict between agriculture and conservation. The second and third will consider, respectively, the existing regulatory controls and the system of voluntary restraint embodied in the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 [1981 Act].' The fourth will discuss the wider context of EC policy and the fifth will offer some concluding observations.

Accessibility Requirements

1

Download

Share

COinS