Latest news with #Juniper
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Natural England boss reveals concern over budget for nature restoration
Tony Juniper, chairman of Natural England, said the 'very tight' spending settlement expected in light of current economic stresses will pose 'big challenges' for those working to reverse the country's decline in nature. Environment Secretary Steve Reed is understood to have settled the department's budget for the next three years with the Treasury on Thursday. It comes ahead of Rachel Reeves announcing her first multi-year spending review settlement as Chancellor on June 11. The Government has recently come under fierce criticism from environmentalists over proposed changes to nature protections in the planning bill and recent reports that the budget for nature-friendly farming would be slashed. Speaking to the PA news agency on Friday, Mr Juniper said: 'I am concerned about the budget side in particular because the job that we need to do is very significant.' The Natural England chairman cited the levels of ambition in Government nature targets such as committing to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030 – known as 30×30. 'We will work within the envelope that we have, recognising the country does face very serious economic stresses at the moment,' he said. 'But it does concern me naturally in terms of the scale of the task ahead and what we need to do.' Mr Juniper outlined some 'remedies' to receiving limited resources, such as working at a more strategic scale to increase impact and working in partnerships with land managers, statutory bodies and local government. Natural England will continue to highlight the extent to which nature will help the country meet multiple goals, including food production, infrastructure and housing, he later added. A view of Silverhand Estate in Gravesend, Kent in the new nature reserve (Silverhand Estate/Natural England/PA) 'Obviously if we are going to achieve the goals that we need, it is going to be really, really important to move beyond the framing of nature being a block to economic development, and seeing that nature is essential for economic development,' he said. Green groups recently hit out at the Chancellor for 'leading an ideological charge against nature' after she suggested some nature protections are a blocker to development. Asked about the criticism, he said: 'I can't really comment on that. I would say that nature is essential for the country's economic and social wellbeing, and we have evidence to prove that. 'We have a lot of evidence to confirm how nature is really a minor factor in limiting the ambitions we have to renew our infrastructure and build houses.' His comments came as Natural England declared 800 hectares of north Kent a national nature reserve, which means different stakeholders work together on conservation and restoration efforts across the landscape. Speaking from the new North Kent Woods and Downs national nature reserve on Friday, he said: 'We are in one of the most pressured parts of England. 'So being able to blend this significant area of nature protection and nature recovery into a landscape that's going to be receiving tens of thousands of more houses, plus major infrastructure in the form of the Lower Thames Crossing, this is a great example – not only of nature recovery – but also doing that in the context of these other essential demands that the country is placing on the land.' Nature minister Mary Creagh told stakeholders at the launch event in Shorne Wood Country Park: 'Nature is at the core of what we're doing.' Natural England chairman, Tony Juniper, at the beaver wetlands area near Cullompton, Devon (Ben Birchall/PA) Later asked Mr Juniper's concerns over the budget, she told the PA news agency: 'I understand (the) Secretary of State settled yesterday. 'So we won't comment on speculation but I'm confident that we will have the resources we need to reach our targets.' Ms Creagh denied the Government has been prioritising other areas at the expense of the natural environment. 'Look at our actions,' she said, citing announcements of the first National Forest in more than 30 years, the first wild beaver release in over 400 years, mapping every single tree in the landscape and getting the biggest ever nature-friendly farming budget out the door to farmers. 'This is about opening up a conversation and making sure, for example, on reservoirs, that we have the drinking water that the nation needs, that we have the housing that the nation needs, but at the same time protecting and restoring 30% of land and seas by 2030,' she said. 'We're always keen to work with environmental groups, and we're always keen to get things right so where there are criticisms, we will listen.' On the new national nature reserve, she said: 'This is all about bringing people closer to nature, and that's one of the guiding missions of this Government – is to make sure that people living in urban areas have access to really high-quality green space and nature, rich and wildlife, rich spaces right on their doorstep.'
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Natural England boss reveals concern over budget for nature restoration
Tony Juniper, chairman of Natural England, said the 'very tight' spending settlement expected in light of current economic stresses will pose 'big challenges' for those working to reverse the country's decline in nature. Environment Secretary Steve Reed is understood to have settled the department's budget for the next three years with the Treasury on Thursday. It comes ahead of Rachel Reeves announcing her first multi-year spending review settlement as Chancellor on June 11. The Government has recently come under fierce criticism from environmentalists over proposed changes to nature protections in the planning bill and recent reports that the budget for nature-friendly farming would be slashed. Speaking to the PA news agency on Friday, Mr Juniper said: 'I am concerned about the budget side in particular because the job that we need to do is very significant.' The Natural England chairman cited the levels of ambition in Government nature targets such as committing to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030 – known as 30×30. 'We will work within the envelope that we have, recognising the country does face very serious economic stresses at the moment,' he said. 'But it does concern me naturally in terms of the scale of the task ahead and what we need to do.' Mr Juniper outlined some 'remedies' to receiving limited resources, such as working at a more strategic scale to increase impact and working in partnerships with land managers, statutory bodies and local government. Natural England will continue to highlight the extent to which nature will help the country meet multiple goals, including food production, infrastructure and housing, he later added. A view of Silverhand Estate in Gravesend, Kent in the new nature reserve (Silverhand Estate/Natural England/PA) 'Obviously if we are going to achieve the goals that we need, it is going to be really, really important to move beyond the framing of nature being a block to economic development, and seeing that nature is essential for economic development,' he said. Green groups recently hit out at the Chancellor for 'leading an ideological charge against nature' after she suggested some nature protections are a blocker to development. Asked about the criticism, he said: 'I can't really comment on that. I would say that nature is essential for the country's economic and social wellbeing, and we have evidence to prove that. 'We have a lot of evidence to confirm how nature is really a minor factor in limiting the ambitions we have to renew our infrastructure and build houses.' His comments came as Natural England declared 800 hectares of north Kent a national nature reserve, which means different stakeholders work together on conservation and restoration efforts across the landscape. Speaking from the new North Kent Woods and Downs national nature reserve on Friday, he said: 'We are in one of the most pressured parts of England. 'So being able to blend this significant area of nature protection and nature recovery into a landscape that's going to be receiving tens of thousands of more houses, plus major infrastructure in the form of the Lower Thames Crossing, this is a great example – not only of nature recovery – but also doing that in the context of these other essential demands that the country is placing on the land.' Nature minister Mary Creagh told stakeholders at the launch event in Shorne Wood Country Park: 'Nature is at the core of what we're doing.' Natural England chairman, Tony Juniper, at the beaver wetlands area near Cullompton, Devon (Ben Birchall/PA) Later asked Mr Juniper's concerns over the budget, she told the PA news agency: 'I understand (the) Secretary of State settled yesterday. 'So we won't comment on speculation but I'm confident that we will have the resources we need to reach our targets.' Ms Creagh denied the Government has been prioritising other areas at the expense of the natural environment. 'Look at our actions,' she said, citing announcements of the first National Forest in more than 30 years, the first wild beaver release in over 400 years, mapping every single tree in the landscape and getting the biggest ever nature-friendly farming budget out the door to farmers. 'This is about opening up a conversation and making sure, for example, on reservoirs, that we have the drinking water that the nation needs, that we have the housing that the nation needs, but at the same time protecting and restoring 30% of land and seas by 2030,' she said. 'We're always keen to work with environmental groups, and we're always keen to get things right so where there are criticisms, we will listen.' On the new national nature reserve, she said: 'This is all about bringing people closer to nature, and that's one of the guiding missions of this Government – is to make sure that people living in urban areas have access to really high-quality green space and nature, rich and wildlife, rich spaces right on their doorstep.'
Western Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Natural England boss reveals concern over budget for nature restoration
Tony Juniper, chairman of Natural England, said the 'very tight' spending settlement expected in light of current economic stresses will pose 'big challenges' for those working to reverse the country's decline in nature. Environment Secretary Steve Reed is understood to have settled the department's budget for the next three years with the Treasury on Thursday. It comes ahead of Rachel Reeves announcing her first multi-year spending review settlement as Chancellor on June 11. The Government has recently come under fierce criticism from environmentalists over proposed changes to nature protections in the planning bill and recent reports that the budget for nature-friendly farming would be slashed. Speaking to the PA news agency on Friday, Mr Juniper said: 'I am concerned about the budget side in particular because the job that we need to do is very significant.' The Natural England chairman cited the levels of ambition in Government nature targets such as committing to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030 – known as 30×30. 'We will work within the envelope that we have, recognising the country does face very serious economic stresses at the moment,' he said. 'But it does concern me naturally in terms of the scale of the task ahead and what we need to do.' Mr Juniper outlined some 'remedies' to receiving limited resources, such as working at a more strategic scale to increase impact and working in partnerships with land managers, statutory bodies and local government. Natural England will continue to highlight the extent to which nature will help the country meet multiple goals, including food production, infrastructure and housing, he later added. A view of Silverhand Estate in Gravesend, Kent in the new nature reserve (Silverhand Estate/Natural England/PA) 'Obviously if we are going to achieve the goals that we need, it is going to be really, really important to move beyond the framing of nature being a block to economic development, and seeing that nature is essential for economic development,' he said. Green groups recently hit out at the Chancellor for 'leading an ideological charge against nature' after she suggested some nature protections are a blocker to development. Asked about the criticism, he said: 'I can't really comment on that. I would say that nature is essential for the country's economic and social wellbeing, and we have evidence to prove that. 'We have a lot of evidence to confirm how nature is really a minor factor in limiting the ambitions we have to renew our infrastructure and build houses.' His comments came as Natural England declared 800 hectares of north Kent a national nature reserve, which means different stakeholders work together on conservation and restoration efforts across the landscape. Speaking from the new North Kent Woods and Downs national nature reserve on Friday, he said: 'We are in one of the most pressured parts of England. 'So being able to blend this significant area of nature protection and nature recovery into a landscape that's going to be receiving tens of thousands of more houses, plus major infrastructure in the form of the Lower Thames Crossing, this is a great example – not only of nature recovery – but also doing that in the context of these other essential demands that the country is placing on the land.' Nature minister Mary Creagh told stakeholders at the launch event in Shorne Wood Country Park: 'Nature is at the core of what we're doing.' Natural England chairman, Tony Juniper, at the beaver wetlands area near Cullompton, Devon (Ben Birchall/PA) Later asked Mr Juniper's concerns over the budget, she told the PA news agency: 'I understand (the) Secretary of State settled yesterday. 'So we won't comment on speculation but I'm confident that we will have the resources we need to reach our targets.' Ms Creagh denied the Government has been prioritising other areas at the expense of the natural environment. 'Look at our actions,' she said, citing announcements of the first National Forest in more than 30 years, the first wild beaver release in over 400 years, mapping every single tree in the landscape and getting the biggest ever nature-friendly farming budget out the door to farmers. 'This is about opening up a conversation and making sure, for example, on reservoirs, that we have the drinking water that the nation needs, that we have the housing that the nation needs, but at the same time protecting and restoring 30% of land and seas by 2030,' she said. 'We're always keen to work with environmental groups, and we're always keen to get things right so where there are criticisms, we will listen.' On the new national nature reserve, she said: 'This is all about bringing people closer to nature, and that's one of the guiding missions of this Government – is to make sure that people living in urban areas have access to really high-quality green space and nature, rich and wildlife, rich spaces right on their doorstep.'
Sky News AU
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Casey Donovan in tears after finishing final performance as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act musical
Casey Donovan has shared an emotional new social media post after finishing her final performance starring in Sister Act: The Musical. The beloved songstress recently treaded the boards in Sister Act for the last time after a national tour that saw Donovan perform across the country. Donovan starred in the production as Deloris Van Cartier, the role made famous by Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg in the original 1992 film version of Sister Act. '11 months, 5 cities & 216 shows @sisteractmusicalau what a wild ride,' Donovan wrote. 'Thank you to all who came and supported this show, we couldn't have done it without you! 'Thank you to the cast, crew, musicians and creatives for one epic adventure! Until next time.' Donovan's fans flooded the comment section to celebrate her spectacular run embodying Goldberg's iconic singing nun character. 'Massive congratulations Casey … you had me at Aussie Idol,' one supporter wrote. 'You took us to heaven,' another fan said. The singer first found fame after winning the second season of Australian Idol in 2004, aged just 16. Since then, she has built a diverse career across music and television, starring in major musical theatre productions including Chicago and We Will Rock You. Casey's curtain call comes weeks after the singer revealed the moment she decided to embark on her health journey. 'I'm 36 now and I finally realised that, if I want to be healthy and fit at 40, I need to take some real and lasting preventative measures now,' she told New Idea magazine last month. Donovan also told the magazine that she was hoping to start a family with her fiancée Renee Sharples in the 'semi-near future', revealing she was "in such a good place in my life right now". Donovan, 36, recently lost a significant amount of weight after overhauling her lifestyle, including the use of a GLP-1 weight loss medication Juniper. GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Juniper help regulate appetite and are increasingly being used in medical weight loss programs.
West Australian
5 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Harvey bowling superstar Cam Wellington takes out top spot as WA's under-18s male bowler of the year
Harvey's Cam Wellington has won another gold medal to cap the end of his under-18s bowls career. Hot off the heels of winning the bowls under-18s State Singles in April, Harvey's upstart bowling superstar Cam Wellington has taken out the top spot as the Juniper under-18s WA male bowler of the year. The awards ceremony took place at Optus Stadium last Friday with WA's top bowlers across a range of categories all awarded. Wellington won the most outstanding under-18 male bowler alongside Osborne Park's Sophie Hays taking out the most outstanding under-18 female bowler. Speaking to the Reporter after his State championship win earlier this year, Wellington said he was hopeful to end his under-18s career with a win at the award ceremony. Turning 18 in the coming months, this was the final opportunity Wellington had to take away an award in the under-18s category. After his State Championship win Wellington said he would continue to develop his skill as his bowling career progressed. 'Next is the open competition, and hopefully I can make my way from the bottom back to the top,' he said. Though Wellington has significant experience competing in the Australian Open, his next entry into the competition will be the first time in the over-18s competition with the ultimate goal of playing for the Australian bowling team. 'I'll just have to work even harder than what I have been,' he said.
