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Natural Areas are locally distinctive areas of wildlife interest identified by English Nature across the whole of England. Promotion of biodiversity interest at local level is expected to take this dimension into account, so that biodiversity typical of each area is enhanced. Thus, biodiversity across the whole of the country will be assisted, not just special species and habitats. There may also be opportunities to focus expenditure on ‘Prime Biodiversity Areas’ within Natural Areas, and to integrate the approach with protecting the landscape and historic environment in ‘Character Areas’ drawn from a wider frame of reference.

As noted, Character Areas combine features of nature conservation with protection and restoration of the natural and historical landscape, and as such they affect minerals industries in a variety of ways – for instance, in helping to shape restoration for biodiversity purposes so that it also fits the area in terms of landscape.

The Countryside Agency has published advice on how mineral workings should be integrated into their wider landscape (see, for example, Opencast Coal Mining: Advice on landscape and countryside issues, 1993, CCP 434). This new approach of designated Character Areas simply emphasises the integration of landscape consideration with that of nature conservation.

These developments illustrate the importance to mineral operators of taking into account a series of environmental objectives at the same time – and about working to enhance the ‘ordinary’ as well as the ‘special’ species, habitats and landscapes.

Click here for a map of English Nature’s Natural Areas.
For a breakdown of Natural Areas most relevant to the minerals industry, click here.