§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to introduce protection for meadowland. [137291]
§ Mr. MorleyAll uncultivated and semi-natural land is protected by the Environmental Impact Assessment (Uncultivated Land and Semi-natural Areas) Regulations 2001 (S.I.No 2001/3966). In addition, many meadows are protected by statutory designation as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. We also provide payments to farmers under agri-environment schemes for positive management and in some cases restoration or recreation of hay meadows.