§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received from the Highways Agency on implementing the recommendations in its Biodiversity Action plan on steps to halt the decline in the barn owl population.[139765]
§ Mr. BradshawThe Highways Agency Biodiversity Action Plan (HABAP), published in 2002, includes a specific Species Action Plan (SAP) for Barn Owls. The stated aim of the SAP is
to reduce the level of incidental mortality on new and existing roads whilst ensuring favourable management of barn owl foraging and nesting habitat.This document sets out a number of related objectives and associated actions required to achieve them.The Highways Agency has commissioned its own study on the barn owl and is currently reviewing the findings of its own commissions and those of others. The outcome of this review will contribute to the publication of advice on implementation of appropriate actions in accordance with the SAP.
The Government have set new targets to protect and enhance biodiversity as part of The Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate. The Framework and associated targets cover all central Government Departments and their Executive Agencies, including the Highways Agency. Departments will report annually on progress.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to implement changes in agricultural policy to improve the(a) quantity and (b) quality of barn owl habitats away from major roads. [139766]
§ Mr. BradshawThrough our agri-environment schemes we have encouraged farmers to provide many thousands of hectares of grassland habitat, including for example over 20,000 hectares of cereal field margins. These less-intensively managed areas are good habitats for small mammals and provide barn owls with somewhere other than roadside verges to hunt their prey.