http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/wildlife-manage-strategy/consultation.pdf

The Government has invited views on, and input to, the initial phase in the development of a Wildlife Management Strategy for England. While many species are already protected by legislation or covered by Government strategies, initiatives or policies, the Government is concerned that the approach taken at the time may mean that some wildlife management policies may no longer reflect the Department’s key objectives. The consultation paper adds that previous policies do not reflect the integrated approach to biodiversity now embraced by Defra, illustrated for instance by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and the Ecosystems Approach Action Plan.

Given this previous approach to wildlife management policy development, Defra’s intention is to now develop and implement a more strategic, transparent, consistent and effective approach by means of an agreed Wildlife Management Strategy for England.

This consultation represents the first phase of the project and seeks views on both the necessity for and core principles of the Strategy. It also proposes a decision tree which will provide a mechanism for policy review and development. The decision tree outlines the fundamental processes involved in reviewing a situation, showing the stages involved as well as providing points for review and reassessment.

Responses are requested by 22 September 2008.