THE Countryside Alliance has welcomed pledges in the Queen's Speech which address the sustainable development of the countryside and the implementation of many of the recommendations of the Haskins' Report.
The speech included the Natural Environment Bill to establish a new umbrella agency, Natural England, by January 2007.
It also announced the intention to modernise the management of common land by updating existing legislation.
Alliance chief executive Simon Hart said: "The countryside has been crying out for rationalisation of the dozens of rural and environmental bodies.
Lord Haskins' Report outlines the reforms that were necessary and this legislation will set the Government on course for delivering its recommendations.
"While we welcome the Government's commitment to achieving sustainable development, any such legislation could impact seriously on rural life and we urge the Government to engage with those that live in and manage the countryside before any new law is introduced.
"The needs of the rural community must not be forgotten."
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