Defra is the rural department in government. Most of what we do, for example in relation to farming, food, environmental protection, landscape management, water, flooding, and climate change adaptation, has a direct bearing on rural England, and it also has a wider role in promoting the interests of rural people, communities and businesses across government as a whole.

Rural and Farming Network

A network of  local groups from across England to identify and feedback local issues and concerns straight to the heart of Government. Further information:

• Rural and Farming Network policy pages
• Contact: ruralandfarmingnetwork@defra.gsi.gov.uk

We also deal with statutory designations protecting our natural environment – such as Common Land, Local Nature Reserves, Areas of Outstanding Natural beauty or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – and with policy on National Parks.

Amongst our priorities under Defra’s Business Plan are:

• Reviewing the governance arrangements of National Parks and publishing proposals to increase their accountability
• Creating a new designation to protect green areas of particular importance to local communities, modelled on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
• Supporting economic growth in rural areas – investigating options available to help those in remote rural areas with the cost of fuel, and working to deliver universal broadband at speeds of 2mbps.