Strategic Environmental Assessment of the proposed new Rural Development Programme in England

We want to know what you think about the impacts on the environment of the proposed new Rural Development Programme in England. This is our Strategic Environmental Assessment of the scheme.

The Rural Development Programme for England provides money for projects to improve agriculture, the environment and rural life.

As background we have published the following:

• an Environmental Report
• a copy of the draft Rural Development Programme

The Environmental Report presents an assessment of the proposed Rural Development Programme in England and assesses any “reasonable alternatives”. These are alternative options based on different funding scenarios and priorities.

The report also discusses the ‘likely significant effects’ that would result from implementation of the proposed Rural Development Programme.