The Environment Agency consults the public on certain applications for waste operations, mining waste operations, installations, water discharge and groundwater activities. The arrangements are explained in its Public Participation Statement

These notices explain:

• what the application is about
• how you can view the application documents
• when you need to comment by

The Environment Agency will decide:

• whether to grant or refuse the application
• what conditions to include in the permit (if granted)

In 2017 the European Commission granted the UK and other member states quota for undulate ray in specific areas.

The UK has 2 tonnes of remaining quota for ICES area VIId which can be used for scientific research.

Currently undulate ray caught in VIId is under restrictive management and vessels involved in the survey will be required to complete a log-sheet and follow certain conditions while operating under dispensation.

It is anticipated that participating vessels will be restricted to 100kg live weight per trip but this will depend on the number of vessels that take part. Approximately 6 vessels that collectively fish across the range of area VIId are required.

If you would like to be considered to take part please email dispensationrequests@marinemanagement.org.uk or telephone 0208 2 256947 by 8am on the 13 November 2017.

Farmers, foresters and landowners are today being encouraged to plan ahead for the next round of funding for woodland creation, which opens for applications in just two months.

From 2 January 2018, landowners can apply for up to £6,800 per hectare to plant and protect more trees under the Countryside Stewardship Woodland Creation Grant – a scheme to help landowners make the most of their land and reap the benefits of woodland creation.

Not only do woodlands help to protect wildlife, improve water quality and manage flood risk, they also offer landowners an alternative source of income, help to boost timber production, and bring economic growth to rural areas.

Richard Greenhous, Forest Services Director for the Forestry Commission, said:

By investing in tree planting now, landowners can both benefit financially and help to secure a brighter future for our environment.

I would encourage landowners to talk to their local Woodland Officer and start planning now before the scheme opens for applications to be submitted in January.

We have made guidance available much earlier this year and brought in a number of improvements to the scheme – and our Forestry Commission teams are on hand to provide advice and support throughout the process.

The Woodland Creation Grant is open to all land managers, and successful applicants will receive a two-year capital grant, alongside an opportunity to apply for annual maintenance payments for ten years.

Guidance and application forms for the scheme were made available in September to give potential applicants more time to develop their plans, and a number of improvements have been made this year to make it easier to apply.

Applicants can contact the Forestry Commission for further advice and assistance.

Alongside the Woodland Creation Grant, landowners can also apply for the Woodland Creation Planning Grant to help with planning and proposals, as well as the Woodland Carbon Fund – a scheme designed to encourage large-scale planting and reduce our carbon footprint.

The Forestry Commission has appointed a new team of specialised woodland creation officers to assist landowners through the application process for large scale projects.

More information on the funding options available is on the Forestry Commission website.

The Environment Agency consults the public on certain applications for waste operations, mining waste operations, installations, water discharge and groundwater activities. The arrangements are explained in its Public Participation Statement

These notices explain:

• what the application is about
• how you can view the application documents
• when you need to comment by

The Environment Agency will decide:

• whether to grant or refuse the application
• what conditions to include in the permit (if granted)

This consultation is in 2 parts and is part of the Mid Essex Coast Phase 3.

1. Formal notification of additional land at Crouch and Roach Estuaries Site of Special Scientific Interest.
2. The proposal to extend the boundaries of Crouch and Roach Estuaries Ramsar site and Crouch and Roach Estuaries Special Protection Area. The proposed extensions include the same area of land.