We broadly agree with the vision, objectives and policies in this section, including Policy DM27, Species and Habitat Protection, Policy DM25 Trees and Woodlands and Policy DM26, Other important landscape features. In our view the policies in this section are all well considered and sufficiently comprehensive.

We recommend that Point 3 in the short term vision should read:
'Local, national and international sites of nature conservation importance are protected and enhanced.' It is noted that enhancement is included as a medium term aim, but enhancement should actually be reflected in current, as well as in future decision making.

Natural England advises you to add a bullet on improving ecological connections between local and national sites and the wider countryside, which should build in detail over the short, medium and long term visions. This is in view of the aims of the NPPF to improve the network of wildlife areas within the UK, in accordance with the findings of 'Making Space for Nature' (2012) and the Natural Environment white paper (2012).