Richard Benyon, MP
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Nobel House
17, Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR

26 September 2011

Dear Richard,

I am writing on behalf of my local Butterfly Conservation branch to express deep concern over the recent and potentially catastrophic cut in the charity's grant from Natural England to save threatened butterflies and moths from extinction. I believe that this runs completely counter to the stated Government aim of working in partnership with civil society and engaging with volunteer groups such as Butterfly Conservation. I want to know if the Government approves of Natural England's decision and whether it is the result of a reduction in DEFRA's Grant in Action (GIA)

In the foreword to the recently published England Biodiversity Strategy, I note that the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary says: "Biodiversity is key to the survival of life on Earth ........ Achieving our aims will be a big challenge. Government will play an important role but can't deliver this strategy alone. Our conservation charities, supported by millions of members of the public and volunteers, already make a vital contribution in protecting biodiversity." Furthermore, one of the four key aims of the new strategy is to put people at the heart of biodiversity policy. As I am sure you know, the strategy goes on to state that: "It is crucial to engage more people in biodiversity issues so that they personally value biodiversity and know what they can do to help. Civil society organisations play a front line role, directly engaging and enthusing the public about biodiversity. We will work with them to engage more people and empower them to make a difference."

Given this statement of Government policy, and given the fact that Butterfly Conservation has worked in partnership with Natural England and its predecessors for the last 16 years - pioneering recovery projects that are beginning to reverse the decline of many species, I cannot see any justification for this cut. I also note that Butterfly Conservation makes great use of volunteers, with its professional staff supporting over 150,000 volunteer days a year - equivalent to £9.5 million worth of voluntary effort. All this investment in species protection and community involvement is now at risk because of the massive cut to the Butterfly Conservation's Species Recovery grant.

As I am sure you know, butterflies are one of the most rapidly declining wildlife species. Over three-quarters of UK butterfly species are in decline and almost half (24 species) are on the Government's Priority Species list. Therefore, I urge you to take whatever steps you can to ensure the full re-instatement of the Species Recovery Programme grants to the voluntary sector as a matter of the utmost urgency.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion

Read the Minister's reply (page 1 2)