Poul Christensen – one of the leading figures in UK agriculture and the environment for the last thirty years – has been confirmed as the Chair of Natural England, the government’s wildlife and conservation adviser.

Speaking after the confirmation of his appointment, Christensen says: “I am delighted to be confirmed as Chair of Natural England, an organisation that has such an important part to play in delivering a secure future for our natural environment.

“I am fully aware that there are enormous challenges ahead in enabling England’s natural environment to withstand the impacts it is increasingly being subjected to. We have lost a significant amount of our wildlife in recent years and the pressures of development and climate change threaten to take a very heavy toll unless we change our views about what the countryside is for.

“We have to move away from the mindset that regards securing the health of the natural environment as a drag on prosperity and growth. A well-managed natural environment is vital for a huge range of critical natural services that we take for granted but which are fundamental to our economic performance and wellbeing. Services like food, carbon storage, productive soils, flood alleviation, clean air, clean water, amazing landscapes and fantastic wildlife are not givens, and they can only be secured if we manage the environment with nature’s support services in mind.

“England’s countryside, its coastline and its marine environment are by any standards spectacular, and as a society we must never accept that its riches are dispensable and somehow not worthy of our care. A healthy natural environment is fundamental to a healthy, vibrant society – and we must do all we can to ensure that the delicate balance of our wildlife and the landscapes that support it is properly maintained. To that extent, I am hugely encouraged by the successes of recent years where targeted conservation work has made real progress in improving habitats up and down the country, integrating wildlife conservation with farming, and extending conservation protection into our marine environment.

“There is a great deal to be done, but there is also ample evidence for believing that we can reverse many of the environmental mistakes of the past. I am convinced that the goal of ensuring that England’s countryside and marine environment remains in good health, rich in wildlife and accessible to millions is an achievable one – and as Chair of Natural England I intend to remain firmly focused on helping deliver it”.

Helen Phillips, Natural England’s chief executive says: “We are delighted at Poul’s appointment as the new Chair of Natural England. He brings an immense wealth of experience of farming and a deep understanding of the natural environment. His sound judgement and down to earth common sense will make an invaluable impact in the way we tackle the environmental challenges that face us”.

Poul Christensen was Deputy Chair of Natural England from 2006 and served as Acting Chair following the death of Sir Martin Doughty in March 2009. His appointment today follows successful roles as Chairman of Milk Marque in the late 1990s and Chair of the Rural Development Service. Poul has a lifetime’s experience in farming and was joint founder of the Tenant Farmers’ Association and helped pioneer early agri-environment schemes on his Thames Valley farm throughout the 1970s. He was awarded a CBE in 1991 for services to agriculture and the commercial development of the Agricultural Development Advisory Service (ADAS).