Speaking at the tenth annual Darwin Initiative lecture last night (see post below for further details), Hilary Benn announced that Professor Sir John Lawton, ex-President of the BES, has been appointed to chair the review of England’s wildlife network.

The review will explore if England’s collection of wildlife areas represents a coherent and robust ecological network that will be capable of responding to future pressures such as climate change. Commenting on his appointment, Professor Lawton said that “Climate change poses a major challenge for England’s wildlife, but it is by no means the only threat. We need to ensure that the existing protected-area network is fit for purpose, and if it isn’t, what we do about it.” The review will publish its findings in June 2010.