We are committed to being as open as possible in all that we do. Our policy is aimed at helping the public and our partners to understand and be involved in our work. It also reflects our obligations under Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and The Freedom of Information Act 2000.

We will provide information on request about most aspects of our work, including the data and information we hold and about our processes and decision-making. For example our Council papers and minutes are freely available and Council meetings themselves are open to the public.

We will strive to answer requests that are reasonable and specific. However there are certain types of information that may remain confidential. For example we cannot release information that affects other legal rights or processes, particularly where personal privacy may be breached. We cannot release information where it is likely that doing so could lead to damage to the environment or sensitive species being harmed.

Information about English Nature, including its policies and its work, is available from our Enquiry Service, our publications and our web site.

We will not normally charge for replying to information requests unless in answering the request English Nature would incur large costs for materials or for presenting information in a specifically requested format.

These principles are defined in English Nature's Access to Information Statement. This statement sets out our commitment to our staff, stakeholders and the wider public about how we set about creating a more open and transparent public service organisation