An introduction to deliberative methods of stakeholder and public participation (ENRR474)

The following pages introduce principles and practices of processes to engage stakeholders and the public in nature conservation decision-making. Involving people in the formation of decisions that affect them is increasingly advocated in policy-making. However, who to involve, when to involve them and how, is a challenge for many public agencies and organisations, keen to increase the legitimacy and effectiveness of their operations. Within English Nature there is increasing enthusiasm for involving people in land management decisions and policy-making, but there appears to be little awareness of the options available and the resources and skills required.