Spending watchdog on environmental regulation, NI agri environment, cheddar in Somerset

The National Audit Office, the public spending watchdog, has published a report looking at efficiency and effectiveness in England's environmental regulation. It found that complexity, outdated IT systems, skills shortages, and a risk averse culture were affecting how well DEFRA and the regulators Natural England and the Environment Agency are working. The NAO says that substantial reform is needed, but that it's optimistic there is the impetus and political will for change.

The Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland outlines progress on the Sustainable Farming Programme, and on efforts to cut pollution in Lough Neagh. The lough supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water and is facing what the Minister calls a 'biodiversity and ecological crisis'.

Continuing our exploration of the UK cheese industry, we visit a Somerset cheesemaker whose products are found on the shelves of several major supermarkets.

Presenter: Caz Graham
Producer: Sarah Swadling