Environmental information regulations

You have the right to access environmental information under the Environmental Information Regulations. This is separate from your rights under the Freedom of Information Act.

Further information can be found on the website of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

What is environmental information?

‘Environmental information’ is a broad term, and includes:

  • information on the state of the environment and factors effecting the environment, such as flooding, habitat loss, greenhouse gases, radioactive waste, noise, building developments and so on
  • information on measures such as policies, legislation, environmental agreements and also economic and cost-benefit analyses of these measures
  • information on the state of human health and safety, the food chain, cultural/built structures and the conditions of human life where they are affected by environmental factors, such as acid rain or air pollution

What kind of environmental information is there in the archives?

The National Archives holds all kinds of environmental information, including information about school buildings, railway construction, soil erosion, land reclamation, pollution (including air, water and noise) and many other subjects.

Is there any information I can’t see?

The Environmental Information Regulations contain a number of exceptions, known as exemptions. We will not withhold information unless an exemption applies.

How do I make a request for information?

Write to our Enquiry Service, The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU or use our online contact form.