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Version 214, changed by admin 01/05/2007.   Show version history

This wiki has been retained for reference purposes - but further editing is not encouraged.

What is a 'Wiki'?

A wiki is a website which can be edited by anyone, without knowing the technicalities of webpage design, such as HTML or CSS (see also Wikipedia's definition). This Defra wiki is being used as an experiment in collaborative working.

In particular, we want stakeholders' help in developing the idea of an 'Environmental Contract'. This Wiki will allow people directly to input into the process of drafting the contract.

NOTE – we do not guarantee that other users will not be able to view the information – username and email address – for accounts created on this wiki. Acceptance of this is a condition of registration.

Please read our "Terms and Conditions". If you would like to make changes, then go to ‘edit page’ at the top right of the screen. If you are having any difficulties, see the training materials and frequently asked questions (opens in new window) from the company behind our wiki software, or contact us at Defra.

We ask that users do not make changes to this homepage, as it is necessary to keep this page clear and simple, particularly for new users. We ask users NOT to delete other users’ comments unless they are e.g. “spam” or abusive in some way.

The links below take you to the different pages of this wiki.

Key information - terms and conditions etc:

Contacting us

If you wish to draw any possible misuse to our attention you may contact us, during working hours, as follows:

  • send us an e-mail at: sdudiv@defra.gsi.gov.uk or
  • write to us at, Sustainable Development Unit, Defra, 4E, 9 Millbank, c/o Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
  • or call us on +44 (0)20 7238 5811

      Comments (8)

EnvironmentAdmin said, 16/08/2006

We have recently simplified the registration process. To get started, you just need to go to 'edit page' at the top right of the screen.

EnvironmentAdmin said, 18/08/2006

It is possible to create new pages by clicking on 'Create new page' at the top left of the page. By all means create a new page if you think it will help the content and usability of the website, but try to avoid creating too many pages without adding content to them. In order to build a useful and logical structure to the wiki, please create new pages from the Environmental Contract page, rather than from this homepage. Be careful not to delete pages unintentionally.

admin said, 31/08/2006

We believe the formatting issue with the display of some comments with some versions of Internet Explorer has now been addressed.

davidwilcox said, 12/09/2006

Good to see the wiki open again. One small point - the message automatically generated by Jot when you go to the wiki after registering is confusing. It is a general message which implies that you are startng a new wiki e.g.
Personalize this page: Click the "edit Page" button above and to the right to make this page your own. Why not start by entering a description of your project.

admin said, 12/09/2006

Re David Wilcox's comment, we accept that there is further scope for customising the site, in ways such as this - but wanted first to re-open the wiki! We hope users can live with any possible confusion for the time being.

davidwilcox said, 12/09/2006

Thanks - more here with a couple of points about navigation. I think it would help to have the discussion forum and further thoughts linked from the sidebar
http://partnerships.typepad.com/civic/2006/09/environment_cha.html

phil said, 13/09/2006

You say you welcome all comment, and everyone can understand the 'not abusive' bit, but how will people understand what you mean by relevant and constructive? Why should people take the time to compose something if they don't know if you'll simply delete it without discussion because you (rather than the community of contributors) deem it irrelevant? For example, I previously put up a page on "What would an environmental contract for local sustainability look like?" which appears to have been deleted without explanation. Similarly comment in relation to water and levels of housebuilding. How can I find out if it's worth my while engaging in discussion on these or any other issues which might seem relevant and constructive to me or a consensus of the community of contributors, but not necessarily to 'you'?
Phil Green

admin said, 13/09/2006

Phil Green asked about the deletion of content. Can we reassure all readers/contributors that Defra's administrators have NOT deleted any comments or content unless it is/was clearly (a) spam (junk adverts etc) or (b) vexatious (eg some of the edits where third parties have either "defaced" content or deleted whole pages or the content thereof). We would not ourselves delete any material simply because we didn't agree with it!

The openness inherent in the wiki approach means that it's straightforward for persons other than Defra to delete content/comments - and this has clearly been taking place. As a result, we are looking at the merits of a "housekeeping" exercise, ie restoring deleted comments (and any pages that may have been deleted) except the spam/vexatious ones. Any views/thoughts from Wiki users on this idea would be welcomed. Check back in the next day or two to see what's been decided.

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