Fighting Fire with Nature: How Healthy Landscapes Reduce Wildfire Risk

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Ecosystem Services, Habitat, National Nature Reserve, Natural England, Nature-based solutions, Parks, trails and nature reserves, Protected sites and species, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Wildfire
Bunding on The Roaches, Peak District, playing a key role in slowing the spread of a wildfire on valued peatlands. Credit: Chris Fry

By Ruth Waters, Regional Director for the North of England, Operations Directorate, Natural England The UK is facing a growing wildfire crisis this year, with prolonged hot, dry weather fuelling blazes across our moors, farmland and urban parks. This blog …

Explore More for Less: Affordable East Midlands Nature Days Out

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Coast and access, Connecting People with Nature, Countryside Code, Mental health and wellbeing, National Nature Reserve, Natural England, Nature, Parks, trails and nature reserves, Wildlife, Woodland

This summer, if you’re looking for fun and accessible days out that are low-cost, then we have you covered. Not only is spending time in nature great for your wellbeing, it can also be great for your bank balance. Here are our suggestions for our favourite affordable days …

Water and Wellbeing: The People And Nature Blue Spaces Report

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Coast and access, Connecting People with Nature, Countryside Code, Marine environment, Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England, Nature, Parks, trails and nature reserves, Science and evidence, Wildlife
Picture of a reservoir surrounded by reeds on one bank, and trees on another bank.

By Fränze Kibowski, Senior Specialist - Social Sciences This blog explains the results of the recent People and Nature Blue Spaces Report, discussing how we interact with places like beaches, rivers and lakes, while looking at how the findings will …

Explore More for Less: Affordable West Midlands Nature Days Out

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Connecting People with Nature, Countryside Code, Mental health and wellbeing, National Nature Reserve, Natural England, Nature, Parks, trails and nature reserves, Wildlife

This summer, if you’re looking for fun and accessible days out that are low-cost, then we have you covered. Not only is spending time in nature great for your wellbeing, it can also be great for your bank balance. Here are our suggestions for our favourite affordable days …

Finding the unfindable: BBC films Natural England's dive team on Cornwall's ancient seabed after the discovery of a new seaweed species

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Habitat, Marine environment, Natural England, Nature Recovery, Science and evidence, Wildlife
The extensive healthy maerl bed in the Fal Estuary, taken by Natural England divers on the day of filming. Credit Angela Gall - Natural England

By Angela Gall - Marine Senior Officer, Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Area Team Off the south coast of Cornwall, in the cold, clear water, lie some of England's least-known natural treasures: the maerl beds. Earlier this summer, our …

Otterly Brilliant: Occupational Therapy Supporting Nature-Based Health Delivery and Site Improvements

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Connecting People with Nature, Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England, Nature, Nature-based solutions
A woman and a person in a large otter mascot costume stand next to each other giving a double thumbs up, on a canal path with a canal boat and bridge in the background.

By Esther Smith, Senior Officer, Health and Environment (North East and Yorkshire) This blog outlines the importance of green spaces in improving health and wellbeing, with a focus on occupational therapy, while showcasing some of the amazing projects in this …

Where nature strengthens community: celebrating England's first accredited Nature Towns

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Connecting People with Nature, Development, Green Infrastructure, Growth, Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England, Nature
Photo showing 4 smiling women in smart casual clothing standing in a row looking at the camera, in a field with the coastline in the background.

By Marian Spain, Chief Executive, Natural England In this blog, NE Chief Executive Marian Spain reflects on her visit to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), alongside senior leaders from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Trust, to see …

Natural England publishes Hen Harrier Brood Management Trial

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Birds, Evidence, Hen Harriers, Licensing, Monitoring, Natural England, Nature
Close up shot of a hen harrier chick 's head and neck in profile against a blurred grassy background.

By Matthew Heard, National Delivery Director, Natural England Hen Harriers are one of the UK’s rarest birds of prey. However, they are at the centre of a long-running conflict because they prey on red grouse, which are managed for grouse …

High Court judgment threatens protections for England’s internationally important wildlife sites

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Licensing, Natural England, Nature, Special Protection Area, Wildlife

Natural England intends to appeal a High Court judgment arising from a judicial review brought by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) concerning gamebird release licensing. Gamebird release licensing was introduced in 2021 to protect internationally important species …

Sherwood Forest’s Major Oak: An ending and a beginning

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Connecting People with Nature, Landscapes, Natural England, Nature, Woodland
Major Oak Summer 2025. Credit: Karyn Haw

Karyn Haw, Senior Officer - Nature Recovery Network, East Midlands Area Team Karyn Haw, Senior Officer in Natural England's East Midlands Area Team, reflects on the recent news that Sherwood Forest's iconic Major Oak has died. Drawing on a career …