Natural England

Guest blog: Benefits of engaging local communities in BNG

Natural England, 7 May 2025 - Biodiversity, Biodiversity Net Gain, Biodiversity Net Gain – Hints and Tips, Development, Natural England, Nature, Nature Recovery

Rosie Whicheloe, Senior Planning Ecologist for a local authority in London, explains how she’s looking at the benefits of public engagement in BNG for the communities in which they live. Delivering social value alongside BNG is incredibly important in urban …

Conclusion of Hen Harrier Brood Management Trial (updated)

John Holmes, 14 April 2025 - Hen Harriers, Licensing, Monitoring, Natural England, Nature, Nature Recovery, Protected sites and species, Science and evidence, Species recovery, Wildlife

The experimental trial of hen harrier ‘brood management’ has ended, concluding that this activity has contributed to increased numbers of nesting hen harriers on some grouse moors. However, illegal killing of hen harriers has continued, and a range of approaches …

Wild in the City - the Cambridge Nature Network

Justin Tilley, 9 April 2025 - Connecting People with Nature, Development, Green Infrastructure, Growth, Natural England, Nature, Nature Recovery Network, Parks, trails and nature reserves, Tree Planting, Wildlife

By Justin Tilley, Principal Manager, West Anglia team We often talk of ‘being in nature’ as if it’s a special place, away from our everyday world. In Cambridge, Natural England is supporting a major initiative that’s helping wildlife prosper in …

Two more years: extending ambitions for Nature recovery

Natural England and Tony Juniper, 8 April 2025 - Biodiversity, Biodiversity Net Gain, Climate change, Connecting People with Nature, Environment Act, Environmental Improvement Plan, Evidence, Farming, Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), Marine environment, National Nature Reserve, Natural England, Nature, Protected sites and species

By Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England I was delighted to be invited to serve a third term as Chair of Natural England and look forward to continuing to lead the organisation as it adopts and implements a new …

Using our evidence to plan our approach to the management of Dartmoor's SSSIs

Dave Slater, 7 April 2025 - Biodiversity, Evidence, Farming, Nature, Peat, Protected sites and species, Science and evidence, Site of Special Scientific Interest, wildlife and farming

Today we have published a Review of the evidence for the management of Dartmoor’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). As an evidence-led organisation, we use this to inform our advice to farmers and stakeholders on Dartmoor. Our job is …

Happier Outdoors: London’s Free Nature Festival

Natural England, 5 April 2025 - Connecting People with Nature, Education, Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England, Nature, Parks, trails and nature reserves, Wildlife

By Laura Brown, Higher Officer for Health and Environment, Natural England What is Happier Outdoors? Happier Outdoors began in 2023 as part of my work as the Health and Environment Higher Officer for London. I’m lucky to spend a lot …

Nature Towns and Cities: Creating Greener Neighbourhoods and Brighter Futures

Natural England, 4 April 2025 - Biodiversity, Connecting People with Nature, Development, Environment Act, Environmental Improvement Plan, Green Infrastructure, Growth, Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England, Nature, Nature Recovery

David Drake, Director, People & Nature at Natural England Did you know 47% of people do not currently have access to green space within 15-minutes' walk of home? Nature Towns and Cities aims to transform this reality, enabling millions of …

Welcoming the Corry Review — Nature recovery and sustainable growth through regulatory reform

Oliver Harmar, 2 April 2025 - Development, Growth, Nature, Nature Recovery

The Corry Review was set up by Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed, in October last year to examine whether the inherited regulatory landscape is fit for purpose and to develop recommendations to ensure that regulation across the Department is …

Growing the evidence base to recover England’s treasured peatland landscapes

Pete Brotherton, 31 March 2025 - Evidence, Peat

England’s peatland landscapes are places of inspiration, adventure and beauty. From the sweeping moors of the Pennines to the ancient heaths and mires of the New Forest, these treasured landscapes are more than just amazing wild spaces to visit. They …

Mountain hares in decline: New research reveals diminishing numbers in the Peak District

Dr Carlos Bedson, 28 March 2025 - Biodiversity, Evidence, Monitoring, Natural England, Nature, Science and evidence, Wildlife

By Dr Carlos Bedson The Peak District is home to England's only population of mountain hares, a remarkable Arctic species introduced here in the 1870s by sporting landowners. These cold-adapted mammals, with their distinctive seasonal white winter coats, have become …

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