Why I brought Europe's infrastructure and nature network to Bristol 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Connecting People with Nature, Green Infrastructure, Growth, Nature, Nature Recovery, Nature-based solutions

The Infrastructure and Ecology Network Europe came to the UK for the first time this September, marking its 30th anniversary. Louise McGowan reflects on bringing the conference to Bristol, lessons from colleagues in more than 40 countries, and why nature must be regarded as infrastructure.

Working together sustains Hen Harrier numbers in 2026

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Evidence, Hen Harriers, Monitoring, Natural England, Nature, Science and evidence
Hen Harrier in the air

By Matt Heard, National Delivery Director Hen Harriers are one of the UK’s most distinctive birds of prey and, after decades of decline, have gradually returned to northern England as their population has recovered. Natural England and its partners are …

SSSIs: A Golden Thread Through My Career

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Farming, Land Use, Landscape, Natural England, Nature
Marian Spain with a field behind her.

In this blog, Marian Spain reflects on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) as a golden thread through her time as Chief Executive of Natural England. Highlighting Dearne Valley Wetlands, West Penwith Moors and Downs, and Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast, Marian shows how SSSIs have evolved from academic curiosities into the backbone of nature recovery, …

Marian Spain - from first conversations to Landscape Recovery: a career in the field

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Farming, Landscape, Natural England, Nature, Species recovery, Wildlife
river bank surrounded by trees

In this blog, Marian Spain reflects on Landscape Recovery, the ambitious agri-environment scheme uniting farmers, NGOs and investors across whole landscapes for 20-year commitments. Highlighting projects like Upper Duddon, Boothby and Evenlode, Marian shows how nature restoration and farm resilience combine to deliver food security, climate benefits and thriving rural communities.

Success builds on success for newts and developers 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Development, Licensing, Monitoring, Natural England, Nature, Wildlife

By Stephanie Bird-Halton, Director - National Delivery at Natural England  The 2025/26 Annual Monitoring Report for Natural England’s District Level Licensing (DLL) for great crested newts has just been published. This blog explores the successes so far and shows that …

Tackling drought: why nature-based solutions are key to a resilient future

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Evidence, Monitoring, Natural England, Nature, Wildfire

By Oliver Harmar, Natural England's Chief Strategy Officer This blog explains how climate change is affecting England, with a focus on drought and wildfire, while suggesting the actions that we can take to restore the natural landscapes that protect us …

Where communities and nature meet: lessons from Pear Tree Park 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Connecting People with Nature, Countryside Code, Development, Green Infrastructure, Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England, Nature, Nature Recovery, Parks, trails and nature reserves, Tree Planting, Wildfire, Wildlife

By Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England In this blog, NE Chair Tony Juniper reflects on his recent visit to Pear Tree Park in Ealing with the Deputy Mayor Mete Coban to talk about the importance of green spaces for …

Protecting the Thames Basin Heaths: evidence from 15 years of the SAMM Project

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Birds, Connecting People with Nature, Countryside Code, Evidence, Mental health and wellbeing, Monitoring, Natural England, Nature, Parks, trails and nature reserves, Species recovery, Wildlife

By Zoe Shorter, Project Manager for the SAMM Team, Thames Solent Area Team This blog explains the findings of an independent evaluation of the 15-year Thames Basin Heaths SAMM Project. Evidence suggests the project is successfully mitigating recreational pressure on …