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Marine environment

Allonby Bay Coastal Connections Project: exploring and celebrating our coastal heritage

Image shows houses behind a grassy bank of the sea.

Our vision at Natural England, is of thriving nature for people and planet. Our aim is for everyone is able to enjoy nature’s benefits and act for the environment, wherever they live. We want to support people in recognising the …

Government takes a step forward for marine nature recovery

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Marine environment, Marine Net Gain, Natural England

By Jonathan Burney, Director of Marine Strategy and Government Advice The Government have released their response to the public consultation on the principles of Marine Net Gain (MNG). This exciting, emerging area of marine policy offers opportunity to accelerate marine …

How many mussels in Morecambe Bay? Understanding the value of mudflats and sandflats for birds, humans, and the ecosystems we share

Posted by: and , Posted on: - Categories: Marine environment, Monitoring, Natural England

By Louise Whatley, Marine Ecology Specialist and Elizabeth Mitchell, Senior Advisor for Engagement and Impact  As summer sets in in earnest, millions of us will head to the coast. In between dropping our ice-creams on our feet and taking a …

Celebrating World Ocean Day 2023: Building Partnerships for Planet Ocean

World Ocean Day illustration banner

World Ocean Day is an annual event celebrated on 08 June that not only serves as a day of observance but also fosters collaboration and encourages year-round conservation action. This global celebration unites individuals and organisations from around the world, …

POSEIDON: Changing the game for offshore wind and nature

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Climate change, Marine environment
Collection of new seabed (benthic) data in the North Sea

By Alex Fawcett and Victoria Copley, Marine Strategic Solutions Principal Advisers Offshore wind development is a vitally important part of the UK government approach to tackling the climate crisis and addressing energy security. This priority sits alongside the urgent need …

Hot off the press: Natural England’s research to support offshore wind

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Marine environment, Science and evidence
Offshore wind turbine

By Mike Burke, Head of Programme – Sustainable Development Natural England has just published several research reports to inform and support the sustainable development of offshore windfarms, contributing to economic growth and energy security. This package of research will provide …

Natural England’s response to avian influenza in wild birds – August 2022

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Marine environment, Natural England, Wildlife
Farne Islands guillemot colony

By Ginny Swaile, Deputy Director Science - Sustainable land and sea use The UK is currently experiencing the largest outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza on record with poultry, captive birds and wild birds all affected. A similar situation is …

Marine net gain – leaving the marine environment in better state.

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Climate change, Marine environment, Uncategorized
Kelp forest and blue mussel bed, Cornwall.

Defra has just opened a 12-week consultation, seeking views on the proposed aims and principles of marine net gain and how to best introduce a net gain approach to infrastructure and development in the marine environment. Natural England welcomes this …

Offshore wind – best practice advice to facilitate sustainable development

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Climate change, Marine environment
Construction of an offshore wind farm in English waters

The Government has set ambitious targets for offshore wind and the recent British Energy Security Strategy is clear that offshore wind has a key role to play in tackling climate change and the UK’s move towards Net Zero, setting a …