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Wildlife

The science of Natural England: now and then

Image shows two geological mounds of tall craggy rocks standing on the edge of a grassy cliff. The sea can be seen in the distance. The area is Axmouth To Lyme Regis Under Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest

By Dr Tim Hill, Chief Scientist at Natural England Science, evidence and evaluation sit at the heart of Natural England. Our teams work across a range of ecological, earth, economic and social sciences. With a strong focus on collaboration with …

Natural England wildlife licensing statistics for 2023

A great crested newt on a mossy piece of tree debris

Many wild animals and plants are protected by legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. As nature conservation adviser and regulator, one of Natural England’s roles is to licence …

An awakening: the creativity of science through nature

Image shows Clare Warburton when she was younger leaning over to touch some pink flowers

By Clare Warburton, Deputy Director for Sustainable Development at Natural England International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is an annual UN event, which aims to highlight the work and achievements of women and girls in science, both now …

The pathway to seabird recovery in England

Posted by: and , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Marine environment, Natural England, Seabirds, Wildlife
Chesil Beach and The Fleet SPA. Little tern adult at nest with two chicks.

Dr Alex Banks – Principal Specialist, Ornithology & Nick Williams – Principal Adviser, Marine Strategy England is a special place for seabirds. Our cliffs, beaches, marshes and offshore islands provide nest sites for around 20 species, including charismatic and iconic …

Wetland restoration: for people and planet

Image shows a common redshank bird standing within a grassy patch with white native flowers growing around it.

By Craig Ralston, Reserve Manager, Natural England World Wetlands Day, an annual awareness day, marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971. The adoption took place in the Iranian city of Ramsar, on …

Environmental Improvement Plan one year on: Driving Nature recovery on land and sea

Puffin, atlantic puffin, Scientific name: Fratercula arctica with a beak full of sand eels. Perched on a lichen covered rock. Blue sky background. Facing left. Horizontal

By Alan Law, Deputy Chief Executive, Natural England This time last year, Defra’s Secretary of State launched the Environmental Improvement Plan to an audience of nature conservation bodies and the media in the nature rich setting of Camley Street Natural …

Time to press the accelerator on the road to Nature recovery

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Climate change, Landscapes, Natural England, Nature Recovery Network, Wildlife
A brown pony stands on a grassy plain at the Hepple Estate in Northumberland

Tony Juniper CBE As we take stock of the year just passed and look ahead to the challenges facing us in 2024, we can pause briefly to celebrate gains recently made toward securing Nature’s recovery. From a Natural England perspective, …

Charting a BNG course: Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities in Biodiversity Net Gain implementation

A pond in a field, part of a wetlands creation project in Buckinghamshire

As we set foot on the path to implement one of the important nature recovery policies outlined in the Environment Act, a spectrum of emotions washes over us – from excitement to the daunting task of navigating this new terrain. …

New area added to licensing scheme to protect great crested newts and promote sustainable development

One of the restored ponds in Hertfordshire

Natural England has launched a new licensing scheme in Hertfordshire to help conserve local populations of great crested newts, while promoting sustainable development. Since Natural England launched District Level Licensing (DLL) in 2019, the scheme has expanded to cover 21 …