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BNG lessons learned with Local Planning Authorities

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Biodiversity Net Gain, Biodiversity Net Gain – Hints and Tips, Development, Green Infrastructure, Licensing, Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England, Nature Recovery Network
Image shows a few newly built houses at a development site in Thakeham. A pond is at the forefront of the image with green grassy land around it and lots of vegetation, allowing for nature to thrive. A beautiful clear blue sky hangs overhead.

By Ruth Andreyeva, Director of Land, Water and Seas strategy Biodiversity net gain (BNG) became mandatory in England earlier in 2024, after many years of collaboration across industry and the public sector. We celebrate this milestone wholeheartedly, but we’re not …

A simpler, clearer and faster way to decide when to consult Natural England on planning applications that might affect a SSSI

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Development, Mapping, Protected sites and species, Site of Special Scientific Interest
An aerial view of part of Chesil and the Fleet SSSI, which is designated for its coastal lagoon seagrass beds and vegetated shingle saltmarsh

By Sarah Middlehurst, Senior Officer, Natural England Today sees the launch of a new tool that will help local planning authorities (LPAs) decide when to consult Natural England on planning applications that might impact a SSSI. The new and improved …

Our Natural Health Service

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Connecting People with Nature, Education, Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England
Image shows Natural England’s Chief Operating Officer, Oliver Harmar, Senior Occupational Health Therapist, Tracy Metcalf and the Care Trust’s Chief Executive, Therese Patten. They stand together on a NHS site, all hold gardening tools, ready to get to work.

By Esther Smith, Senior Adviser, Health and Environment, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Area Team The links between health and nature have arguably never been clearer. The healing power of nature is taking centre stage for people’s health and nature’s recovery …

National Nature Reserves – for inspiration and celebration!

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, National Nature Reserve, Natural England, Protected sites and species
Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve

By Mike Downey, Principal Officer for National Nature Reserves This week is a really exciting week in the calendar for England’s National Nature Reserves (NNRs). Monday 20th May marked the start of National Nature Reserves Week 2024, an annual celebration …

A new interactive website for our National Character Area profiles

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Development, Ecosystem Services, Green Infrastructure, Landscapes, Natural Capital, Natural England
NCA 36: Southern Pennines – Stoodley Pike

By Sally Marshall, Principal Landscape Adviser, Natural England Today (14 May 2024) we are excited to be launching a new interactive website for England’s National Character Areas (NCAs). This latest chapter in the long history of NCAs makes the valued …

Natural England’s Nutrient Mitigation Scheme expects to enable around 3,700 homes and help nature recovery in Dorset

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Nature-based solutions, Nutrient Neutrality
A view from the edge of pond looking across to the exiting stream that flows down a luscious valley with trees in the distance

In October last year we provided reassurance that Natural England will not only continue to deliver the Nutrient Mitigation Scheme but seek to accelerate and widen it. That hard work has brought us to our next major milestone – launching …

A high five for everyone driving Nature recovery – but we must not rest on our laurels

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Climate change, Environment Act, Environmental Improvement Plan, Natural England, Nature Recovery Network, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Species recovery, Wildlife
Tony Juniper stands in a grassy field with lots of colourful wildflowers growing. A blue sky with white fluffy clouds hangs overhead.

Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England Today marks five years since I became Chair of Natural England, which seems to me an appropriate point at which to take stock of the important progress made towards recovering Nature in that …

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