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Celebrating 75 years of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 

Lake District. Ashness Bridge with Skiddaw behind. Photograph: Paul Glendell

By Marian Spain, Chief Executive, Natural England We know now that access to nature is vital for our health and wellbeing, and when we feel a connection with nature, we’re more likely to care for it and help its recovery. …

1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act - a reflection from Navroza Ladha

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Landscape, Nature, Parks, trails and nature reserves, Wildlife

By Navroza Ladha, Chief Officer for Legal, Governance and External Affairs at Natural England On the 16 December this year (2024) we will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the groundbreaking “1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act”, …

West Penwith Moors and Downs (Halow ha Gonyow Pennwydh West) SSSI – an update on nature recovery in West Cornwall

Rocks at Sperris overlooking the northern coastline of the West Penwith Peninsula. The rocks contain some of the scarce species of lichen, and the habitat surrounding them is the lowland heath feature which is currently in unfavourable condition due to the encroachment of Bramble and Bracken. It is a breeding site for the Dartford Warbler. Credit: Ty Berry

By Julian Donald – Natural England Senior Officer for West Penwith Moors and Downs The prosperity and wellbeing of the people of Cornwall relies on a healthy natural environment with farming, fishing and tourism driving the local economy. This blog …

Penwith Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest; Cornwall’s western-most landscape receives further accolade of SSSI designation

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Site of Special Scientific Interest

By Mark Beard - Penwith Moors SSSI designation project manager The designation of a new Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a reminder that, as a society, we value the special place nature plays in enriching our lives, protecting …

Tony Juniper: second term is a chance to strengthen partnerships for Nature’s recovery

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Natural England

Tony Juniper CBE, who has been reappointed as Chair of Natural England for a second term, reflects on the past three years and the opportunities that lie ahead   Back in 2019 I was honoured and delighted to be selected …

The Story of the Cotswold Water Park SSSI

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Protected sites and species, Site of Special Scientific Interest

The Cotswold Water Park was created and continues to expand as a result of mineral mining activity across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. It comprises of over 170 lakes, and is an incredibly important place for biodiversity, recreation, continued mineral operations …

Swanscombe cements its place among England’s finest nature sites – James Seymour, Area Manager for Kent and Sussex

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Protected sites and species

The designation of a new Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is always a cause for celebration in Natural England because it means more of the rich fabric of our natural world has been recognised. This only happens after a …