Tag: Natural England

The press release issued by Natural England on 5 September 2025.

Ingleborough National Nature Reserve (NNR) becomes part of the King’s Series of NNRs, established to celebrate His Majesty the King’s Coronation in 2023.

Over 179 hectares of Yorkshire’s iconic upland landscape has been recognised for its importance as a haven for rare wildlife and unique habitats, through the extension of Ingleborough National Nature Reserve (NNR).

The expansion brings the total safeguarded area to 1186 hectares, a third of the size of York or equivalent to 2.2 billion Yorkshire Tea bags, making it one of the largest and most wildlife-rich landscapes in northern England.

Ingleborough now becomes part of the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves, established to celebrate His Majesty the King’s Coronation in 2023. It brings together decades of work by Natural England and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, to tackle the climate crisis, restore degraded habitats, and create a resilient landscape for people and nature.

Ingleborough National Nature Reserve is one of the best places to see a mosaic of nature in action, from moorland fell top, blanket bog and heath to rush pasture, fen and woodland and then to species rich meadows and rivers. They are all found in a single section of valley.

The extension will allow for improved public access to nature with visitors to the reserve benefiting from closer access from Ribblehead railway station on the famous Settle–Carlisle line.

The Yorkshire Dales are home to a third of the UK’s remaining limestone pavements, famous for being tooth-like structures, and Ingleborough has some of the finest and best-preserved examples: although this is a fraction – just 8% – of what was once there.  Between 34,000 and 41,000 tonnes of limestone pavement was removed from Ingleborough until it became protected in the 1990s – the equivalent weight of around four Eiffel towers.

Today, the Nature Reserve is a vital lifeline for threatened species, from delicate ferns, mosses and lichens to flowers so rare that they are endemic to Ingleborough, meaning they can be found in this area of the world alone.

Ingleborough is the only place where you can discover the tiny white stars of Yorkshire sandwort. It’s just one of four places in the UK you can see Teesdale violets, and one of two places in Yorkshire where purple saxifrage grows. Ingleborough’s limestone pavements, in their natural, undisturbed state host a rich variety of plant life including rare holly ferns, lichens and mosses, as well as patches of sweet-smelling wild thyme and rock-rose, the main food source of the rare northern brown argus butterfly.

The site supports nationally important wildlife species including curlew, whose evocative call is fading as populations decline across the UK, as well as the black grouse and ring ouzel – both on the red list of threatened birds.

The reserve is also trailing sustainable farming practices with local tenants, including low intensity cattle grazing with native breed cows that mimic natural processes. Additionally, landowners and reserve staff have been experimenting with different grazing approaches that have helped create a patchwork of different habitats, with areas of wildflower-rich grassland mixed with areas of shrub and woodland. These practices will now be extended into the new areas of protected land, to allow further reduction in grazing pressure on the limestone pavement.

Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said:

The breathtaking beauty and rich natural wonders of the Yorkshire Dales are national treasures. Today’s extension to the Ingleborough National Nature Reserve brings more of this wonderful place into active Nature recovery, in the process helping safeguard species found nowhere else in the UK.

Natural England is delighted to be working with such excellent partners who are so passionately committed to halting and reversing wildlife decline, while reconnecting people with the natural world.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

Ingleborough is one of our most dramatic and beautiful landscapes, and I’m delighted this reserve is going to support thriving nature across an even larger area.

This government is committed to turning the tide on nature’s decline after years of neglect. New and expanded National Nature Reserves are improving access to nature and protecting nature-rich habitats, such as the limestone pavements found at Ingleborough.

Rachael Bice, CEO at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said:

Working together to create space for nature is vital and further protection for Ingleborough’s stunning landscape follows years of dedicated commitment to bring back more diverse and abundant wildlife to a nature-rich upland limestone landscape.

We’re thrilled the vision and work of our partnership, volunteers, members and supporters has been recognised. This area is one of the most exciting and inviting places to enjoy the wilder side of our rich natural heritage.

A partnership has formed between Natural England’s Ingleborough National Nature Reserve team, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust), The University of Leeds, UBoC, The Woodland Trust, and WWF to further the restoration of wildlife habitats around Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The Wild Ingleborough partnership aims to restore wildlife on a landscape scale — from valley floor to mountain top.

The press release issued by Natural England on 4 June 2025.

Path improvements along 228 miles of Cornwall’s stunning coastline from St Agnes Head along the south coast to the Tamar at Cremyll have finished.

• 228 miles of footpath heading west from St Agnes and all along the south coast now improved.
• The footpath follows the South West Coast Path for much of its length but with a number of improvements where the path has been moved nearer to the sea.
• The project creates new access rights between the path and low water.
• New provision for the path to be easily moved following coastal erosion events.

These works form part of a national programme to create a coastal path around the whole of England. Once completed, this will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the UK’s longest National Trail.

Earlier this year the 75-mile stretch from Marsland Mouth on the North Cornwall coast down to Newquay was completed. This follows the route of the existing South West Coast Path (SWCP) National Trail. Now the remaining 228 miles of path are completed: heading west from Newquay, down to Land’s End and back along the south coast to Cremyll on the banks of the Tamar.

Plenty to see along the path

For anyone walking the path, there is plenty to see, with towns and villages such as Falmouth, Penzance and Polperro, along with popular spots such as Land’s End and The Lizard.

For those interested in the county’s heritage, there are castles in abundance, like St Mawes and St Michael’s Mount, alongside remnants of Cornwall’s industrial past at Botallack engine houses and the Levant mine and beam engine – to say nothing of the famous cliffside Minack Theatre.

There’s also plenty for lovers of wildlife to spot, including choughs, grey seals and peregrine falcons. And, of course, there are glorious sandy beaches to stop off at throughout the route.

Lining up the path with the coast

In establishing the new trail, Natural England sought to improve the alignment of the coast path where possible or move it closer to the sea. For example, a new route has been created on the western side of the Lizard at Porthkerris instead of the old inland route along country roads. And at Millendreath the new path has been moved away from the road to allow for more scenic views and a safer walking route. Other changes include Downderry where the main route is impassable during high tides, so an alternative follows the coastal road.

While walkers will still encounter steep climbs and descents  – as well as gently undulating walking along the cliff tops  – there are now more accessible areas. This includes the path between Swanpool and Gyllanvase Beach and the path around Tregantle Fort.  Another change is a new legal provision for the trail to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion, thereby securing people’s rights into the future and protecting the investment being made now.

‘Wowing visitors for years’

Andrea Ayres, deputy area director for Natural England, said:

This huge stretch of path along two coasts takes in some of the best views in the South West. These much-loved places  have been wowing visitors for many years, as well as being loved by local residents.

We hope the improvements to the path, and the additional access rights, will mean even more people will get out and enjoy nature.

This will provide vital health and wellbeing benefits for local communities, as well attracting visitors to the county, with tourism playing a vital role in the South West economy.

‘Great to see sections of the King’s coast path open in Cornwall’

While much of Cornwall’s 300-mile section of the South West Coast Path is owned by private landowners and organisations, the path is managed by Cornwall Council. The council and Cormac, together with the National Trust, have worked to deliver the improvements around the county.

Julian Gray, director, South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), said:

It’s great to see the final sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path open in Cornwall, which creates new open access rights around the coast to help connect people to nature.

The establishment of the KCIIIECP has brought significant investment and improvements to the route of the coast path and also gives us new powers to manage the National Trail in the face of coastal erosion.

We will continue to work with our trail partners to protect, improve and champion the South West Coast Path as one of the world’s great trails.

Local locations used in The Salt Path

The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, was released last week and partly filmed in Newquay, as well as Whitsand Bay and Rame Head on the south east coast of Cornwall. Based on the memoir written by Raynor Winn, the story is about one couple’s walk around the South West Coast Path and could lead to the area attracting a whole new wave of visitors.

The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is a National Trail around the entire coast of England. Existing coastal national trails will retain their branding and alongside  other promoted routes form part of the KCIIIECP.

You can plan your walk on the KCIIIECP, which follows the enhanced route of the SWCP between Newquay and Cremyll, by visiting the KCIIIECP or the South West Coast Path pages of the National Trails website.

Background

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long-distance walking trail around the open coast of England, together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.

Natural England is working at pace to ensure completion of the KCIIIECP. 1,400 miles were open by the end of 2024.Subject to resources we expect to complete the KCIIIECP by spring 2026.

• To plan their visit walkers can access route maps of all opened sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path and any local diversions on the National Trails website and check for any restrictions to access at Natural England’s open access maps.
• You can promote your business, service, event or place of interest for free on the National Trails website, inspire people to spend more time in your area and benefit from the economic impact of visitors.
• National Trails, marked by the acorn symbol, pass through spectacular scenery, support local tourism and offer a range of routes from short circular walks to long distance challenges.

King Charles III England Coast Path:

• Here is a map showing progress to complete the King Charles III England Coast Path.
• The King Charles III England Coast Path will be our longest, National Trail, passing through some of our finest countryside, maritime and industrial heritage, coastal settlements and rural locations.
• It will also be the world’s longest managed coastal trail (i.e. the trail is maintained to National Trail standards).
• It will secure legal rights of public access for the first time to typical coastal land including foreshore, beaches, dunes and cliffs that lies between the trail and the sea.

Improvements to existing access to the coastline include:

• a clear and continuous way-marked walking route along this part of the coast, bringing some sections of the existing coastal footpath closer to the sea and linking some places together for the first time.
• Targeted adjustments to make the trail more accessible for people with reduced mobility, where reasonable.
• Uniquely amongst our National Trails the KCIIIECP may be moved in response to natural coastal changes, through ‘roll back’ if the coastline erodes or slips, solving the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along the coast – and making a true coastal path practicable. The legal provision for roll back is proposed to sections of the trail where a need has been foreseen but can be retrospectively applied to other parts of the route if deemed necessary.
• The route of the trail can also be altered through planning proposals and where coastal and flood defence works or habitat creation would impact on the proposed or open route of the KCIIIECP.
• You can find out more about progress near you to create the King Charles III England Coast path.
• We work closely with a broad range of national and regional stakeholders around the country including wildlife trusts, National Trust, RSPB, NFU, CLA, RA, OSS, Environment Agency and local authorities.

The press release issued by Natural England on 4 June 2025.

The path around Dorset’s stunning coastline is better than ever thanks to 21 miles of improvements between Kimmeridge Bay and South Haven Point.

• 21 miles of footpath from Kimmeridge Bay to South Haven Point now improved.
• The footpath largely follows the South West Coast Path and creates new access rights between the path and low water.
• New provision for the path to be easily moved following coastal erosion.

These works form part of a national programme to create a coastal path around the whole of England. Once completed, this will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the UK’s longest National Trail.

Stretching from Kimmeridge Bay on the Dorset coast and east to South Haven Point, some 21 miles in total, the path follows the route of the existing South West Coast Path (SWCP) National Trail.

Wonderful locations along the path

For anyone walking the path, there is plenty to see, not least Kimmeridge Bay which is one of the most loved locations on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and Studland Bay, recently designated a Marine Conservation Zone, marks the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. The path follows the coast of the Isle of Purbeck with its dramatic landscape features and impressive coastal views and throughout this stretch of the path there are glorious beaches if you want to feel sand between your toes.

Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve is a great place to see wildlife, which might include bottlenose dolphins, sunfish, jellyfish, seals and a variety of seabirds. A live cliff camera records Durlston’s impressive guillemot colonies – they are both the most easterly and second largest on the South Coast.  The country park is an easily accessible section of coast path, and also has, for lovers of history, a castle, along with parking and cafe, the Anvil Point lighthouse and the Great Globe stone sphere plus magnificent views.

Ready to ‘roll back’

In establishing the new trail, Natural England has sought to improve the alignment of the SWCP where possible or move it closer to the sea. It also brings legal provision for the trail to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion, thereby securing people’s rights into the future and protecting the investment being made now.

For example, at Chapman’s Pool there was a significant landslip meaning walkers had to take a lengthy diversion. Natural England worked closely with Dorset Council and the landowner to agree a new route that would solve the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along this section of the coast.

You will still encounter steep climbs and descents as well as gently undulating walking along the cliff tops.

‘Safe and scenic route along the Jurassic Coast’

Tim Hall, Wessex Coast and Seas senior manager for Natural England, said:

We’re pleased to open this new section of the England Coast Path today, 21 miles of spectacular views boasting some of our region’s most iconic wildlife and landscape.

It will provide both the local community and visitors from further afield more opportunities to access the coast and connect with nature.

Julian Gray, director, South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), said:

We’re really excited by the improvements to the coast path route and signage, helping create a more coastal walking experience in the area.

As the charity championing the coast path we’re looking forward to seeing the remaining Dorset sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path completed.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for Place Services, said:

This is wonderful news for Dorset. It not only provides a safe and scenic route for people to enjoy this stunning part of the Jurassic Coast, but it also gives our residents and visitors even more opportunities to connect with nature.

South West Coast Path, part of the King Charles III England Coast Path

The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is a National Trail around the entire coast of England. Existing coastal national trails and other regional walks make up parts of the KCIIIECP and this newly improved stretch of the South West Coast Path forms part of it.

You can plan your walk on the KCIIIECP, which follows the enhanced route of the SWCP between Kimmeridge Bay and South Haven Point, by visiting the KCIIIECP or the South West Coast Path pages of the National Trails website.

Background

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long-distance walking trail around the open coast of England, together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.

Natural England is working at pace to ensure completion of the KCIIIECP – 1,400 miles were open by the end of 2024.Subject to resources we expect to complete the KCIIIECP by spring 2026.

• To plan their visit walkers can access route maps of all opened sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path and any local diversions on the National Trails website and can check Natural England’s open access maps for any restrictions to access.
• You can promote your business, service, event or place of interest for free on the National Trails website, inspire people to spend more time in your area and benefit from the economic impact of visitors.
• National Trails, marked by the acorn symbol, pass through spectacular scenery, support local tourism and offer a range of routes from short circular walks to long distance challenges.

King Charles III England Coast Path

• You can follow progress to complete the King Charles III England Coast Path at King Charles III England Coast Path: improving public access to the coast.
• The King Charles III England Coast Path will be our longest, National Trail, passing through some of our finest countryside, maritime and industrial heritage, coastal settlements and rural locations.
• It will also be the world’s longest managed coastal trail (i.e. the trail is maintained to National Trail standards).
• It will secure legal rights of public access for the first time to typical coastal land including foreshore, beaches, dunes and cliffs that lies between the trail and the sea.

Improvements to existing access to the coastline include:

• A clear and continuous way-marked walking route along this part of the coast, bringing some sections of the existing coastal footpath closer to the sea and linking some places together for the first time.
• Targeted adjustments to make the trail more accessible for people with reduced mobility, where reasonable.
• Uniquely amongst our National Trails the KCIIIECP may be moved in response to natural coastal changes, through ‘roll back’ if the coastline erodes or slips, solving the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along the coast – and making a true coastal path practicable. The legal provision for roll back is proposed to sections of the trail where a need has been foreseen but can be retrospectively applied to other parts of the route if deemed necessary.
• The route of the trail can also be altered through planning proposals and where coastal and flood defence works or habitat creation would impact on the proposed or open route of the KCIIIECP.
• We work closely with a broad range of national and regional stakeholders around the country including wildlife trusts, National Trust, RSPB, NFU, CLA, RA, OSS, Environment Agency and local authorities.

The  Countryside Code is the official guide on how to enjoy nature and treat both it, and the people who live and work there, with respect.

For landowners:

Landowners who have KCIIIECP coastal access rights on their land enjoy the lowest liabilities in England.

The press release issued by Natural England on 13 May 2025.

• Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve set to be created in huge boost for countryside access
• The new reserve is on the doorstep of Bradford – one of the UK’s youngest and most multicultural cities with population over half a million people
• Habitat for precious species such as Adder, Curlew, and Short-eared owl to benefit from greater protections

One of Britain’s youngest cities is set to benefit from the creation of a huge new national nature reserve – the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve.

The new National Nature Reserve – the 7th in the King’s Series – announced and created today (13 May) is the first of its kind in West Yorkshire and will provide people with opportunity to enjoy the landscapes that inspired and were celebrated by the Bronte Sisters

The reserve spans 1,274 hectares – twice the size of Ilkley Moor – and links together eight nature sites within the Bradford & South Pennines area, two of which are internationally important upland habitats, and much-loved places such as Penistone Country Park in Haworth, home of the Brontes.

The establishment of this reserve will bridge this gap between the city of Bradford and the countryside by highlighting a range of important habitats just a stone’s throw from people’s homes. A National Nature Reserve next to one of the UK’s youngest cities will also help to break down barriers for young people accessing the countryside in one of England’s most nature deprived areas.

Approximately 90% of the area comprises UK priority habitats, including peat bogs, heathlands, and wetlands. Endangered wildlife such Adders, Curlew, and Golden plover will benefit from greater protections and better-connected habitats. 42% of the reserve will be newly protected, with 738 hectares (58%) designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), contributing to national conservation efforts to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.

Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said:

Reversing the historic declines in nature and moving toward ecological recovery requires bigger, better and more joined up areas for nature to thrive. The opening of this reserve is an important moment in this journey, marking a significant achievement in our efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment.

By working with local partners providing accessible Nature near to urban areas, we are fostering a deeper connection between communities and nature, promoting wellbeing and inspiring the next generation to support biodiversity recovery.

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said:

We are delighted that Bradford has such an important role in the national roll-out National Nature Reserves across the country, being the first in West Yorkshire.

Around two thirds of our district is rural, and we boast unique and breath-taking scenery. The creation of the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve ensures that these sites are protected and accessible for everyone in our district and beyond.

Minister for Nature Mary Creagh said:

The Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve is a landmark moment and will bring huge numbers of people closer to their iconic nature-rich habitats, as part of this governments Plan for Change to halt natures decline.

Aligning with Bradford’s designation as the UK City of Culture 2025, the reserve integrates cultural enrichment with conservation efforts. Natural England and Bradford Council will create a public engagement strategy to increase the diversity of visitors and encourage positive action for nature across Bradford in communities rightly proud of their area.

The launch will also enhance educational and cultural opportunities in the area. In collaboration with local universities and colleges, the reserve will offer opportunities for field studies and research.

The creation of the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve (NNR) marks a significant milestone in the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves. With the support of His Majesty King Charles III, Natural England will leave a lasting public legacy for people and nature by creating or extending 25 National Nature Reserves by 2027.

Together these sites form an ecological network that links two internationally important upland habitats within the South Pennines Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). All sites are owned and managed by Bradford Council

The press release issued by Natural England on 12 May 2025.

England’s most in-depth peatland map shows the extent, depth and condition of our peatlands.

• Scientific first made possible due to satellite imagery, AI and in-depth data analysis showing the extent, depth and condition of our peatlands
• Data reveals that around 80% of England’s peatlands are in dry and degraded states, but targeted mapping will now help aid their recovery
• Restoring 55% of peatland would have a value of around £50 billion in reduced carbon emissions alongside benefits for water storage and purification

Scientists have mapped England’s peatlands to a level of extraordinary detail never achieved before – revealing their worrying, degraded state and need for recovery.

The England Peat Map launched today (Saturday 10th May) is the most complete map of England’s peatlands and peaty soils to date and one’s of the world’s most comprehensive peat maps in existence. Our peatlands are a critical natural resource providing essential public goods such as carbon sequestration , water purification and storage – helping protect communities from flooding.

The map models the extent, depth, and important aspects of the condition of our peat, including vegetation, and even shows gullies and man-made and natural drainage channels and has been produced using cutting edge techniques.

Researchers used AI, satellite data from the European Space Agency, individual data sets from field surveys and modelled to identify the likelihood of peaty soils, and marks a step change in our ability to make decisions about land use and target conservation activities where they’re most needed.

The map, published alongside key research, shows:

• Peaty soil covers roughly 8.5% of England’s surface
• Around 80% of England’s peatlands are in dry and degraded states, making this an area in need of urgent action
• Around three quarters of our peat is covered by plants and land use types associated with dryer conditions such as heather, while only 1% is covered by important peat forming plants such as sphagnum moss
• The most extensive peatland habitat is to be found across the Pennines, North York Moors, parts of the Lake District, and in the uplands of the South West.

The findings present a worrying picture of widely degraded peat from the blanket bog most associated with our northern uplands to the lowland deep peat found most commonly in the fens of the East England.

Degraded peat also emits carbon, meaning that our peatlands are releasing carbon into the atmosphere and helping drive global heating. Understanding how much peat we have is the first step to calculating how much carbon it holds and how much it’s releasing – vital information as we work together to combat climate change.

The open source map available today on gov.uk will empower land managers and key decision makers to better understand and restore the nation’s peatland– for example, blocking drainage channels to re-wet the land and support better informed decisions on how to effectively balance biodiversity and carbon storage with food security in some of England’s most fertile farmland.

Restoring peatland will bring benefits for nature, communities, and the wider economy. Estimates suggest restoring 55% of peatland to near-natural condition will have a value of around £50 billion in reduced carbon emissions, while their value as a source of drinking water and recreation space is worth many hundreds of millions of pounds.

Natural England’s Chief Scientist Dr Sallie Bailey said:

Trying to map something that’s largely underground, changes in volume depending whether it’s rained recently, and tries to swallow you up every time you set foot in it comes with its challenges, which makes this map extraordinary in its accomplishment and something of a global first.

Mapping peat to this level of detail will help us maximise the benefits of peat and massively advances our understanding the role our peatlands are playing in a changing climate.

Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said:

The benefits of healthy peatlands are well documented – they are our biggest natural carbon stores, essential to the water cycle, and refuge to some of our rarest plants and wildlife, such as the carnivorous sundew plant, marsh violet, and charismatic birds like golden plover and curlew.

The England Peat Map will allow us to make far better and more informed decisions when it comes to managing peatlands – targeting restoration efforts to the most degraded peat and identifying the best opportunities for nature recovery.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

Our peatlands are this country’s Amazon Rainforest and in desperate need of restoration and protection, as this mapping and research work starkly demonstrates.

That is why we have announced up to £400m for nature restoration, including of our peatlands, and are consulting on new plans to extend the ban on burning deep peat. This government, as part of our Plan for Change,  are committed to expanding nature-rich habitats and turning the tide on nature’s decline after years of neglect.

The press release issued by Natural England on 2 October 2023.

Next steps for the nutrient mitigation scheme confirmed, adding to the 50,000 new homes nationwide already with mitigation agreed.

New opportunities for developers in the Tees catchment to unlock new housing whilst protecting the environment are now available, Natural England has announced today (2 October).

The third round of credit sales under the national Nutrient Mitigation Scheme will enable development to take place by supporting efforts to reduce nutrient pollution across freshwater sites.

Excess nitrate and phosphate pollution from livestock farming, sewage treatment works and septic tanks causes serious damage to waterways, negatively impacting wildlife and the quality of life for those who live nearby.

Wastewater from new developments exacerbates this issue, placing additional pressure on fragile freshwater ecosystems, but if development takes place alongside suitable mitigation, the additional damage can be avoided.

Developers in the Tees catchment will be able to purchase credits to offset the impact of development and create new areas for wildlife, such as wetlands. Previous rounds of credits unlocked 3,500 homes, with credits sourced for another 4,500 homes before April 2024 which has seen over 260 hectares – or 184 football pitches – created for wildlife.

Marian Spain, Chief Executive at Natural England, said:

This next tranche of credits provides the certainty needed to enable homes to be built while protecting a wide variety of internationally important species including wading birds, insects and special plants.

If we are to meet our legally binding obligations to halt the decline in nature, it is vital we take concerted action to protect these habitats with all sectors needing to reduce their impact to help protect the environment. We will continue to work with government to deliver practical solutions that help nature recovery.

The Nutrient Mitigation Scheme, first announced in July 2022, is led by Natural England in partnership with Defra and DLUHC. The scheme is being supported by up to £30 million investment from the government to speed up delivery.

Since being directed by the government to create the mitigation scheme in July 2022, Natural England has so far provided advice and the provision of credits to other enabled mitigation schemes which, in total, will allow over 50,000 homes to be built.

This has enabled local authorities and developers to bring forward the housing that is right for their area, while protecting fragile rivers, lakes, estuaries and wildlife from any further damage as the result of nutrient pollution.

The government has said that in the near term, it is important that planning decision-making continues in the areas affected on the basis of the current legal framework meaning that where mitigation is available, local authorities and developers should seek to progress sites.

Work continues to identify future sites which will be suitable for mitigation schemes to drive nature recovery while providing the homes the country needs.

The press release issued by Natural England on 2 October 2023.

Derby-based property developer ordered to pay £14,435.17 for breaching conditions of an European Protected Species Bat Mitigation Licence.

• Derby-based property developer to pay total of £14,435.17
• Defendant pleads guilty to four charges over development in Ashbourne
• Court told defendant ignored advice from Natural England and ecologist

A Derby-based property developer has been ordered to pay a total of £14,435.17 in a prosecution brought by Natural England for breaching the conditions of a European Protected Species Bat Mitigation Licence.

On 4 September 2023 at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, Patrick Weekes, aged 55, of Radbourne Construction Limited, Vernongate, Derby, pleaded guilty to four offences relating to a housing development in Harehill, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

He was fined £3,200 plus a victim’s surcharge of £1,280 and ordered to pay full prosecution costs of £9,955.17.

A European Protected Species Bat Mitigation Licence was issued to the defendant in October 2020.

The licence permitted the capture, disturbance, transport, and damage of resting places for Brown long-eared (Plecotus auritus) and Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) bats.

And it also permitted the damage of a breeding site for Brown long-eared bats.

The court was told that Natural England’s Wildlife Licensing Service had been made aware of potential breaches of the licence issued to the defendant in October 2022.

Natural England took the decision to prosecute because the breaches were considered so significant as to have impacted the welfare and Favourable Conservation Status of the bat species involved.

The breaches left brown long-eared bats with no suitable maternity roosting provision within the site.

They also significantly reduced the suitability of roosting opportunities for common pipistrelle bats, as well as endangering the welfare of both species.

Following a compliance check, Natural England’s Enforcement Team led a multi-agency site visit in February 2023 which evidenced that the defendant had breached the conditions of his licence on four counts:

• Failed to install Bitumen type 1F roofing felt with hessian matrix as agreed in the licence. This roofing felt is designed to be non-breathable which mitigates the risks to bats. Breathable roofing membranes, such as the one installed by the defendant, can cause bats to become entangled in the loose fibres and result in their injury and/or death. This is a significant risk to bat welfare.
• Failed to install the compensation and mitigation measures as agreed in the licence. Mitigation and compensation measures are included in licences to reduce the harm to bats, mitigate for any impacts, and where impacts cannot be mitigated then compensation is designed to maintain the Favourable Conservation Status as required in legislation. In this case, the agreed compensation in the form of various specific ridge crevices and access tiles to allow bats to roost within the roof were not installed, and the loft space set aside in one building to compensate for the loss of a Brown long-eared maternity roost was unsuitable and did not meet the requirements set out in the licence.
• Failed to complete post-development monitoring as agreed in the licence. Monitoring is vital to understand whether the impacts of bats have been successfully mitigated and compensated for, as well as determining if there are any issues with the compensation that need to be addressed to ensure they remain suitable for use by bats.
• Stripped the roof of a property containing a Common pipistrelle day roost without direct ecological supervision, as agreed in the licence. Ecologist supervision is required wherever there is a risk that bats can be encountered such as stripping a roof of a property with a confirmed bat roost present. This requirement is to ensure that works are done in a sympathetic way towards bats and if any bats are found during the process they can be safely transferred to a suitable bat box on site.

In sentencing the defendant, the court noted that he had acted in contravention to the professional advice provided by both their own ecological consultant and Natural England.

Also the defendant did not carry out work to mitigate the harmful impact on bats when so instructed by Natural England.

Steph Bird-Halton, Natural England’s National Delivery Director, commented:

“Natural England does not take the decision to prosecute lightly.

“However, where individuals or companies place the welfare or Favourable Conservation Status of protected species at risk, we will not hesitate to take targeted and proportionate enforcement action.

“I would like to thank the Bat Conservation Trust’s Wildlife Crime Project for the assistance they provided in this case.”

Additional information

All bat species are afforded legal protection as a European Protected Species under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

It is a criminal offence to contravene or fail to comply with any condition of a licence issued by Natural England, pursuant to Regulation 60(1) of The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

The Favourable Conservation Status of a species refers to the situation in which a habitat or species is thriving throughout its natural range and is expected to continue to thrive in the future.

Ensuring that Favourable Conservation Status is maintained after any licensable actions is key to all European Protected Species licensing decisions made by Natural England.

The press release issued by Natural England on 6 September 2023.

A weekend of summer activities is being held on the glorious South Shields shoreline this September to celebrate the King Charles III England Coast Path.

The events, being hosted by South Shields Surf School – a community interest company based in South Shields focused on sharing the benefits of being in and around our ocean – as well as Natural England, will take place at Sandhaven Beach, South Shields, on the 16th and 17th September from 10am to 6pm.

Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, the weekend’s events will include a variety of free activities such as:

• Seaside story telling and lively local music
• The opportunity to discover the unique Beach of Dreams flags. The Beach of Dreams began in 2021 as a 500-mile walk over 35 days along the East Coast of England, where local communities travelled with 500 silk pennants, each conveying people’s hopes for the future. The 500 silk pennants will be displayed to the public during the weekend celebrations
• A coastal parade, run by North East community interest group Creative Seed, and funded by Natural England which will walk from the iconic Souter Lighthouse to the Bamburgh pub in South Shields, with dancers, drummers and a range of carnival costumes
• A surf competition with various categories to enter.

The 7.5-mile stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path from South Shields to Sunderland consists of a series of sandy bays and is packed with a rich variety of coastal wonders.

The section starts in the busy seaside town of South Shields with its Roman Fort and amusements on the sea front, before winding along the cliff tops to the impressive Souter Lighthouse. Passing by hidden coves including the picturesque Marsden Grotto along the way. (The path passes hidden coves including the picturesque Marsden Grotto along the way.)

The events come just weeks after the last stretch of the King Charles III Coast Path in Northumberland officially opened on 23 August. The stretch connects Bamburgh with the Scottish border, completing a continuous path from Bridlington in East Riding of Yorkshire to the Scottish border, some 245 miles. It is the latest part of the 2,700 mile (4345km) national trail to be opened and creates the longest section open to the public so far.

Neil Constable, Natural England’s Programme Manager for the King Charles III England Coast Path, said:

We’re delighted to be part of this event to celebrate the wonderful section of the King Charles III England Coast Path in South Shields.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to come and find out more about the path and its rich local environment. There is something for everyone. So, whether you’re a seasoned walker or new to the coast path and would like to find out more, we’re very much looking forward to welcoming you.

Opening access to the coast is part of the Government’s ambition to connect people with nature and is key to achieving the aspirations of the Government’s 25-Year Environment Plan.

When completed, the new national trail will stretch all the way around the coast of England and will be about 2,700 miles long. It will take people through some of the finest landscapes in England, linking iconic places and heritage on the coast with less well-known areas and unlocking access to some parts of our coast for the first time.

The press release issued by Natural England on 30 May 2023.

New campaign will encourage young people to “respect, protect and enjoy” the countryside.

Shaun the Sheep was today (30 May) revealed as the new champion of Natural England’s Countryside Code.

A new baa-rilliant campaign with Aardman will see the popular animated character encourage children and young people to “respect, protect and enjoy” the countryside. From Mossy Bottom farm, Shaun and friends will follow the Countryside Code and show children how to care for nature, follow signs and share the space with others.

It follows research from Natural England’s Children’s People and Nature Survey which revealed that 80% of children and young people agreed that looking after the environment was important to them, and 83% said they wanted to do more to look after nature and wildlife.

Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said:

Shaun the Sheep and his endearing friends are the perfect illustration for the next generation of explorers on how to respect, protect and enjoy nature, whether in parks in towns and cities, at the seaside or in the countryside.

We know that children care deeply about the environment, and that 85% of children feel happy spending time outdoors – so it’s really important that we help young people enjoy the invaluable health and wellbeing benefits that nature offers, while giving it the respect it deserves.

Since the Covid 19 pandemic, more people have experienced the joys of nature – whether spotting rare birds across the network of National Nature Reserves or walking through grasslands and saltmarshes along the recently renamed King Charles III England Coast Path.

In response to more people wanted to visit the countryside and green spaces, Natural England refreshed the Countryside Code and updated guidance for land managers giving everyone access to guidance on how to enjoy the great outdoors safely and responsibly.

Under the updated guidance which extends to all green space, waterways and parks in cities, people are encouraged to “be nice, share the space and say hello” to fellow users of the countryside. The code has simple reminders to respect those working in the countryside, to dispose of litter responsibly; avoid feeding livestock; to not light fires; and to stay on marked footpaths to protect crops and wildlife.

Rachael Peacock, Senior Brand Manager at Aardman, said:

It’s great to be working with Natural England on this engaging and informative Countryside Code campaign.

Living on Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun’s connection to the countryside makes him a baa-rilliant and fun ambassador for nature, and we look forward to encouraging families to enjoy the outdoors respectfully.

Natural England and Aardman have created a suite of assets to help inform children and young people about the messages of the code, and how to ensure the outdoors is a place for everyone to enjoy. The assets will be hosted online and available for download in use across promotional materials.

Follow our social media channels and see where Shaun’s next countryside adventure will take him.

The press release issued by Natural England on 3 April 2023.

It will be used to create solutions to address species decline in England, research and to invest in wildlife habitat restoration and creation.

A new multi-million pound grant scheme was launched today (Monday 3rd April) by Natural England to help safeguard rare and threatened species from extinction.

Species such as lady’s slipper orchid, water vole, natterjack toad, wartbiter cricket and curlew could benefit from a grant from the £18 million Species Recovery Programme Capital Grant Scheme.

The scheme will support projects over two years delivering targeted conservation action through the creation and improvement of specific wildlife habitats, conservation translocations – whereby native at-risk species are moved or released from one geographic area to another to boost populations – as well as supporting research and creating solutions to address species decline.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said:

England’s wildlife is subject to a range of pressures with many species seeing drastic decline. The fragmentation of habitats, historic losses of natural areas, pollution, the changing climate and the impact of invasive alien species have all played their part, to the point today where nearly 40 per cent of England’s wildlife species are in decline and about 15 per cent in danger of becoming extinct here.

We know that we can turn this around though. The return of large blue butterfly to flower-rich grasslands in the Cotswolds, red kites coming back to soar over the Chiltern Hills and beyond, the bittern making a comeback back in East Anglian wetlands and the white-tailed eagle to the South Coast all present practical cases in point as to what we can be done with careful planning and partnership working. The funding announced today will continue to build and support the excellent collaborative work that is happening as we work to put Nature on the road to recovery.

Grants will be available for environmental charities, local authorities, protected landscapes, scientific institutions and others to improve the prospects, rebuild populations of vulnerable species and improve targeted habitats for nature across England.

The fund supports the Government’s commitment to halt nature’s decline by reducing the risk of species extinction by 2042, and supports the creation of a Nature Recovery Network of wildlife rich habitat that allows nature to thrive and people to benefit.

The new scheme is part of Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme (SRP), which has helped improve the conservation status of England’s priority and threatened species since the 1990s. Previous notable successes have included:

• A targeted recovery effort for bittern, involving the restoration and creation of extensive reedbeds. Over a 20-year period, the bittern population has increased from 11 booming males to over 200 now, more than have occurred in England for over 200 years.
• The recovery of the fen raft spider. Known in only three sites in the UK, recovery action began in 1991, first tackling water levels and quality, and then on reintroductions of the species at former sites using captive breeding.

Natural England encourages applications from today (3 April 2023) that focus on the recovery of England’s most at-risk species across land, freshwaters and seas. Further details of the grant scheme, including how to apply, can be found on the Natural England blog.