Biodiversity

Finding the unfindable: BBC films Natural England's dive team on Cornwall's ancient seabed after the discovery of a new seaweed species

The extensive healthy maerl bed in the Fal Estuary, taken by Natural England divers on the day of filming. Credit Angela Gall - Natural England

By Angela Gall - Marine Senior Officer, Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Area Team Off the south coast of Cornwall, in the cold, clear water, lie some of England's least-known natural treasures: the maerl beds. Earlier this summer, our …

Assessing the Health of the River Wye Catchment: An Update

Pristine reach near Aymenstry. The river here is connected to its floodplain and displays classic “run-riffle-pool” habitats.

By Emma Johnson, Midlands Deputy Director, Natural England Natural England has completed a detailed condition assessment of the River Lugg SSSI, part of the nationally protected River Wye catchment. This blog sets out the findings of that assessment, explaining the …

West Midlands Swift Academy – Connecting People and Swifts in Urban Spaces 

Close up photo of a small light brown bird in flight against a blurred gray background.

By Chloe Hardman, Senior Project Manager, West Midlands Area Team   In this blog, Chloe Hardman discusses swifts, and the amazing work being done to protect them within communities in the Midlands. When was the last time an animal made you …

Integrating clean power and the natural environment 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Development, Green Infrastructure, Growth, Natural England, Nature, Wildlife
Large solar panels in a green field, under a blue sunny sky with a few clouds.

By Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England In this blog, our Chair Tony Juniper reflects on a recent site visit to a solar farm in Essex where he saw first-hand how clean solar energy can be delivered alongside measures to support biodiversity and …

A shared picture of progress: new Defra and Natural England evidence shows 77,638 hectares of habitat target delivery

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Habitat, Monitoring, Natural England, Nature, Nature Recovery
Planted hedgerow gaps. Credit: Peter Roworth

By Alice Howard, Senior Data Scientist Defra and Natural England have published the 2026 habitat target metric, showing that action has been undertaken on 77,638 hectares to create or restore wildlife-rich habitat across England since January 2023, nearly double last …

Supporting the return of white‑tailed eagles to Exmoor

White-tailed eagles hunting as a pair. Credit: Ainsley Bennett

By Roxanne Gardiner, Senior Officer, Natural England Wildlife Licensing Service and Olivia Beatty, Higher Officer, Wessex Area Team Natural England has issued a licence enabling the next phase of white-tailed eagle reintroductions in southern England, permitting the release of up …

England Red Squirrel Recovery Strategy

Red squirrel on a branch. Credit: Gary Bruce

By Katherine Walsh – Senior Environmental Specialist for terrestrial mammals within the Chief Scientist Directorate at Natural England England's red squirrel is one of our most beloved native species, yet it has quietly disappeared from most of the country over …

Smarter Planning and Licensing Systems: Delivering Better Results for Bats and People

• A Daubenton's bat hunting an insect at night. Credit: Paul Colley via iStock/Getty Images

By Mike Smith – Deputy Director, Wildlife Licensing and Reform This blog outlines how Natural England is modernising the bat licensing system. It explores how we are building evidence to strengthen the planning system to deliver better outcomes for bat …

A Rare Fungi Discovery at Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve: The First UK Sighting of the Blue-Based Earthtongue

Yew tree at Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve

By Liz Frost, frequent visitor and fungi specialist, with Rachel Guy, Kingley Vale NNR Reserve Manager In mid-December 2025, amateur fungi enthusiast Liz Frost made an extraordinary discovery at Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve in West Sussex — spotting a …

How Biodiversity Net Gain helps people and places thrive

Volunteer in wellies and winter outdoor gear on the bank of a river, climbing away from the river.

By Greg Shaw, Senior Officer – Biodiversity Net Gain (Strategic Solutions and Biodiversity Net Gain Team). Across England, many communities face depleted green spaces and health inequalities. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) can offer a clear link between development, wellbeing and …