Nature

Water and Wellbeing: The People And Nature Blue Spaces Report

Picture of a reservoir surrounded by reeds on one bank, and trees on another bank.

By Fränze Kibowski, Senior Specialist - Social Sciences This blog explains the results of the recent People and Nature Blue Spaces Report, discussing how we interact with places like beaches, rivers and lakes, while looking at how the findings will …

Explore More for Less: Affordable West Midlands Nature Days Out

This summer, if you’re looking for fun and accessible days out that are low-cost, then we have you covered. Not only is spending time in nature great for your wellbeing, it can also be great for your bank balance. Here are our suggestions for our favourite affordable days …

Otterly Brilliant: Occupational Therapy Supporting Nature-Based Health Delivery and Site Improvements

A woman and a person in a large otter mascot costume stand next to each other giving a double thumbs up, on a canal path with a canal boat and bridge in the background.

By Esther Smith, Senior Officer, Health and Environment (North East and Yorkshire) This blog outlines the importance of green spaces in improving health and wellbeing, with a focus on occupational therapy, while showcasing some of the amazing projects in this …

Where nature strengthens community: celebrating England's first accredited Nature Towns

Photo showing 4 smiling women in smart casual clothing standing in a row looking at the camera, in a field with the coastline in the background.

By Marian Spain, Chief Executive, Natural England In this blog, NE Chief Executive Marian Spain reflects on her visit to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), alongside senior leaders from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Trust, to see …

Natural England publishes Hen Harrier Brood Management Trial

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Birds, Evidence, Hen Harriers, Licensing, Monitoring, Natural England, Nature
Close up shot of a hen harrier chick 's head and neck in profile against a blurred grassy background.

By Matthew Heard, National Delivery Director, Natural England Hen Harriers are one of the UK’s rarest birds of prey. However, they are at the centre of a long-running conflict because they prey on red grouse, which are managed for grouse …

High Court judgment threatens protections for England’s internationally important wildlife sites

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Licensing, Natural England, Nature, Special Protection Area, Wildlife

Natural England intends to appeal a High Court judgment arising from a judicial review brought by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) concerning gamebird release licensing. Gamebird release licensing was introduced in 2021 to protect internationally important species …

Sherwood Forest’s Major Oak: An ending and a beginning

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Connecting People with Nature, Landscapes, Natural England, Nature, Woodland
Major Oak Summer 2025. Credit: Karyn Haw

Karyn Haw, Senior Officer - Nature Recovery Network, East Midlands Area Team Karyn Haw, Senior Officer in Natural England's East Midlands Area Team, reflects on the recent news that Sherwood Forest's iconic Major Oak has died. Drawing on a career …

What Natural England is doing next to protect Dartmoor Ponies

Natural England logo

In recent weeks, Dartmoor's iconic ponies have been at the centre of significant media attention and public debate. We want to use this blog to set out clearly what has been reported, what is happening in reality, and what we …

Natural England response to Badger Trust and Wild Justice judicial review decision

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

The High Court has on 26 June 2026, dismissed the judicial review claim brought by Wild Justice and the Badger Trust, finding no unlawfulness in Natural England’s decision-making.  The Court declined to grant the declaration sought by the claimants, noting …

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 …