The Peatland Restoration Roadmap sets out a pathway towards the ambition set out in the Environment Improvement Plan to bring 280,000 hectares of peatland under restoration by 2050. Natural England was commissioned by Defra to deliver the roadmap project, but the roadmap itself has been developed collaboratively with the peatland restoration community to incorporate their expertise, views and delivery plans.

The project has developed a definition of the area of peatland under restoration using a natural function led approach. This definition is supported by describing restoration outcomes and the stages of progress peatlands can be expected to go through as restoration activities are carried out. The changes in specific aspects of natural function along a restoration response trajectory were also developed at a high-level.

The definitions and response trajectories underpin a restoration delivery pipeline which provides a snapshot of the peatland restoration actions planned or completed by partners between 2021 and 2050. The data for this pipeline was collected through two online surveys, as well as including restoration delivery data from the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme.

Finally the report presents findings from extensive participatory stakeholder engagement carried out by Dialogue Matters which identified challenges and actions needed to realise England’s restoration ambitions. These findings are presented alongside thematic analysis of the delivery pipeline data. The full stakeholder research report, including a collaborative vision of what peatlands could look like in 2050 is presented as supporting information.

The Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme (NCPGS) aims to restore 35,000 hectares of degraded peatland. Administered by Natural England, it provides funding for both planning and preparation (Discovery Grants) and on-the-ground restoration works (Restoration Grants). ICF and partners were commissioned to evaluate its process, impact, and value for money. This evaluation aims to understand the scheme’s successes and areas for improvement, producing findings to inform the transition to future funding including the government’s Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs). The evaluation also assesses the wider context of peatland restoration, including private funding, sector capacity, and landowner attitudes. Data were available to assess the scheme’s performance from its outset until March 2024. One of the recommendations of this report is that a final impact evaluation should be conducted upon the scheme’s conclusion.

A supporting document providing Natural England’s commentary on the recommendations proposed by ICF in this report is available, along with six case studies looking at some NCPGS projects in greater detail.

This document sets out Natural England’s Plans for developing AI capabilities, aligning with the Natural England Strategic Policy Statement.

It outlines key steps to increasing use of AI responsibly: laying the foundations, improving operational efficiency, strengthening evidence and decision‑making, enhancing public engagement, organisational productivity and knowledge management, developing workforce capability and governance.

The plan also describes priority activities which will be undertaken in Natural England.

Effects on soil nutrients, tree flora, ground flora, decayed wood and tree regeneration away from release pens

This study examined the ecological effects of pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) releasing on ancient semi-natural woodlands (ASNWs) at varying distances from release pens, with relevance to current and future distance-based licensing requirements for gamebird releases near designated conservation sites. Twenty woodland sites across England and Wales, many designated as SACs and/or SSSIs, were surveyed. Each site contained a single pen holding 600–8,000 pheasants. Habitat quality was assessed along transects beginning 5–10 m outside pen edges and extending to a minimum of 1 km, avoiding game management features such as feeders or game crops. Sampling targeted ground flora, soils, invertebrate resources, and tree flora during winter 2023/24 and spring–summer 2024.

Pheasant encounters declined nearly tenfold from pen-edge plots to control areas, confirming a strong gradient of bird activity. However, soil nitrate, phosphate, and potassium levels showed no significant variation with distance, nor were there increases in bare ground, weed abundance, or shifts in plant communities towards higher Ellenberg N values. Ancient Woodland Indicator species also showed no degradation near pens. Nonetheless, ground flora species richness was reduced within 250 m of pens, and tree seedlings were least abundant closest to pens, indicating possible impacts on sensitive or early-growth vegetation. Decaying wood volume was consistent across plots except for higher levels in control sites.

The clearest distance-related patterns occurred in tree epiphytes: nitrogen-tolerant lichens and bryophytes were nearly twice as abundant near pens, while nitrogen-sensitive species were reduced up to ~100 m, suggesting localised nitrogen enrichment. These findings support refinement of release pen placement guidance, particularly in designated woodlands.

A selective review of evidence with a focus on two unpublished PhD theses

Releasing pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and red legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) for shooting is widespread across lowland UK, yet the ecological effects of this practice on ground dwelling invertebrates remain only partially understood. This selective review summarises published evidence relating to possible effects of released pheasants and red-legged partridges on ground invertebrates inside and alongside release pens.

The focus of this review is two PhD theses (Callegari, 2006 and Pressland, 2009) that have previously received limited peer-review relating to the possible effects of these gamebirds on soil-surface or ground invertebrates in woodland and unimproved grassland areas adjacent to release sites. Existing research indicates that high densities of pheasant poults within woodland pens can significantly reduce certain larger invertebrate groups, particularly carabid beetles, likely through a combination of direct predation and habitat alteration via soil disturbance, trampling, and nutrient enrichment. Away from release pens, dietary studies show that free living adult pheasants consume relatively low proportions of invertebrates (typically <5%), though seasonal peaks of 5–20% have been recorded at woodland edges. Evidence from species rich grasslands suggests that dispersed gamebird populations, even at moderate densities, do not measurably reduce local invertebrate abundance.

Overall, the data suggest that impacts on ground invertebrates are largely localised to areas where released birds accumulate at high densities, such as pens, feed stations, and woodland edges, whereas effects decline rapidly with increasing distance and bird dispersal. The review identifies key knowledge gaps, including the need for studies on specialist invertebrates and on the spatial extent of release related pressures on invertebrate communities. The results provide the basis for some specific management recommendations relating to reducing high density accumulations of birds around release points, feeding stations and other hotspots at sensitive sites.

The long-term legally binding Environment Act Habitat target as described in the Statutory Instrument ‘The Environmental Targets (Biodiversity) (England) Regulations 2023’ is: To restore or create more than 500,000 hectares of a range of wildlife-rich habitats outside of protected sites by 31 December 2042.

The 2025 Environmental Improvement Plan sets an interim target of 250,000 hectares by 2030.

This report explains the methodology for arriving at an accurate metric for reporting progress towards the target.

This report sets out the data sources used, and analysis conducted in March 2026 to produce a metric to report progress towards the statutory habitat target.

The metric is reported and broken down by habitat type, data provider and Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) area.

Data included in the analysis in this report are provided from:

• Defra Group delivery mechanisms: Environment Agency, Farming Directorate (previously known as Farming and Countryside Programme), Farming in Protected Landscapes, Forestry Commission, Forestry England, Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme.

• External partners: Buglife, National Trails, Newt Conservation Partnership, Plantlife.

Non-native species (NNS) are those which have been spread, either intentionally or accidentally, beyond their natural geographical range because of human activity. Invasive non-native species (INNS) can pose major threats to native biodiversity, human health and ecosystem services.

In 2018/19, NNS were surveyed by timed searches at 14 clusters of sites in the Solent region, each cluster consisting of a marina, a designated shore near to the marina and another designated shore further way. This report concerns re-surveys of four of these 14 clusters in 2022, to:

• monitor for changes in species’ distribution and abundance
• review the persistence of documented differences in the prevalence of NNS between the ‘Near’ and ‘Far’ shores
• assess if the clusters were suitable for ongoing sentinel monitoring
• and continue to refine the shore rapid assessment protocol developed during the earlier surveys.

Colonisation of new shores by a number of NNS was documented as well as a marked increase in abundance on shores by the Tufty-buff bryozoan. Two species, Purple fan-worm and Pink-hearted hydroid, were found that were not recorded in the previous surveys.

The survey method developed for the Solent surveys in 2018/19, and refined during these surveys, has proved effective in providing evidence on the presence and abundance of NNS at such sites, contributing vital information to the designated site condition assessments. Recommendations include wider adoption of the survey method and regular monitoring of identified ‘sentinel’ sites.

Non-native species (NNS) are those which have been spread, either intentionally or accidentally, beyond their natural geographical range because of human activity. Invasive non-native species (INNS) can pose major threats to native biodiversity, human health and ecosystem services.
In 2018/9, rapid assessment surveys (RAS) of 14 ‘Clusters’ of three sites, one marina/harbour site, one nearby shore and one more distant shore, were completed in the Solent. That project developed a replicable survey methodology to map INNS on shores. Comparison of this information with inventories of INNS in the associated marinas enabled assessment of the risk of colonisation of natural shores by INNS from nearby marinas. Natural England wished to undertake similar work in Devon and Cornwall involving three ‘Clusters’ of sites to seek to establish if a similar relationship could be found between the prevalence of INNS found within marinas and INNS found on intertidal areas nearby and more distant shores.

Two of the new clusters, the Torbay MCZ, and the Fal & Helford SAC, supported the overall findings of the Solent study, that nearby shores have more NNS than more distant shores. This pattern supports the possibility that NNS are ‘leaking’ from marinas onto nearby shores.

Twenty-seven NNS in total were recorded. Where comparisons with earlier RAS were possible, there was a net increase in NNS records.
The survey method refined during these surveys has proved effective in providing evidence on the presence and abundance of NNS at such sites, contributing vital information to the designated site condition assessments.

Mapping Invasive Non-Native Species in the Solent: An Update – 2022

This report presents the environmental and ecological data acquired from a drop-down camera and benthic grab survey of the Plymouth Sound area of Plymouth Sound and Estuaries SAC in 2021. The report compares the features of the SAC in 2021 with those recorded in previous surveys.

Sample stations were selected to enable temporal comparison with 2011 and/or 2015 survey data. Grab samples were successfully collected at 43 stations, and triplicate infauna samples were obtained at 17 of these stations. Grab samples were analysed for biomass (of each major taxonomic group), macrofauna and particle size [analysis] (PSA) in accordance with NMBAQCS protocols.

Imagery data was collected at 15 stations. Deployment of the drop camera was in accordance with the relevant guidelines (Coggan, R. et al., 2007 & NMBAQCS, 2015).
The 2021 survey data showed no indication that the extent and distribution of habitat features had changed in comparison with the 2011 and 2015 sediment data or the 2017 to 2021 dive data. There was no evidence that there had been significant ecological changes in the biotope community structure, notable species, or ecological function within the SAC.

Recommendations for future surveying, interpretation and assessment of the SAC include aiming to maximise the resolution at which species are recorded, consideration of data analysis using different survey methods, and the identification of key structural and functional taxa in future monitoring.

This report will inform a later condition assessment and management activities for this site.

Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) came into force in February 2024, and for small sites from April 2024. Natural England (on behalf of Defra) commissioned Eunomia to conduct a policy evaluation of BNG covering the initial period of the policy rollout through to a post-mandatory BNG evaluation (2023-2025). This report comprises the final policy evaluation circa one year on from BNG becoming mandatory.

The evaluation included a process evaluation, to understand the extent to which the BNG policy is being implemented effectively, and an impact evaluation, to understand the extent to which the policy is achieving its stated objectives. The report also presents a Value for Money (VfM) analysis of the costs and benefits sufficiently calculable at this early stage and suggests approaches for a future VfM evaluation.

The evaluation formulated twenty-four evaluation questions and employed the following data collection methods:

• Survey
• Fourteen focus groups
• Thirty semi-structured interviews

Overall, BNG processes are in place and functioning effectively, although there remain some challenges for stakeholders, especially related to capacity and experience in using the BNG tools and services. As few developments have been completed under mandatory BNG, its impact to date has been difficult to assess. However, while some implementation challenges exist, overall BNG is considered beneficial; it is already leading to the earlier and standardised consideration of ecological implications in development, and stakeholders felt that BNG is an advancement in both habitat preservation and compensation for habitat loss.

Most survey respondents and interviewees were optimistic about BNG delivery supporting local environmental priorities.

This report documents the creation of a verified spatial dataset of England’s undesignated historic parklands. The project aimed to enhance the accuracy, completeness, and usability of an existing historic parkland dataset, which previously lacked metadata and exhibited poor spatial alignment. Using a combination of Ordnance Survey historic maps (2nd Edition and Hills Edition), high-resolution aerial imagery, and supplementary datasets such as Historic England’s Registered Parks and Gardens layer, the team systematically reviewed and revised 13,485 input polygons.

The methodology involved detailed visual and automated quality control processes, including topological and attribute checks, to ensure spatial and thematic accuracy. Key features such as shelter belts, waterbodies, lodges, and tree-lined avenues were included where identifiable. The final dataset comprises 3,777 named parklands represented by 4,517 polygons, with attributes including parkland name, area, perimeter, and administrative region. Real-time project monitoring was facilitated through ArcGIS Online, enhancing transparency and stakeholder engagement.

The report recommends future enhancements through integration of additional data sources, AI-based feature extraction, and expanded attribute fields to improve historical, ecological, and management insights.

DNA-based methods, such as barcoding, offer significant opportunities for environmental monitoring of difficult-to-detect species, yet their routine application is limited by gaps in reference libraries, with roughly half of UK eukaryote species lacking data. As part of the Defra DNA Centre of Excellence, Natural England is addressing this barrier through the continuation of the UK Barcode of Life (UKBOL) project. During 2024/25, the project progressed in barcoding priority species by collecting and databasing 1,837 specimens across 1,200 species, with 1,085 specimens from 696 species sequenced and added to the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), including Wyre Forest BioBlitz specimens and genome-skimmed museum materials. Furthermore, the UKBOL data portal was migrated to NHM’s Kubernetes cluster to enable continuous gap analysis of UKSI species, cross-referenced with the PANTHEON database to support biodiversity monitoring.

This guidance document provides a high-level overview of the Marine Habitats and Species (MHabS) Open data and Marine Protected Areas Habitats and Species (MPAHabS) Open data that Natural England publishes on www.data.gov.uk. It should be used as a reference alongside the metadata to understand the dataset.

This document is for anyone to use, including Natural England stakeholders and partners, academics or members of the public to download and use the data.

Delivering marine nature recovery in England requires effective collaboration across sectors, scales and stakeholders. In the marine environment achieving environmental targets depends not only on policy mechanisms, such as Biodiversity Net Gain, Marine Net Gain, green and blue finance, and Local Nature Recovery Strategies, but also on the strength of partnerships that enable coordinated, place-based action.

The collaboration and coordination facilitated by Coastal, Estuary and Marine Partnerships (CEMPs) is critical to the implementation of the key policy initiatives outlined and is especially important in the context of emerging green/blue finance markets. This research adopted a mixed method approach to examine what characterises effective coastal partnerships for supporting and delivering marine nature recovery, particularly in the context of these emerging policy initiatives.

Findings demonstrate that CEMPs already play a significant role in marine nature recovery, particularly as trusted, place-based brokers connecting communities, regulators and delivery partners. In relation to governance, the research highlights the importance of both ‘hard’ factors (e.g. legal status, funding structures, organisational arrangements) and ‘soft’ factors (e.g. trust, collaboration, leadership, skills and local reputation), with the latter often proving equally or more critical to effectiveness. While many CEMPs operate successfully without formal legal status, those with stronger institutional arrangements or host-body support are shown to be better positioned to attract and manage larger-scale investment for MNR.

Despite strong appetite to expand their role in marine nature recovery, the research shows that CEMPs are constrained by limited core funding and capacity. Significant opportunities exist to strengthen their contribution through blended finance models and increased engagement with green and blue finance markets, enabling both environmental and social outcomes. The findings of this research highlight the strategic value of sustained investment in CEMPs to unlock their full potential in delivering marine nature recovery.

Red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) have declined dramatically in England, largely due to squirrelpox virus and competition from invasive grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and habitat loss. To support their recovery, this project used a structured decision making (SDM) approach to evaluate 18 alternative strategies against several core objectives relating to red squirrel recovery, cost, public acceptability, animal welfare, non-target species bycatch, and socio-economic factors such as tree damage.

Strategies included various combinations of lethal grey squirrel management, red squirrel translocations, and potential future tools (grey squirrel fertility control and a squirrelpox vaccine). Over 60 stakeholders from diverse sectors shaped the objectives and strategies.

To evaluate strategy performance, we combined several methods, including: a biological model projecting squirrel population dynamics and disease spread over 25 years; a welfare elicitation exercise to assess impacts of different methods on squirrel welfare; and survey-based modelling to predict public opposition to grey squirrel management techniques.

Doing nothing, continuing with the current status quo, and switching from lethal management of grey squirrels to fertility control alone if it becomes available all fail to deliver red squirrel recovery, with a high chance of red squirrel extinction across mainland England over the next 25 years. England-wide grey squirrel suppression strategies offer the best chance for large-scale red squirrel recovery, but with high monetary costs, high species bycatch potential, welfare concerns, and predicted low public support. The regional strategies we modelled for Northern and South West England that incorporate red squirrel translocations also show promise for red squirrel recovery, with a preference expressed among stakeholders towards the Northern England strategies. Targeted regional strategies may be more feasible and incur fewer costs to other objectives.

This report offers a transparent, evidence-based framework to guide red squirrel conservation with the next step being a decision on a national strategy to take forward. Additionally, the approach is iterative and can be reapplied at smaller spatial scales to support more nuanced local decision-making.

The 2018 surveying of Runnel Stone Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) was delivered by both the Environment Agency and the Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (CIFCA).

The grabbing survey identified and successfully sampled both targeted designated subtidal sedimentary Broadscale Habitats (BSHs). A third undesignated BSH, Subtidal mixed sediments, was also recorded. The distribution of BSHs recorded in 2018 was in reasonable agreement with the predicted distribution of habitats estimated from previous surveys and the Marine Evidence modelling; however, there are several discrepancies which are discussed.

The drop camera survey recorded areas of rock habitats extending from the shallow to deeper subtidal (infralittoral to circalittoral) including areas characterised by high wave energy and moderate wave energy. Although all 170 of the successfully captured 2018 video samples were of good quality, all biological abundances within these data were only provided as presence or absence data. This was linked to the strong tidal streams affecting the surveyor’s ability to gather imagery data at sufficiently low tow speeds.

The designated habitat, High energy circalittoral rock, was not recorded in either the still or the video imagery. This is despite the interpreted broadscale habitat map predicting a large area of this habitat to be present in the north-west of the MCZ.

The 2012 and 2018 surveys focussed on different geographical areas, making direct comparison of habitat extents difficult. Despite this, the distribution of Moderate energy circalittoral rock was similarly widespread between 2012 and 2018, suggesting a similar distribution of this habitat within the two surveys.
The data show that areas predicted by the habitat map to be dominated by circalittoral rock habitats were commonly interspersed with patches of sediment habitats.
Overall, Infaunal Quality Index (IQI) values were indicative of “Good” status under the Water Framework Directive. This indicates that the benthic assemblages showed minimal impacts from anthropogenic activity.

Recommendations for Future Monitoring:

• Update habitat maps.
• Consider image capture methods for high energy benthic habitats and species Features of Conservation Importance (FOCI).
• Consider image capture methods for species FOCI.
• Identification of key structural and functional taxa.
• Incorporation of biological traits analyses.
• Data analysis 1: analysis of different data types.
• Data analysis 2: appropriate indictors of change.
• Continue monitoring of contaminants.

This study applies an oral history methodology to explore experiences of the Morecambe Bay cockle fishery and the values expressed by 25 interviewees through their personal accounts. Exploratory in nature, the research aimed to test how qualitative, values-focused social data, and the associated analytical framework, might contribute to marine decision-making when applied within a specific fisheries management context.

The project produced two complementary outputs: a research report and an accompanying film. The report presents the case study methodology and findings, examining interviewees’ values and experiences of change within the fishery, and briefly considers potential implications for cockle fishery management in Morecambe Bay. The film was developed as an alternative approach to communicate and bring the findings to life to help to test what this type of output can add in a policy context.

Interviewees were primarily drawn from families with longstanding involvement in cockle fishing in Morecambe Bay and North Wales, many with extensive fishing histories. As a result, fewer perspectives were captured from new entrants to cockling or from individuals with broader, indirect connections to the fishery. Findings emphasise the importance of local fishing community, heritage, and intergenerational identity, alongside the value placed on experiential knowledge of the sands, which interviewees described as essential for safe and effective fishing practices.

As with all qualitative research of this nature, this study represents the experiences and perspectives of those who participated in the research and does not claim to represent those of everyone who work in the fishery or that live in the Morecambe Bay area.

While some interviewees recognised the role of regulation in supporting the sustainability of the fishery, many expressed concern about the impacts of current management approaches on the continuity of cockling communities, families, and cultural traditions. In particular, participants highlighted perceived difficulties for children from fishing families in obtaining permits, which they felt limited opportunities to develop ecological knowledge and practical understanding of the sands and cockle ecosystem. Even within this small sample, a diverse range of values, meanings, and connections to the cockle fishery emerged, underscoring the importance of recognising social and cultural dimensions within decision-making processes.

This project was funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of the marine arm of the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme. Marine (m)NCEA delivered evidence, tools, and guidance to integrate natural capital approaches into policy and decision making for marine and coastal environments. This work was part of project NC44: Using the natural capital approach in practice for place-based decision making at different scales. Find out more about the wider programme at: Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme – GOV.UK.

The film can be accessed here: Shifting sands of Morecambe Bay: Cockling, communities and change.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest are a welcome success story for nature conservation. Their value in protecting nature is now recognised more than ever before, as they form the backbone of the country’s ecological network. The support, enthusiasm and commitment that land managers have shown in caring for them is the foundation of their success.

Whether you’re a long-standing SSSI landowner or occupier, or a new one, this guide will provide you with key information about SSSIs, how to find out more information about your site and explains how we can work together. Your role in this network is vital, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Eurasian beavers are being returned to the English landscape as a native species which can restore and create wetland habitats. Beaver created habitats play an important role in restoring natural function to waterways which increases climate change resilience and ecosystem service benefits.
Beaver activity can have positive environmental and socioeconomic benefits, but it is recognised that their activities can also lead to negative impacts that need to be actively managed.

Local beaver management partnerships (beaver management groups, beaver advisory groups) are setting up around the existing beaver populations to provide advice and practical support to help beavers and people live alongside each other. Following the 5-step approach to beaver management will help resolve issues at an early stage, and thereby greatly reducing demand for beaver removal.

Environmental Land Management (ELM) funding is available for land managers to make space for beavers around waterways reducing conflicts between beavers and farm businesses, and to protect assets such as permanent crops and trees from foraging. But there are currently limited funding opportunities for beaver management partnerships.

This report explores the short-term and long-term funding approaches to support beaver management partnerships to provide on-the-ground advice and support to people learning to live alongside beavers.

The Managing Ecosystem Services Evidence Tool (MESET) is an online tool for searching evidence on how management interventions affect the provision of ecosystem services for different habitats. It is an update to and replacement of the Managing Ecosystem Services Evidence Review, published in 2017 (JP033, formerly NECR159).

MESET has been developed with the University of York and is intended for anyone who wants to know how land management interventions affect the provision of ecosystem services. Following a search, the user is provided, and can download in PDF format:
• a graph showing the quantity and quality of the evidence, and the direction of the effect the intervention has on the ecosystem service
• a reference list for the cited evidence, with digital referencing.

MESET can be used to identify evidence to support decision making, inform policy development, and guide research by highlighting evidence gaps.
Where there are gaps in the evidence, this does not necessarily mean that there would be no effect of an intervention on an ecosystem service, just that the search framework did not identify evidence on the association at the time of development.

The tool is supported by a Method Report and associated Appendices. The tool is accessed via this link: The MESET

District Level Licensing (DLL) is a strategic approach to licensing which compensates for the impacts of development on great crested newts (GCN) at a landscape scale. This DLL Five-Year Evaluation reviews the Natural England (NE) DLL Scheme, over the preceding five financial years.

The evaluation explores ecological, efficiency and effectiveness outcomes though the following evaluation questions:

• EQ1: To what extent does DLL contribute to Favourable Conservation Status (FCS) for GCN?
• EQ2-4: To what extent does DLL provide efficiency and effectiveness improvements for GCN licensing, for Developers, Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and NE?

This evaluation indicates positive outcomes of DLL, including no loss of GCN range (occupied 10km grid squares), overall increase in distribution (1km grid squares with suitable habitat for GCN), area of suitable habitat and GCN population. A high proportion of compensation ponds are good or excellent suitability for GCN, and the long-term management of ponds is more favourable, compared to other licensing approaches. There has been a net increase in suitable GCN ponds, and a net increase in occupied ponds, as a result of the DLL scheme.

DLL has more efficient turnaround times and a higher uptake by developers, compared to standard mitigation licensing, with developers valuing its certainty and timesaving benefits, but highlighting concerns about costs. LPAs mirrored these views on timesaving and certainty, and found DLL maps as strategic resources more useful than those offered under standard licensing. Financially, DLL’s income over five-years has covered short-term operations and long-term obligations. The scheme has adapted to improve delivery and collaboration across NE. Stakeholder feedback indicates that relationships with NE have strengthened over time, whilst highlighting areas for improvement.

This report examines how marine and coastal heritage assets can be managed to enhance their ability to deliver natural capital benefits while preserving their historic significance. Commissioned by Natural England and prepared by JBA Consulting as part of the Marine Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment (mNCEA) programme, it highlights the ecological value of heritage sites and their potential for delivering co-benefits in relationship to the ecosystem services arising from their associated ‘nature’ alongside their heritage significance and cultural capital.

Through a rapid literature review, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary analysis, the study identifies how marine and coastal heritage assets support ecosystem services. This report highlights a range of management approaches that could be implemented to increase co-benefits from these assets. However, challenges such as data gaps, policy limitations and limited interdisciplinary collaboration hinder their effective integration into natural capital frameworks.

The findings emphasise the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, improved data accessibility, and the development of standardised methodologies for assessing heritage and ecological value. Strategies such as bioprotection, nature-based solutions, and adaptive management are explored as mechanisms for enhancing co-benefits.

Additionally, exclusion zones around protected wrecks are recognised as de facto ecological reserves, reinforcing the case for integrated conservation approaches.

The report concludes with recommendations in three key areas: advancing research to establish heritage assets as natural capital contributors, fostering interdisciplinary training and engagement, and developing policy and guidance to support holistic management. The recommendations provide a foundation for future research and policy development, ensuring that heritage management contributes to both the conservation of heritage assets and environmental sustainability.

Natural England commissioned ENVISION to undertake this mapping project with the aim of improving understanding of the distribution of broad-scale habitat features within the Holderness Inshore Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and the wider Holderness coast. This is a geologically and biologically diverse region of the marine environment which has been shaped by glacial processes and continues to evolve in response to some of the strongest sedimentary processes in the UK. However, knowledge of the extent and distribution of habitat features to date has been hindered by data deficiency. The aims of this project were to:

• Make use of existing geophysical datasets and benthic sample data around the Holderness coast, and translate these into broad-scale benthic habitat features compatible with Level 3 of the European Nature Information System (EUNIS) habitat classification system.

• Provide Natural England with an evidence base which will inform our statutory conservation advice on infrastructure development within the region, particularly in relation to the Holderness Inshore MCZ.

• Understand the confidence and probabilities associated with the habitat predictions and use this to inform future ground-truthing survey work to strengthen our evidence base in the area.

The mapping outputs (the broad-scale habitat map and associated probability layer) are available to download both as GIS files, and as PDFs on Natural England’s Access to Evidence portal.

In recent years, the UK’s major health and environmental strategies have increasingly recognised that access to nature is important for good health.
The 2025 Environmental Improvement Plan includes a landmark commitment: the development of a Standard Evaluation Framework for assessing the health impacts of outdoor interventions.

Natural England has worked with cross government partners from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Sport England, Active Travel England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. A wider stakeholder advisory group has also contributed valuable insight from the public health, environmental, voluntary and community sectors.

The result of this collaboration is the Healthy Outdoors guide – a practical resource designed to encourage more consistent measurement of the impact of outdoor interventions on people’s health and wellbeing.

The Healthy Outdoors guide is a practical tool designed for a range of organisations including government, the voluntary and community sector, the NHS, academia, evaluators, funders, and the private sector. It helps organisations to identify appropriate measures and principles that can help ensure evaluations are consistent, robust, and focused on health outcomes.

We would like to hear from people who have used the Healthy Outdoors guide so that we can monitor impact and to support future improvements to the guide. Please consider providing feedback on your use of this guide through this online form: Healthy Outdoors Guide-User feedback – Fill out form.

You can download the guide by clicking on one of the links below. We have provided:

• Main version (recommended): interactive PDF with enhanced graphics and links
• Accessible PDF: suitable for printing, for screen readers and users needing a simplified layout
• Two-page summary of the evidence for the impact of outdoor interventions on health

This work, commissioned by Natural England through the LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES (Reducing and Mitigating Erosion and Disturbance Impacts affEcting the Seabed) project has surveyed the recreational activity across know seagrass sites within the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The Solent is known as a hotspot for maritime recreational activities including boating, anchoring, angling, swimming, jet skiing, paddle boarding and more. These activities can be damaging to the seagrass and halt its recovery; therefore, it is vital to obtain a baseline of boating and recreational activity to support the ongoing management of seagrass habitats.

Through the months of August and September 2021, volunteers and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust surveyed recreational activities in and around seagrass beds at Yarmouth West, Bouldnor, Osborne Bay, Kings Quay and Langstone Harbour.

The occurrence and frequency of a number of recreational activities such as boat movements, anchoring and mooring, and activities like bait digging and dog walking were recorded, and the results are presented in this report.

The Solent is a known hotspot for maritime recreational activities including boating, anchoring, angling, swimming, jet skiing, paddle boarding and more. These activities can be damaging to the seagrass and halt its recover; therefore, it is vital to obtain an understanding of boating and recreational activity to support the ongoing management of seagrass habitats.

The LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES (Reducing and Mitigation Erosion and Disturbance Impacts affEcting the Seabed) project is surveying the ongoing recreational activity at five sites within the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC): Yarmouth West, Bouldnor, Osborne Bay, Kings Quay and Langstone Harbour.

This was started in 2021 and is being continued throughout the project. For 2023, surveys were undertaken from 29th July to 30th September with the aim for each site to be surveyed once midweek and once on the weekend each week.

Overall, the 2023 conclusions strongly reflect those of both the 2022 and 2021 surveys. Some variation between these years may be linked to the removal of Covid-19 restrictions and a return to more normal activity patterns. Anchoring and mooring was observed at all sites, however Osborne Bay again showed higher levels of anchoring pressure. Outside of boating pressure, beach recreation, dog walking and swimming were the most frequently observed recreational activities.

The Solent is a known hotspot for maritime recreational activities including boating, anchoring, angling, swimming, jet skiing, paddle boarding and more. These activities can be damaging to the seagrass and halt its recover; therefore, it is vital to obtain an understanding of boating and recreational activity to support the ongoing management of seagrass habitats.

The LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES (Reducing and Mitigation Erosion and Disturbance Impacts affEcting the Seabed) project is surveying the ongoing recreational activity at five sites within the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC): Yarmouth West, Bouldnor, Osborne Bay, Kings Quay and Langstone Harbour.

This was started in 2021 and is being continued throughout the project. For 2022, surveys were undertaken from 30th July to 28th September with the aim for each site to be surveyed once midweek and once on the weekend each week.

The occurrence and frequency of a number of recreational activities such as boat movements, anchoring and mooring, and activities like bait digging and dog walking were recorded, and the results are presented in this report.

Overall, the 2022 results strongly supported the key conclusions of the 2021 surveys. The patterns of activity and use varied considerable across the sites, showing the highest at Osborne Bay and Yarmouth West. In particular, Osborne Bay showed higher levels of anchoring pressure compared to other sites. This data is being used to develop and further management of seagrass habitats through the ReMEDIES project.

This document helps film crews understand how to film on protected nature sites without causing harm. It explains what permissions are needed and how to plan filming so it follows the rules and protects wildlife and habitats.

This document sets out Natural England’s view on Favourable Conservation status for the Serotine, Eptesicus serotinus, in England.

Favourable Conservation Status is the minimum threshold at which we can be confident that the species is thriving in England and is expected to continue to thrive sustainably in the future.

This Definition has been produced following the Natural England approach to defining Favourable Conservation status described in the guidance document Defining Favourable Conservation Status in England.

Section 1 of this document describes the species covered by this Definition and its ecosystem context.

Section 2 specifies the units used to describe the three Favourable Conservation Status parameters. These are:
• Natural range and distribution (where the species occurs).
• Population (how many there are of the species).
• The extent and quality of habitat supporting the species’ population.

Section 3 outlines the evidence considered when developing the Definition. This Definition is based on the best available evidence on the ecology of the Serotine. The evidence covers the current situation, historical changes and possible future changes.

Section 4 sets out the conclusions on the favourable values, that is the value for each of the three parameters when the species has achieved Favourable Conservation Status.
This document does not include any action planning, or describe actions, to achieve or maintain Favourable Conservation Status. These will be presented separately, for example within strategy documents.

This document sets out Natural England’s view on Favourable Conservation Status for Leisler’s Bat in England.
Favourable Conservation Status is the minimum threshold at which we can be confident that the species is thriving in England and is expected to continue to thrive sustainably in the future.

This definition has been produced following the Natural England approach to defining Favourable Conservation Status described in the guidance document Defining Favourable Conservation Status in England.

Section 1 of this document describes the species covered by this definition and its ecosystem context.

Section 2 specifies the units used to describe the three Favourable Conservation Status parameters. These are:
• Natural range and distribution (where the species occurs).
• Population (how many there are of the species).
• The extent and quality of habitat supporting the species population.

Section 3 outlines the evidence considered when developing the definition. This definition is based on the best available evidence on the ecology of Leisler’s Bat. The evidence covers the current situation, historical changes and possible future changes.

Section 4 sets out the conclusions on the favourable values, which is the value for each of the three parameters when the species has achieved Favourable Conservation Status.

This document does not include any action planning, or describe actions, to achieve or maintain Favourable Conservation Status. These will be presented separately, for example within strategy documents.

This document sets out Natural England’s view on Favourable Conservation Status for Pine Marten in England.

Favourable Conservation Status is the minimum threshold at which we can be confident that the species is thriving in England and is expected to continue to thrive sustainably in the future.

This definition has been produced following the Natural England approach to defining Favourable Conservation Status described in the guidance document Defining Favourable Conservation Status in England.

Section 1 of this document describes the species covered by this definition and its ecosystem context.

Section 2 specifies the units used to describe the three Favourable Conservation Status parameters. These are:
Natural range and distribution (where the species occurs).
Population (how many there are of the species).
The extent and quality of habitat supporting the species population.

Section 3 outlines the evidence considered when developing the definition. This definition is based on the best available evidence on the ecology of Pine Marten. The evidence covers the current situation, historical changes and possible future changes.

Section 4 sets out the conclusions on the favourable values, that is the value for each of the three parameters when the species has achieved Favourable Conservation Status.

This document does not include any action planning, or describe actions, to achieve or maintain Favourable Conservation Status. These will be presented separately, for example within strategy documents.

This document sets out Natural England’s view on Favourable Conservation Status for Water Vole in England.

Favourable Conservation Status is the minimum threshold at which we can be confident that the species is thriving in England and is expected to continue to thrive sustainably in the future.

This definition has been produced following the Natural England approach to defining Favourable Conservation Status described in the guidance document Defining Favourable Conservation Status in England.

Section 1 of this document describes the species covered by this definition and its ecosystem context.

Section 2 specifies the units used to describe the three Favourable Conservation Status parameters. These are:
• Natural range and distribution (where the species occurs).
• Population (how many there are of the species).
• The extent and quality of habitat supporting the species population.

Section 3 outlines the evidence considered when developing the definition. This definition is based on the best available evidence on the ecology of Water Vole. The evidence covers the current situation, historical changes and possible future changes.

Section 4 sets out the conclusions on the favourable values, that is the value for each of the three parameters when the species has achieved Favourable Conservation Status.

This document does not include any action planning, or describe actions, to achieve or maintain Favourable Conservation Status. These will be presented separately, for example within strategy documents.

This report provides the results of a terrestrial invertebrate survey relating to Natural England’s proposals to extend the Mucking Flats and Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), to recognise the national importance of a series of habitats and the species they support. This report describes and assesses the terrestrial invertebrate species found on the survey area. The two survey areas J1 and J2 were located adjacent to a recycling facility in East Tilbury. The techniques used included sweep netting, aerial netting, beating tray, vacuum sampling, grubbing and direct searching.

It is noted that no investigation can ensure the complete characterisation and prediction of the natural environment and that natural and semi-natural habitats are subject to change, so the results of this report may become less reliable over time. The wet and mild spring may have affected the terrestrial invertebrate species and numbers present on site during the survey. Therefore, their ability to support the typical range and number of species may have been reduced.

Sixty-seven invertebrate species were recorded during the daytime terrestrial survey. Of these, four are protected and/or notable: the Cinnabar moth Tyria jacobaeae, a spider Argenna subnigra and a beetle Phalacrus championi in site J1 and a beetle Agrilus viridis in site J2.

This report provides the results of a terrestrial invertebrate survey which was conducted at the Walsh East Tilbury Quarry. The survey aims to inform Natural England’s proposal to enlarge the Mucking Flats and Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), notified (in part) for its invertebrate interest. The survey area was split into three compartments but due to accessibility only two were surveyed.

Data was collected using the following methods: pitfall trapping, sweep-netting, grubbing/hand searching, sieving litter and suction sampling. Four survey visits were undertaken during May, June and July 2024.

A total of 599 species were recorded, 77 of these had a conservation status, including seven Section 41 Species of Principal Importance and 70 species which are Nationally Rare or Nationally Scarce, therefore the fauna recorded is of high quality. A simple benchmark for any survey is the proportion of the recorded fauna composed of species with Nationally Rare or Nationally Scarce status. Sites where this exceeds 10% indicate exceptional quality. The figure for this site is almost 13% and therefore it can be regarded as approaching national importance on this basis.

The site is particularly important for its rich invertebrate fauna associated with short sward and bare ground, corresponding to the extensive areas of open mosaic habitat (OMH) and dry sparse grassland. In contrast, areas of more established tall grassland and scrub are of comparatively lower importance. Both ephemeral and permanent wetland features in the form of small seasonal ponds and brackish ditches are also important invertebrate habitats.

Bird Brain UK Ltd was commissioned by Natural England to undertake a breeding bird survey to update the evidence relating to the status of breeding birds within the study area around the Mucking Flats and Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The study area included land between Mucking village and Tilbury Fort.

The survey took place over six visits between March and July 2024. Birds and their behaviour were recorded and mapped. BTO breeding status codes were used and birds were assessed as being either ‘confirmed’, ‘probable’ or ‘possible’ breeders (where these terms are used in the report, they are used in the context of the BTO definitions). The survey visits took place during optimal weather conditions (minimal rain and wind) and surveyors used passive and parabolic recorders to record bird calls. An additional long-eared owl survey took place using thermal image cameras.

The survey identified 128 different bird species and 75 of these were ‘confirmed’ or ‘probable’ breeders. Bird population estimates were calculated for target species.

The survey concluded that the site had large areas of undisturbed land and diverse habitats supporting substantial numbers of breeding birds. In particular the East Tilbury Quary and Mucking Landfill compartments, being generally free from dogwalkers, held large numbers of breeding skylark. The Cetti’s warbler population was greater than 1% of the GB breeding population demonstrating the importance of the survey area to this species. Some species had low breeding success recorded for example, pochard, but this mirrored national trends (nevertheless pochard still also exceeded 1% of the GB breeding population).

This report provides the results of a terrestrial invertebrate survey to inform Natural England’s proposal to enlarge the Mucking Flats and Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), notified (in part) for its invertebrate interest. The survey was conducted on land that makes up the northern Tilbury Fort Marshes to the south of Tilbury Town and to the east of Tilbury Docks.

The survey targeted the Broad Assemblage Type (BAT) W22 ‘wetland’. Data was collected via pitfall trapping, sweep netting and suction sampling.

A total of 211 species was recorded from the sample sites including 22 with a nationally significant status. The Specific Assemblage Type (SAT) that is most prominent at the site is the M311 ‘saltmarsh and transitional brackish marsh’ with a total of eight species of fidelity recorded (where the threshold for favourable condition is nine).

The report found that of the four areas which were surveyed only sub-compartment TFM13 was of conservation value with respect to invertebrates. The interest in this area is a small zone on the southern part of the site where there is a small fragment of brackish marsh. Recommendations are made to investigate this area further in order to see if it can be expanded, enhanced or connected to other nearby fragments. It is noted that reducing grazing pressures, increasing connectivity or re-wetting of surrounding land are potential management strategies that could be considered.

This report provides the results of a terrestrial invertebrate survey which was conducted at the Tilbury intertidal zone, between Coalhouse Fort and Tilbury Fort. The survey aims to inform Natural England’s proposal to enlarge the Mucking Flats and Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), notified (in part) for its invertebrate interest. The survey area was split into five sub-compartments and the work was carried out in 2024 based on two survey visits in July and a further two in September using active sampling methods only.

The survey targeted Species Assemblage Type (SAT) M311 ‘Saltmarsh and Transitional Brackish Marsh’. In addition, a key objective of the survey was to assess the local abundance of the Nationally Scarce Sea Aster Mining Bee Colletes halophilus and its main forage resource Sea Aster Aster tripolium. Data was collected by sweep-netting, grubbing/hand searching and suction sampling.

A total of 389 species were recorded across the five compartments. Over half of the species recorded by the survey were found in compartment F1. This compartment also produced the highest proportion of unique species which were not found elsewhere (36%). Of the recorded species, 62 had a conservation status; eight Section 41 species and 54 which are Nationally Rare or Nationally Scarce. Four SATs were reported as being in a favourable condition including; ‘Saltmarsh and Transitional Brackish Marsh’ (M311), ‘Rich Flower Resource’ (F002), ‘Bare Sand and Chalk’ (F111) and ‘Scrub Edge’ (F001). The Sea Aster Mining Bee Colletes halophilus, an important saltmarsh indicator species, was present in three of the survey sub-compartments and while just a single nesting aggregation was located, suitable foraging areas were mapped in all five.

A simple benchmark for any survey is the proportion of the recorded fauna composed of species with Nationally Rare or Nationally Scarce status. Sites where this exceeds 10% indicate exceptional quality. The overall figure for the areas surveyed here, stands at almost 16% suggesting that they may qualify as nationally important.

This report provides the results of a terrestrial invertebrate survey of the DHL-owned East Tilbury landfill site to inform Natural England’s proposal to enlarge the Mucking Flats and Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), notified (in part) for its invertebrate interest. This survey compartment comprises a large unit of land and is located a short distance west of Coalhouse Fort.

The survey targeted Species Assemblage Types (SATs) F111 ‘bare sand and chalk’ and F112 ‘open short sward’. Data was collected using pitfall trapping, sweep netting and suction sampling.

A total of 138 species of invertebrates were recorded of which 16 species have a national status. The SAT that is most prominent at this compartment is the F002 ‘rich flower resource’ with a total of 12 species of fidelity recorded (where the threshold for favourable condition is 15). Of the targeted SATs, F111 had 5 species recorded (where the threshold for favourable condition is 19) and F112 had 8 species recorded (where the threshold for favourable condition is 13).

The report found that the survey compartment has a low to moderate percentage of scarce species. However this land has potential to become a more valuable stepping stone between Tilbury and Mucking and the species within the F111, F112 and other SATs would increase with different management mechanisms in place.

This exploratory project investigates the application of natural capital approaches in supporting Marine Protected Area (MPA) management. A review of literature was undertaken to identify the benefits and challenges of applying these approaches, provide an overview of where they have been applied, and identify the methods used to integrate natural capital thinking into MPA management and the decision-making process.

The review has shown a growing literature base valuing the links between natural capital, ecosystem services and societal benefits. Various methods have been applied to engage stakeholders and gather evidence on ecological, economic and socio-cultural values associated with MPAs. Increasingly, stakeholder engagement throughout the entire MPA process (i.e. designation, implementation and monitoring) is seen as essential for building support, capacity and engagement. Valuation studies were found to largely focus on economic valuation of cultural and provisioning services, with less focus on regulating services and their associated benefits. Additionally, there is growing evidence of participatory approaches across diverse social contexts that can foster more direct involvement from local communities.

While the literature supports the application of natural capital approaches and identifies several global studies which provide evidence on management approaches, this review found limited evidence of their practical application in supporting the MPA process. Although emerging cases of natural capital practices exist, they remain formative, isolated and requiring mainstreaming into policy practice. However, additional evidence on the practical use of natural capital approaches may be uncovered through more targeted searches of grey literature or interviews with MPA managers.

Non-native species (NNS) are those which have been spread, either intentionally or accidentally, beyond their natural geographical range as a consequence of human activity. Invasive non-native species (INNS) can pose major threats to native biodiversity, human health and ecosystem services.

Harbours, marinas and aquaculture facilities are frequently located in estuaries and are potential entry points for marine NNS. There is little systematic information on the relative tolerance of different NNS to estuarine conditions and their penetration landwards along estuarine gradients.

In 2017 The Marine Biological Association undertook a series of surveys to map the presence of INNS along the estuary of the River Itchen, Hampshire. Natural England commissioned this further project in 2022 to determine whether there has subsequently been any onward colonisation of INNS, and in particular the Red-ripple bryozoan, (Watersipora subatra), an invasive bryozoan which has been shown to be spreading widely in the Solent (and elsewhere) and was previously recorded at only one site at the mouth of the River Itchen. The Itchen estuary is part of the Lee-on-The Solent to Itchen Estuary SSSI.

Re-survey of the Itchen confirmed the general pattern of succession of NNS in the estuary and added four NNS to the list of those recorded in 2017. The failure of Watersipora subatra to encroach further on the estuary over a period of five years was documented, and a remarkable increase in NNS at one site was detected.

This information provides updated NNS species records as well as helping to inform biosecurity planning.

This report presents the findings of a 2018 seabed survey conducted within the Kingmere Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), a 47.84 km² inshore site in the English Channel off West Sussex, protecting two habitat Features of Conservation Interest (FOCI)—‘Moderate energy infralittoral rock with thin mixed sediments’ and ‘Subtidal chalk’—and one species FOCI, the Black seabream (Spondyliosoma cantharus).

Data were collected using drop down video across 50 sample stations, and a mini-Hamon grab which targeted 16 stations. Video quality was relatively poor, but a sufficient number of still images were good quality and suitable for analysis of epifauna. Due to coarse sediments, only 9 of the 16 targets were successful, and these were analysed for sediment particle size and infauna.

Using acoustic data previously acquired by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, with sediment particle size, infaunal data and imagery collected from this survey, a revised Broadscale Habitat (BSH) map was produced. The dominant habitat was ‘A5.1 Subtidal coarse sediment’ (93.9%), with ‘A3.2 Moderate energy infralittoral rock’ (6.1%) forming a narrow band. Some sedimentary areas were reclassified based on geological interpretation.

The findings enhance ecological understanding and inform future management. Recommendations include quantifying sediment depth over bedrock, capturing incidental footage during grabs, and using larger grab equipment for coarse sediments, targeting areas with sufficient sediment depth.

This information is also shared in Excel file: for marine species (‘UK Marine Management units – marine species data for reporting period 2019–2024’).

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This information is also shared in Excel file: for Non-bird species (‘Habitats Regulations Combined 9A Report for Non-bird Species in England for 2019 to 2024’)

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This is the first England-level report since leaving the EU and reflects the transition to country-level reporting following EU-exit. The report is required every 6 years by Regulation 9A of the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended).

It covers the onshore region and marine environment out to 12 nautical miles. It reports on the progress made during the 2019 to 2024 reporting period in delivering the measures required to achieve the objectives under Regulation 9A.

Regulation 9A covers the duties covered under Article 2 of the Habitats Directive and Articles 2 and 3 of the new Wild Birds Directive (previously reported as Article 12 and 17 reports – JNCC).

Natural England on behalf of Defra undertook assessments of conservation status for each feature listed on the main report and corresponding annexes that is present within England. A total of 71 habitat types extending out to 12 nm from the shore were assessed and 74 terrestrial, freshwater, and plant species (hereafter referred to as “non-bird” species). Marine mammals were assessed at a UK scale by the JNCC; 6 of these relate to English waters and are available here to view under Marine Management Units (MMUs).

For details on the Approach to Assessing Status of Habitats and Species and the 2019–2024 UK Offshore report, please visit Habitats Regulations Reporting 2019 to 2024 – JNCC.

The assessments are available in the following pages:

• Conservation status assessments for Habitats for England 2019-2024
• Conservation status assessments for Non-bird species for England 2019-2024
• Conservation status assessments for Marine Management Units – Marine species for UK 2019-2024

This information is also shared in Excel file: for all Habitats (‘England Habitats data for reporting period 2019–2024’).

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Howell Marine Consulting (HMC) and Environmental Resources Management (ERM) were contracted by Natural England (NE) to assess potential frameworks that could be used to measure ecological losses and gains from development in the marine environment and in doing so, to support Defra and NE in the development of Marine Net Gain (MNG) policy. Expert advice on market-based approaches was provided by economics for the environment (eftec).

The work has focused on activities below Mean Low Water, but with consideration of how this aligns with the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) approach in the intertidal area, particularly for developments that might straddle both the intertidal and subtidal.

The aim of Phase 1 of this project (desk-based review) was to assess how ecological losses and gains could be measured, for habitats and mobile species (birds, fish and mammals), within an MNG regulatory framework and develop options that can be practically delivered. The project has focused on technical constraints for measuring ecological loss and gain and used expert opinion to identity what would be operationally possible. The project has also highlighted where there are further considerations that need to be explored, such as whether options are legally, politically or economically feasible.

Phase 2 of the project (see Section 4 for more details) tested the shortlisted frameworks from Phase 1 against real world scenarios, from a scientific, useability and deliverability perspective. This report details our recommendations for the development of an MNG assessment framework based on the outputs from this testing.

Howell Marine Consulting (HMC) was contracted by Natural England (NE) to undertake the Marine Net Gain (MNG) Pilots Development Project.

To implement MNG, it needs to be established what is known and unknown about the potential implementation pathways, or delivery mechanisms for MNG, distinguishing between what is factual, verifiable information and what is opinion. Examples of implementation pathways are marine licensing, seabed leasing and fisheries management.

The project develops recommendations for pilots that will test implementation pathways to deliver MNG in English waters, thereby building the evidence base to support the development of MNG policy. For some pathways there was a need to establish if it can be used before considering how it could be used for the delivery of MNG.

Phase 1 of the project (see Annex 2 of this report) focused on understanding implementation pathways, then determines how measures using these pathways within the identified themes can be delivered. Identified themes were pressure reduction, active intervention, BNG:MNG interface, and strategic level restoration.

Phase 2 used the evaluation framework to frame targeted interviews with key stakeholders. Through these interviews the known status of each pathway was determined, alongside any uncertainty on whether the pathway can be used to deliver MNG interventions and how these uncertainties should be addressed.

The outputs are a set of recommendations on the next steps and work required to address uncertainties before pathways can be assessed through on the ground pilots.

Natural England conducted an intertidal rocky shore survey of the Flamborough Head Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in August and September 2018. Intertidal rock is a designated subfeature of the Annex 1 Reefs feature. A team of surveyors from Natural England and partner organisations completed eight survey transects across the headland, repeating surveys completed by the University of Hull in 2010 (Musk et al. 2010).

Phase 1 walk over surveys were conducted to map the distribution of biotopes 30 m either side of the transect, and Phase 2 transects surveys were completed using 0.25 m2 quadrats following the methods set out by Wyn et al. (2000) and Davies et al. (2001). Biotopes were identified using the JNCC’s Marine Habitat Classification (MHC) system (JNCC, 2022).

The survey produced a high-quality biotope map and a shore profile figure for each survey location. The data and outputs will provide a comparison for future surveys and will be used to inform the condition status of the Intertidal Rock subfeature of the Flamborough Head SAC Annex 1 feature Reefs.

A key aspect of supporting the delivery of Environmental Act targets is to ensure the best available evidence is accessible for decision making; however, issues with coverage and currency of available environmental data can limit effectiveness. This is hard to rectify given the cost and scale required for such extensive surveys, which risks missed opportunities in sustaining or expanding nature recovery. We seek to partially address this by mobilising the extensive plant records collected by expert witnesses of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) and identify locations of high botanical importance and value to better aid decision making processes.

BSBI records are collected at hectare (100 × 100m grid cell), monad (1 × 1km grid cell), and tetrad (2 × 2km grid cell) resolutions that we used to create hectare and monad resolution heatmaps, and a monad resolution summarised value map. The heatmaps contain the recorded counts of plant species with a list of Rare, Scarce, or Threatened (RST) species, but the monad resolution also contains a modelled count where the tetrad level records were resolved to a monad scale. The summarised value map provides an easily interpretable map where the value of each monad is categorised as either “Low”, “Medium”, or “High” according to the presence of RST species and/or the estimated proportion of Priority Habitat Positive Indicator and Ancient Woodland Indicator species compared to its surrounding area.

This Technical Information Note provides a detailed account of the methodology and models used to create the products.

Seagrass habitats (Zostera marina and Z. noltei) are vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and coastal protection but are in decline across the UK. This paper examines how elevated nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, affect seagrass health. Evidence shows many English seagrass beds are in unfavourable condition, with nutrient enrichment often linked to opportunistic macroalgal growth and eutrophication, particularly in Poole Harbour, Chichester Harbour, the Solent, and Essex estuaries. Stable isotope analysis (δ15N) indicates widespread influence of human and livestock-derived nitrogen. A review of the literature found that nitrate and ammonium toxicity can reduce shoot density, growth, and survival of seagrass species, with ammonium effects exacerbated by low light and organic enrichment. Environmental factors such as turbidity, temperature and salinity, and biological interactions such as macroalgae, epiphytes and bioturbation, also amplify nutrient impacts. Nutrient enrichment is a major pressure, acting alone or synergistically with other pressures. To improve conservation outcomes, detailed local monitoring of nutrients, alongside turbidity, temperature, and sediment conditions will be important. Standardised seagrass health metrics and integrated water quality data are needed to set ecologically relevant targets and guide restoration.