The Marine Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment (mNCEA) programme integrates ecological, societal, and economic data to enhance understanding and inform sustainable management of England’s marine environment. This project focuses on intertidal peats, an under-reported yet ecologically and culturally significant component, by developing a preliminary spatial dataset and a draft data standard for consistent future recording.

The dataset includes point and polygon geometries of peat sites and exposures, alongside non-spatial records of sources and related events. Designed with Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability and Reusability (FAIR) principles, the standard supports interoperability with terrestrial peat datasets and flexibility for future expansion.

A preliminary map was created by collating existing data, identifying 544 sites and capturing 39 exposures at 12 locations through high-resolution imagery and geological data. Limitations in data availability and imagery interpretation highlight the need for further work. Additionally, a protocol for assessing the natural capital value of intertidal peats was developed, identifying challenges in applying market-based valuation methods and opportunities for methodological improvement.

The outputs provide a foundational resource for future intertidal peat mapping efforts.

This report presents the findings of a 2021 seabed survey of the Orford Inshore Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). This site, which is designated for the protection of the broadscale habitat, ‘subtidal mixed sediment’ lies in the southern North Sea and covers an area of approximately 72 km². During the survey eighty sediment samples were collected within and outside the MCZ boundary at sixty sample sites using a mini-Hamon grab, with a further six sample stations targeted with drop-down video, although poor visibility rendered the video imagery unusable. Particle size analysis of the sediment samples indicated that most samples were subtidal mixed sediments, with varying dominance of gravel, sand and mud. Macrofaunal analysis of the samples showed that they could be categorised into four distinct infaunal assemblages, the most prevalent of which was a rich assemblage of macroinvertebrates living within soft sediments and / or on the mosaic of pebbles and cobbles. This was not well matched to existing biotopes described in the Marine Habitat Classification of Britain and Ireland (V04.05) which could be due to the relative paucity of offshore data informing the classification. Additional objectives of the study included comparing two sampling strategies, comparative evaluation of data acquired during a previous survey in 2012 and providing recommendations to inform future monitoring of the site.

This report presents findings from the first dedicated monitoring survey (2018) of the Whitsand and Looe Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), designed to provide a baseline for future assessment of the site. The imagery survey was designed to provide targeted information on the extent, distribution, structural, and functional attributes of the Pink Sea-Fan, Eunicella verrucosa, including information on the characteristics of the supporting habitat, and physical and chemical properties within the MCZ. The extent and distribution of the Sea-Fan Anemone, Amphianthus dohrnii, is described in a limited capacity.

The seabed was found to be a mix of rocky and sandy habitats, with rocky areas being most common. Overall, habitats appeared similar to those mapped in earlier surveys, suggesting no major changes in their extent or distribution. Water conditions such as temperature, oxygen, and salinity were typical for the area.

Pink Sea-Fans were widely recorded both inside and outside the MCZ, primarily on rocky habitats. The supporting habitat for E. verrucosa was widespread at the survey locations. Indicators of population condition, such as branching (a sign of healthy growth), were common, while signs of damage or disease were relatively rare. However, most images collected were of poor quality, meaning that only basic presence or absence could be recorded and more detailed analysis was limited.

This report presents the findings of the Natural Beauty Assessment undertaken for areas within and surrounding the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge. It identifies landscapes that are likely to meet Natural England’s criteria for Natural Beauty and could form a provisional Candidate Area for potential designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The assessment followed the process set out in Natural England’s Guidance for Assessing Landscapes for Designation as a National Park or AONB (updated June 2021). It was informed by detailed desk studies, extensive field survey work, and engagement with local authorities and technical stakeholders. The process was stopped before this assessment was tested through a Statutory and Public Consultation, as would have been the next step in the formal designation process, so it is worth noting Natural England considers this a draft report.

This assessment has resulted in the identification of a proposed “candidate area” comprising land that demonstrates high levels of outstanding natural beauty. It is important to note that the boundary of this area is indicative and transitional, rather than a definitive line on the map. Consequently, a GIS file will not be provided alongside this assessment.

At the time of commissioning, Natural England intended to complete the full designation process for the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge. However, in May 2025, Defra confirmed it could no longer fund the National Landscapes designation programme. As a result, Natural England made the difficult decision to stop work on the Cheshire project.

Although the designation process has been discontinued, Natural England is committed to sharing relevant evidence that may be valuable to Local Authorities, partners, and stakeholders. This report, therefore, publishes the Natural Beauty Assessment, which outlines the levels of natural beauty identified within the study area.

The findings are intended to support local planning, conservation, and landscape enhancement initiatives.

This report sets out the findings of the natural beauty assessment undertaken for areas adjacent to, but outside of, the existing Chilterns AONB. It identifies areas that are likely to meet Natural England’s natural beauty criteria and could form a provisional Candidate Area as part of a Boundary Variation Order of the existing Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) designation.

Following the process set out in the Natural England Guidance for Assessing Landscapes for Designation as a National Park or AONB (updated June 2021), the assessment was informed through detailed desk studies, extensive field survey work and partnership working with local authorities and key technical stakeholders.
The process was stopped before this assessment was tested through a Statutory and Public Consultation, as would have been the next step in the formal designation process, so it is worth noting that Natural England considers this a draft report. 

This assessment has resulted in the identification of a proposed “candidate area” comprising land that demonstrates high levels of outstanding natural beauty. It is important to note that the boundary of this area is indicative and transitional, rather than a definitive line on the map. Consequently, a GIS file will not be provided alongside this assessment.

When the report was commissioned, Natural England intended to complete the designation process to extend the existing Chilterns AONB, via a boundary variation order. However, Defra was not able to continue to fund Natural England for the National Landscapes designations programme, so Natural England made the difficult decision to stop work the Chilterns boundary review. Although the project to extend the boundary has been discontinued, Natural England is committed to sharing relevant components of the collated evidence base where it is anticipated that this material will be of value to Local Authorities, as well as other partners and stakeholders, in supporting their own projects and plans. To that end, Natural England is publishing the draft Natural Beauty Assessment, which outlines the levels of natural beauty identified within the search area.

The existing boundary for the Chilterns National Landscape is unaffected and remains in place.

Related National Character Area Profiles

• Upper Thames Clay Vales National Character Area
• Chilterns National Character Area
• Thames Valley National Character Area
• Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands National Character Area

The River Kent SSSI, SAC and its associated tributaries (Cumbria, England) support vital, UK populations of endangered, white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) and the freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera). The Life R4Ever Kent Project is a LIFE funded project aiming to restore and revitalise the River Kent and to ensure future resilience in the system. This involves monitoring the catchment for invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) as well as developing the knowledge of existing populations of white-clawed crayfish and freshwater pearl mussels.

Natural England aims to use this project to provide further field validation for the use of eDNA-based techniques in ecological management and conservation projects and to ensure the sensitivity and reliability of published assays. In 2022, an eDNA survey was conducted in the River Kent catchment. The results indicated the presence of crayfish plague which was not consistent with traditional survey findings and the absence of signal crayfish. Since then, an updated assay has been published by Strand et al. (2023) revealing the original assay used from the 2022 River Kent project (Vrålstad et al. 2009), was amplifying a closely related species, Aphanomyces fennicus. This further calls into question the reliability and accuracy of the 2022 results. To examine these results further, the eDNA surveying of these sites has been repeated.

The overarching aims of the Life R4Ever Kent Project eDNA surveys are:

To use eDNA methods to better determine the presence of white-clawed crayfish across the River Kent SAC and upstream tributaries to aid ark site selection if translocation of white-clawed crayfish populations is required.
To use eDNA-based survey methods to detect the presence of freshwater pearl mussel populations.
To utilise eDNA as a monitoring method to detect the presence of crayfish plague and signal crayfish in selected catchments in Cumbria.
To contribute to further field validation of freshwater invertebrate species assays to understand the key challenges of eDNA application.
Evaluating eDNA results from the original crayfish assay (Vrålstad et al., 2009) and those of the improved assay (Strand et al., 2023) and re-testing sites previously suspected positive for crayfish plague.
During this phase, seven subprojects were conducted across Cumbria with specific aims and project partners. The data provides significant evidence for the stability and extent of white-clawed crayfish populations within the catchment. This study has provided further evidence for several potential, white-clawed crayfish ark sites locations, and we advise that further physiological considerations should be given to these sites before utilisation. Alongside this, we would recommend implementing an early detection monitoring programme for crayfish plague throughout the River Kent SAC, allowing for prompt action to be taken in the event of an outbreak.

eDNA surveys found no evidence of signal crayfish migration from their known locations at Windermere, nor any evidence of crayfish plague within these populations. We advise that these populations are regularly monitored as part of a proactive management strategy to identify their movement early, with the aim of limiting potential damage to surrounding white-clawed crayfish populations. Within this context, we would support an investigation into signal crayfish population control in this area or eradication efforts.

There was a clear distinction in the results at sites surveyed using both crayfish plague assays; positive amplification using the original assay (Vrålstad et al. 2009) and no amplification with the revised assay Strand et al. (2023). This evidence suggests that historical River Kent eDNA results may be attributed to non-target amplification of A.fennicus. We recommend that such results be disregarded as they are likely to be erroneous and unreliable. This project highlighted the importance of continual development of eDNA methodologies in the light of new scientific publications and that any eDNA data should always be considered in conjunction with other contributing factors such as historical presence and traditional survey outcomes. To provide further confirmatory field validation for the Strand et al. (2023) assay, we recommend that it is used as part of an active crayfish plague outbreak investigation. Further studies may benefit from confirming the presence of Aphanomyces fennicus via sequencing using a PCR assay (e.g. Oidtmann et al., 2006).

eDNA surveying also highlighted several potential low-density freshwater pearl mussel populations (River Lune, Liza). Limited knowledge of recent species history at these sampling locations, warrants an investigation into other potential freshwater pearl mussel sites and further validation of the freshwater pearl mussel assay (Carlsson et al., 2017; Mauvisseau et al., 2019). Future eDNA surveys on freshwater pearl mussels would benefit from focusing on potential low-density populations of freshwater pearl mussels to confirm detection accuracy. Further projects may also wish to trial larger pore size filtration methods to obtain greater sample volumes in those areas where filtration is particularly challenging.

Overall, this phase of the Life R4Ever Kent eDNA surveying successfully examined the extent of white-clawed crayfish, signal crayfish, crayfish plague and freshwater pearl mussels across sites across Cumbria. This work has provided vital data to inform further project work, identifying unknown freshwater pearl mussel and white-clawed crayfish locations and evidence for suitable reinforcement/reintroduction sites. Reducing the spread of invasive signal crayfish and remaining clear of crayfish plague should remain a priority and we highly recommend the implementation of a monitoring programme for such a purpose.

This report was commissioned to update the national threat status of the leaf beetles and their allies in Great Britain, following the previous assessment in 2014 (NECR161 edition 1). The assessments were undertaken using the most recent IUCN Red List criteria and guidelines. The taxa included all species in the family Chrysomelidae and those in the related families Megalopodidae and Orsodacnidae.

This report is the Method Statement for Version 2026 - 1 of the England Green Infrastructure Mapping Database (Issued May 2023).

The report sets out the methods applied to develop the Green Infrastructure mapping along with the first iteration of the Index of Multiple Environmental Deprivation for England (IMED) and the Environmental Equity Index for English Built Up Areas (EEI).The naming protocol for this version of the database has changed to provide a year of issue and number of iteration (such as 2026 – 1, 2026 – 2 etc) in order to make the date and iteration of each version clearer. However, this does not mean that all content from an individual version has been updated and each module retains a version number and date as set out in the database Mapping Guide on the Green Infrastructure Framework website. The guide can be accessed here.

Because the database now contains material from a range of versions, the methodological descriptions will reference the version where changes were last made to the relevant module.

The report details the methodological approaches taken in developing all the content that has been directly created by Natural England (or contractors). No methods are detailed for any data sourced from third parties (even if included as a specific layer within the database) and information regarding how such data was created should be sought from the respective data owner.

The previous version of this report TIN228

This report provides the results of an aquatic macroinvertebrate survey following on from previous surveys conducted in 2022 The survey results were also used to evaluate the conservation value of each compartment and the overall condition of the site. The survey area included eight sampling compartments between Tilbury Fort and the north of Mucking Marshes.

Invertebrate samples were collected in waterbodies using sweeps at different layers of the waterbody profile including floating vegetation, benthic layer and the submerged edge of the nearside bank. Waterbody characteristics were determined by sampling water within the surface 15cm of water. Abiotic parameters were recorded in the surface 10cm of water including pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, temperature (all measured using a Hanna HI83303 Aquaculture Photometer). In addition to this, at each sample point, information was recorded on exposed and submerged bank profiles, channel width and depth, and levels of grazing, poaching, and shelving.

The survey recorded 27,687 specimens. Of these specimens 239 taxa of aquatic invertebrates were identified with 180 of these identified to species level. All compartments supported a number of Red Data Book (RDB) species, Notable species and local species. In total one species of RDB1 odonata, five species of RDB3 beetles, one RDB3 mollusc, 27 notable beetle species and three notable hemiptera were recorded.

Managing Registered Battlefields has been jointly developed by Natural England, Historic England, Forestry Commission, and the Battlefields Trust. Published in 2026, it brings together 30 years of experiences managing these sites since the first Registered Battlefields were designated in 1995.

It is designed to support advisors, land managers, and communities who have an interest in the management of Registered Battlefields in England. It is a supplement to Natural England’s publication Nature Recovery and the Historic Environment.

These sensitive landscape-scale historic sites face unique challenges today. Sustainable management requires an integrated approach that brings together farmers, land managers, and specialists from the historic and natural environment sectors.

Through a series of case studies and best practice Managing Registered Battlefields shows the potential for land designated as Registered Battlefields to deliver more for people, nature and heritage, whilst continuing to produce food and growing the rural economy.

This research explores the role of existing farmer groups in supporting engagement with emerging nature markets in England. The UK government aims to mobilize significant private finance for nature recovery, but successful nature markets depend on widespread participation from landowners and managers. Aggregation, particularly through farmer groups, is a key mechanism for farmers to access private finance and create new revenue streams. By leveraging existing trust-based relationships, these groups can act as intermediaries and lower barriers to entry for their members.

Using a mixed-method approach, the study compiled a database of 245 farmer groups, surveyed 28 of them, and conducted in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of facilitators. Findings indicate that while farmer groups show a moderate interest in nature markets for income diversification, their engagement is limited by concerns over market risks, lack of regulation, and long-term contracts. Most groups lack experience with private investment and formal governance structures, and facilitators often have part-time, insecurely funded roles without the necessary legal or financial expertise. The research concludes that while some groups are well-positioned, widespread engagement cannot be assumed. Recommendations include providing specialist advice and support to facilitators, establishing a central hub for credible information, and creating networking forums to build confidence and capacity for successful participation in nature markets.

This report was commissioned to assess the sensitivity of marine fish and shellfish species to a range of predefined pressures. A method is designed and applied to make assessments of the sensitivity of 29 marine species (6 elasmobranchs, 16 bony fish and 7 shellfish) to 40 anthropogenic pressures.

Of the assessments made, approximately two-thirds of the species-pressure combinations were assessed as being sensitive and one-third as not sensitive. Approximately 40% of the species-pressure combinations could not be assessed, either due to data deficiency, no direct effects or in a small number of cases the pressure not being relevant to the species.

The sensitivity assessments presented are simplifications of highly complex ecosystem responses to anthropogenic pressures. They should be treated as a high-level screening of generic, hypothetical responses of average populations in central niche conditions to the specific benchmarks and not an impact assessment. They do not consider local site-specific conditions, indirect effects of pressures (i.e. where the pressure could be acting on the species through the supporting habitat or resources), or cumulative or in-combination effects. All these factors should be considered when applying these assessments to specific sites and activities.

While there are limitations to these sensitivity assessments, valid inferences and screening of species which are likely to be sensitive to pressures are made. The sensitivity assessments provide a tool to help highlight species that will need careful consideration when determining appropriate activity levels and management of marine resources.

Please note the report was written and finalised in 2019.

The survey area was covered on foot, with the surveyor using professional experience to target locations most likely to support the expected notable species. Locations of notable plant species were recorded to 1-metre as 10-figure Ordnance Survey grid references. The presence of notable species was recorded using the DAFOR (Dominant, Abundant, Frequent, Occasional, Rare) Scale. To describe the sward in more detail the quadrat methods of the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) were used. This included two-metre square quadrats and the cover of each species was estimated using the Domin Scale.

The results showed that the survey area was mostly mesotrophic grasslands. Ten notable species were located including two Near Threatened (NT); Cynoglossum officinale and Puccinellia fasciculata and eight of lesser concern of threat on the England Red List.

The area of the survey with the greatest value was the southern parts of sub-compartments TFM6 and TFM7 where the ‘MG6a Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus grassland, proposed Hordeum secalinum sub-community’ swards contain – in abundance – many of the characteristic grazing-marsh species. Other notable areas for grazing-marsh include the southern part of TFM13, a large part of TFM8 and the northern half of TFM13. All parts of TFM6, TFM7, TFM8 and TFM13 retain enough of their grazing-marsh character to be restorable under sensitive management.

All the survey sub-compartments have value for their large populations of typical grazing-marsh grassland species of modest note.

This Evidence Review of the ecological impacts of the recreational hunting of coastal wildfowl (‘wildfowling’) was commissioned by Natural England and part-funded by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).

Understanding the role of organised recreational activity in disturbing or causing mortality to wildlife is essential for effective nature recovery, sustainable Protected Area management and proportionate regulatory decision-making. This is particularly relevant for wildfowling – the lawful harvesting of certain wild ducks, geese, rails and waders – as it involves intentional lethal harvest which can raise concerns about its compatibility with nature conservation objectives where this occurs within Protected Areas specially designated for their internationally and nationally significant populations and/or assemblages of wild birds.

To review and assess the available evidence relating to the impacts of wildfowling, simplified systematic literature reviews, along with more bespoke reviews where relevant, were conducted to identify the reported effects of waterbird hunting, in particular the potential impacts of mortality and disturbance on coastal wildfowl.

The Evidence Review is presented in three Parts (see below) alongside an overall Executive Summary. Part I compares the evidence presented in Parts II and III and evaluates its overall strength and relevance to draw overall conclusions.  Part II focuses on the published and peer-reviewed literature, along with providing a contextual summary of national bird population trends. Part III identifies and reviews the grey literature and unpublished sources of evidence, provides further contextual information about wildfowling in the UK and evaluates the role of coastal wildfowling mortality on waterbird populations using both the peer-reviewed and grey literature and more novel data.

The Review also highlights key knowledge gaps throughout and makes a number of recommendations for further consideration by Natural England and other stakeholders.

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

Wood pasture and parkland represent a historically significant agroforestry system characterised by open-grown or pollarded trees within a mosaic of grazed semi-natural habitats. However, traditional management has declined over recent centuries, leading to habitat degradation.

This report examines the potential of new wood pasture creation as a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation, alongside its wider environmental, cultural, and economic benefits.

Evidence from three Nature Returns Local Partnership Projects demonstrates that wood pasture can enhance carbon sequestration, improve soil health, support biodiversity, reduce flood risk, and provide livestock shelter, while also preserving culturally important landscapes. Case studies show that successful establishment depends on locally appropriate tree species, planting configurations, and protection measures. To enable wider adoption, the report identifies key actions, including improving guidance and awareness for landowners, strengthening financial and technical support, and expanding research on long-term ecological and carbon outcomes. With appropriate support and evidence, wood pasture creation has significant potential to contribute to a more resilient landscape and the UK’s transition to net zero.

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 dataset contains the results of soil sampling and vegetation surveys across Nature Returns Local Partnership Projects between 22-03-2023 and 16-01-2025.

Data was collected per the methodology documented in ‘TIN220 Nature Returns Field Survey Methodology’, created for the Nature Returns Programme. Method development and subsequent survey results underwent internal peer review. Analysis was carried out internally or through contracted laboratory work (source indicated in dataset). The dataset was created by merging results of soil, vegetation and tree surveys.

The dataset provides a baseline for future change in vegetation and soil from nature-based solutions activities. It provides the opportunity to draw clear conclusions on the potential of nature-based solutions to tackle climate change and biodiversity issues by monitoring their effects from the outset.

Data also available via NBN Atlas Nature Returns Vegetation data – Local Partnership Projects. Collected between 2023-03-02 and 2024-09-19, across England

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.