Natural England

Natural England publishes its first report into the state of the natural environment.

Natural England today (Monday 19 May) called for a new approach to managing our natural environment if it is to stand any chance of adapting to the next 50 years of unavoidable climate change and the modern pressures of development.

Commenting on the State of the Natural Environment report, Alison Barnes, Natural England Regional Director for London, said: “Only a third of London is urban; the capital supports habitats, species, natural landscapes and urban green spaces which make a significant contribution to England’s natural assets and provide many opportunities for people to experience and enjoy the natural world. Whether it’s peregrines over central London, the historic landscape of Richmond Park, the wildness of London’s remaining marshes or the tranquility provided by ancient woodlands, the natural environment of London is as important as that of rural England.

“We need to find ways to manage our natural environment in London to create a mosaic of uses so that we can help wildlife survive – be it through new ‘green infra-structure’ around the Olympics sites, better use of the green belt or improved understanding by the public of the health benefits associated with activity in the natural environment.

“If we don’t act, there’s a real danger some of our most precious wildlife will be lost forever and our lives will be poorer for it,” concluded Alison Barnes.

Key findings from the national State of the Natural Environment report include:
• The natural environment in England is much less rich than 50 years ago and remains under pressure from a significant range of threats: more intense use of the land and sea; continuing economic development and climate change.
• Although we are broadly maintaining the character of England’s landscapes, 20% still show signs of neglect but within our landscapes there are significant problems. For instance, lack of woodland management is causing a 50% decline of our native woodland butterflies – the wood is still there but the butterflies aren’t.
• Other habitats are also deteriorating – only 3% of our grasslands remain rich in native plants. We are seeing signs of stress from climate change, both on the coast, where habitats are being squeezed between our sea walls and the rising sea (25% saltmarsh loss from the south east of England), and on land, with a range of species moving northwards and upwards such as the mountain ringlet butterfly.
• There have been major declines in populations of breeding wading birds on unprotected lowland wetland grasslands, notably the snipe which is down by 90% in some regions.
• Where we target action we can make a difference. The long-term decline in many of our farmland birds is slowing thanks to more environmentally friendly farming.
• The overall condition of our most important wildlife sites (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) has improved dramatically in the last 10 years.
• Species such as the red kite are recolonising their former range after successful reintroduction, and heathland birds such as nightjars and woodlarks are increasing thanks to better management of our heathland.

The findings from the report have led Natural England to publish a Manifesto for the Natural Environment, which outlines what needs to be done to set the nation on a greener path by tackling difficult questions to help protect our future natural assets.

To play its part in finding solutions, Natural England has today committed to: • Helping find areas in England for renewable energy by publishing a map of suitable locations for onshore wind energy developments.
• Using its statutory position to protect the natural environment at risk from planning and transport proposals.
• Better targeting of the £2.9 billion of taxpayers’ money it manages through green land management schemes to help people and nature adapt to climate change by: storing carbon in peat; soaking up excess rainwater to prevent flooding and connecting existing wildlife sites by creating ‘wildlife super highways’.
• Transforming selected National Nature Reserves into first class visitor destinations to reconnect the public with nature.
• Demonstrating that significant cuts in carbon are achievable over the short-term by reducing the carbon footprint of Natural England estates and business travel by 50% by the end of 2010. It will do this without relying on carbon offsetting, passing on emissions to staff, suppliers or customers or compromising customer service.

And in London:
• We will continue to support the implementation of the East London Green Grid, a vital component for creating a sustainable city.
• We will promote the importance of healthy activity in the natural environment through encouraging more and easier access for Londoners to nature and natural green spaces and supporting schemes such as the Walking the Way to Health Initiative.

Notes to Editors:

For interviews, advance PDFs of the report, or more information, please contact the Natural England London Region Press Office on 020 7932 2244, nigel.ellway@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07900 608204. For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.