Natural England

Introduction

The natural environment matters

The State of the Natural Environment 2008 brings together for the first time the evidence we have about the current situation in our natural environment

The report demonstrates that the natural environment in England is much less rich than 50 years ago and remains under pressure from a significant range of threats. It illustrates the impact of those threats on our landscapes and biodiversity.

'The State of the Natural Environment' shows that our natural environment is not well placed to withstand the challenges.

Why it matters

The state of the natural environment matters to everyone in London. It is an essential regional asset that provides the foundations for our economic and social well being.

A healthy natural environment provides essential public services, such as

• Clean air, clean water and productive soils
• Support for economic activity and sustainable energy production
• Security against the impacts of climate change
• A natural health service, contributing to people's health and wellbeing
• Places to experience and enjoy the natural world

Action is needed now

Natural England is, in its Manifesto for the natural environment [720 kB], calling for action to be taken now by national, regional and local government, businesses and communities to put England on a greener path to a more secure future, while conserving the nation's rich and diverse natural environment.

The State of the Natural Environment in London

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 provides 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 the that of rural England.

Landscape

• Part of the Kent Downs AONB falls within London region.
• The area around Downe in Bromley is proposed as a World Heritage Site because of its connections with Charles Darwin, being his home and where he carried out some of his scientific work.
• Two thirds of London’s land area is occupied by green spaces and water, of this about a third is private gardens, a third parks or in sports use and a third includes London’s natural landscape features: woodlands, historic parklands, remnant grazing marsh, river valleys and downland.

Biodiversity

• There are 36 statutory Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 75% of them are within target condition.
• 5 of the SSSIs have European designations including Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
• There are over 1200 non-statutory Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).
• There are two National Nature Reserves in London, Ruislip Woods and Richmond Park.
• London has some very fine areas of chalk grassland supporting rare orchids and butterflies. These are generally in good condition
• London’s water bodies, including reservoirs, gravel pits and parkland lakes support nationally important numbers of wintering ducks, such as gadwall, tufted duck and shoveler.
• The Thames itself and its tributaries forms a major landscape feature as well as being important for wildlife.
• Some derelict, previously developed land and post-industrial sites support a diversity of plants and invertebrates, such as the shrill carder bee.
• London supports a variety of wildlife including rare or unusual species including Man orchid, black redstart and the buttoned snout moth and over 30% of the UK’s Stag Beetle population have been recorded in London’s woodlands, parks and gardens.
• Around 1500 species of wild plant occur in London’s parks and green spaces
• Over 300 species of wild bird have been recorded in London just over half this number occur regularly as breeding, wintering or passage species.
• Some bird species such as peregrine falcon, little egret and Cetti’s warbler have recently colonised London in small numbers,
• Many once common species such as house sparrow, willow warbler and swift have experienced a serious decline in numbers.

Enjoying the natural environment

• London has six strategic walking routes which link a number of green sites including; the Capital Ring, The Green Chain, Jubilee Walkway, Lea Valley Walk, the London Loop and the Thames Path.
• Thames Path is one of 15 National Trails and runs from its source in the Cotswolds for 180 miles through London to the Thames Barrier.
• There are 110 Local Nature Reserves in London and 9 Royal Parks.
• Richmond Park is the most visited National Nature Reserve in England with over 3 million visitors a year.

Meeting the challenge in London

Health and the natural environment – In London we are influencing the Mayor’s Health Inequalities Strategy to ensure access to natural green space is recognised as a key determinant of improving health. We are: promoting Walking the Way to Health schemes; supporting projects that reduce the Areas of Deficiency in access to nature identified in the London Plan; and, working with social landlords on the Neighbourhoods Green initiative, to improve and enhance the green space in and around housing estates.

Climate Change adaptation – In London we are working with the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission to promote the benefits of new approaches to the design and management of green spaces that mitigate the impacts of climate change (through flood management and urban cooling) whilst providing new natural landscapes and habitats for wildlife. We are influencing the Mayor’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy to ensure that the management of the natural environment is recognised as a significant contribution to ameliorating the effects of climate change.

Green Infrastructure – We are developing and promoting the concept of green infrastructure and arguing the case for maintenance and enhancement of the green space network so that it continues to provide a range of environmental functions and social benefits. The East London Green Grid provides a comprehensive green infrastructure plan for east London.

Regional Plans – Natural England is being influential in shaping these plans and strategies and the policies and proposals they contain, consequently these regional plans now contain powerful and important policies on green infrastructure, conservation of biodiversity, greening the urban environment and improving Londoner’s access to nature.

How to find out more information and get involved

'The State of the Natural Environment 2008' report contains more data, maps and case studies for this Region. The report and resource documents (with more information not included in the main report) can be found at www.naturalengland.org.uk/sone.

We will be exhibiting at Wimbledon Common Open Day 13 July 2008 and the Thames Festival 13-14 September.

To find out more about our work in London visit:

• Natural England London

For more information contact: Nigel Ellway, Natural England, External Relations, London (nigel.ellway@naturalengland.org.uk)