Area of England well protected for nature is in decline, new study reveals

Area of England well protected for nature is in decline, new study reveals
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A new report from a coalition of wildlife organizations has revealed that the area of England effectively protected for nature is in decline, putting the government’s 2030 biodiversity targets at risk.

According to The Guardian, the data shows that only 2.83% of England’s land is well protected for nature. This marks a decrease from 2.93% in 2024 and 3.11% in 2023. The findings are in stark contrast to the government’s legal commitment to protect 30% of the UK’s land and sea by 2030, a pledge made in 2020.

The report attributes the decline to a deterioration in the condition of existing protected sites, as well as a failure to designate new areas quickly enough. The data also highlights concerns about marine protected areas, which are often still subjected to destructive activities like bottom trawling. Richard Benwell, the chief executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, has warned that the UK is at risk of missing its 2030 target without a greater display of political will.