Natural England's Halt on Designating Special Sites Threatens Wildlife Protection

Natural England, the government’s wildlife watchdog for England, has ceased designating new Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) since 2023, raising concerns about the protection of rare wildlife and habitats. A report by the Wild Justice campaign group highlights that this inaction has left endangered species vulnerable to development pressures, with 14 potential SSSIs on Natural England's waiting list facing planning applications or decisions for major developments within 1 kilometer of their locations.

The Guardian

Established in 1949, SSSIs are crucial for safeguarding nationally and internationally significant wildlife and habitats. Natural England had previously committed to designating between 12 and 20 new sites annually, with a goal of reaching 50 cases per year. However, in the past 14 years, only 33 new SSSIs have been designated, and none since 2023. The total area protected as SSSIs has increased by a mere 2.8% since 2005. The organization has acknowledged a pause in adding new potential SSSI sites to its designations program, citing a review of its limited resources.

The Guardian

The report by Wild Justice indicates that 63% of potential SSSIs are at high risk from development. Notably, the Tilbury 3 port development in Thurrock has been granted planning permission, threatening the “Ashfield A1” proposed SSSI and the West Tilbury Marshes local wildlife site, which is vital for invertebrate populations. The report emphasizes that many urban developments can inflict ecological damage beyond the immediate vicinity of the sites, complicating conservation efforts.

The Guardian

Natural England has stated that it is reviewing its resources to enhance its effectiveness in supporting nature restoration. Amanda Craig, the director of resilient landscapes for Natural England, emphasized the importance of SSSIs as foundational to England's habitats and species recovery efforts. The organization has also indicated ongoing collaboration with local partners to protect wildlife in threatened areas, such as the Thames estuary.

The Guardian

Critics, including Bob Elliot, chief executive of Wild Justice, argue that Natural England's failure to designate new SSSIs constitutes a dereliction of duty. Elliot stated, “While Natural England dithers and ‘reviews processes’, irreplaceable wildlife sites are being trashed, damaged, and even built over.” The report underscores the urgency for Natural England to reopen its designation pipeline and allocate necessary resources to prevent further loss of wildlife.

The Guardian

While Natural England has paused new designations, it has not provided a clear timeline for when the review process will conclude or when new sites might be designated. Additionally, the report does not specify the exact number of SSSIs that are currently under threat from development, leading to potential discrepancies in understanding the full scope of the issue.

The Guardian

• “Bob Elliot, the chief executive of Wild Justice, said: “While Natural England dithers and ‘reviews processes’, irreplaceable wildlife sites are being trashed, damaged, and even built over.” — Bob Elliot, Chief Executive, Wild Justice

The Guardian

• “Sites of special scientific interest are the foundation of England’s most precious habitats and species, and form the core from which wider nature recovery can spread. Natural England has a rolling programme to keep under review places that may merit and benefit from designation as SSSIs.” — Amanda Craig, Director of Resilient Landscapes, Natural England

The Guardian

The ongoing inaction by Natural England raises significant concerns about the future of England's wildlife and the effectiveness of its conservation strategies.

The Guardian