England wildlife watchdog ‘has stopped designating special sites for protection’
Summary
England’s wildlife agency, Natural England, has stopped creating new protected areas for rare animals and plants. This pause means some important natural sites may be harmed or destroyed by development projects.Key Facts
- Natural England has not designated any new Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) since 2023.
- SSSIs are special areas important for protecting rare wildlife and plants.
- Without SSSI status, these areas are at risk from construction and other developments.
- A recent report shows that 14 potential SSSI sites have had major development plans nearby, and 12 of these plans were approved.
- One site in Thurrock, known as “Ashfield A1,” will be partly destroyed by a new port called Tilbury 3.
- Natural England has paused adding new sites to its protection program and is reviewing how best to use its limited resources.
- SSSIs currently protect just 7.1% of England’s land, which is less than any EU country.
- Since 2012, only 33 new SSSIs have been created, and no new ones since 2023.
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