UK Natural England

£60 Million Species Recovery Programme Funding for England

The UK government announced £60 million over three years for the Species Recovery Programme administered by Natural England, plus £30 million for species recovery on the national forest estate. Five species will benefit: turtle dove, diamond-backed spider, Eurasian oystercatcher, red-billed chough, and glutinous snail. Projects include RSPB/Kent Wildlife Trust turtle dove recovery, National Trust diamond-backed spider conservation, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust oystercatcher work, and BIAZA glutinous snail reintroduction in England.

UK Scientists Unite for Seabed Survey Off South-West Coast

The UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM) will conduct CSM2026, a four-week seabed mapping survey from 20 April to 19 May 2026, deploying 26 scientists from 11 public sector organisations aboard Research Vessel Cefas Endeavour. The survey will cover the UK's south-west coastline from Lowestoft, Suffolk to Falmouth, Cornwall, collecting hydrographic, geological, and environmental data. As this is an informational announcement about a collaborative research initiative, no compliance obligations or regulatory actions are created for external parties.

Spring Into the Mendip National Nature Reserve

Natural England has published a press release promoting the Mendip National Nature Reserve in Somerset as a prime visitor destination between April and early June 2026. The reserve, declared in October 2023 as the second in the King's Series of National Nature Reserves, covers over 1,400 hectares and includes notable sites such as Cheddar Gorge. The release highlights spring wildlife including adders, skylarks, orchids, and endangered horseshoe bats, and encourages visitors to explore the 440km of public rights of way. The reserve is jointly managed by Natural England, the National Trust, Butterfly Conservation, the Woodland Trust, and other partner organisations.

£90 Million Species Recovery Programme Funding Announced

The UK government announced £90 million in funding for threatened species recovery across England on 3 April 2026, comprising £60 million for the Species Recovery Programme over three years and £30 million for the national forest estate. Natural England, which administers the programme, will confirm successful 2026-2029 project funding in May. Over three decades, the programme has protected over 1,000 species and prevented the national extinction of at least 35 species.

Coast Path Route Variation Proposals for Titchwell, Norfolk

Natural England has submitted proposals to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to vary the approved route of the King Charles III England Coast Path at Titchwell in Norfolk. The public comment opportunity closed on 15 April 2026. Objections will be forwarded to an independent planning inspector who will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State.