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£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 Breeding Seabird Population Changes 1986–2024

JNCC has published official statistics from the Seabird Monitoring Programme covering UK breeding seabird population changes from 1986 to 2024. The statistics are compiled from data collected by the SMP, a partnership jointly funded by JNCC and BTO in association with the RSPB, and include UK abundance change and productivity figures with country-level breakdowns where possible. This is a non-regulatory statistical release containing no compliance obligations or enforcement implications for businesses.

Population Trends of Breeding Birds in the UK, to 2025

JNCC published the annual Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) official statistics on 9 April 2026, reporting population trends for over 100 common breeding bird species across the UK and its constituent countries to 2025. The BBS is a Partnership jointly funded by BTO, RSPB, and JNCC and relies on thousands of volunteer data recorders. The results inform conservation priorities, action, and reporting, providing an important indicator of countryside health.

Biodiversity Net Gain Minor Medium Brownfield Development Outcome

DEFRA has published the outcome of its consultation on improving Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) implementation for minor, medium and brownfield development. The consultation received 25,024 responses including campaign submissions from Wildlife Trust and RSPB. The government will introduce secondary legislation in 2026 to implement the proposed changes while the current BNG requirement remains in force. Developers should continue following existing BNG guidance and legislation.

Biodiversity Net Gain for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects - Consultation Outcome

DEFRA has published the outcome of its consultation on implementing biodiversity net gain (BNG) for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs), receiving 10,403 responses including 10,143 from an RSPB campaign. The government confirmed it will implement a mandatory BNG framework for NSIPs from November 2026, requiring major infrastructure developments to leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before development.

RSPB Pulborough Brooks Environmental Improvement Project Tender

RSPB is seeking contractors for environmental improvement works at Pulborough Brooks nature reserve in West Sussex. The £80,000 contract runs from 1 July to 31 October 2026 and includes wetland improvements, culverting, bunding, and water management works to increase climate resilience. Bids close 20 April 2026 at 9am.

Wetland Restoration Works at RSPB Amberley Wildbrooks

The UK Government Contracts Finder published a competitive quotation notice (Reference: DttS/IPAA - AWD2026) for environmental restoration works at RSPB Amberley Wildbrooks wetland reserve in West Sussex. The £300,000 contract runs from 1 July to 31 October 2026 and involves infrastructure restoration including culvert work, fencing, and habitat enhancement for protected species. Bids close 12 May 2026 at 9am.

Predator Exclusion Fence Contract Tender

RSPB seeks a contractor via competitive quotation for the installation of a predator exclusion fence at Pagham Ferry Field, part of the Downs to the Sea partnership project led by South Downs National Park and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The £50,000 contract runs from 1 August to 31 October 2026. Bids close 13 April 2026 at 9am. The tender is not suitable for SMEs or VCSEs.

RSPB Waste Management Partnership RFI

The RSPB has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential waste management partners for its UK operations. The RFI seeks innovative solutions to improve waste management, minimize environmental impact, and achieve strategic aims. Interested suppliers are invited to an engagement event.