New data has revealed that the proportion of land protected for nature in England has dropped to just 2.93%, well below the government’s commitment to conserve 30% of the land by 2030.
This concerning decline comes despite previous promises, sparking calls for a “rapid rescue package” for UK nature, especially as delegates prepare for COP16, the international nature summit in Colombia, later this month.
In 2020, then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to safeguard 30% of the UK’s land by 2030.
However, a recent report by Wildlife and Countryside Link highlights that the area of land effectively protected for nature has decreased from 3.11% in 2023.
This reduction is attributed to factors such as climate change, water pollution, and overgrazing, which are deteriorating sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs).
Campaigners urge the government to act quickly as nature recovery targets remain unmet.National parks, often seen as protected areas, are not specifically managed for nature conservation but for recreation and scenic value.
Consequently, nature within these parks is not necessarily better protected than in other areas.
Meanwhile, protection efforts at sea have seen small improvements, with new laws aimed at reducing destructive fishing practices.
Experts urge the government to accelerate action, particularly by improving the condition of existing protected sites and extending protection to more key habitats such as ancient woodlands and peat bogs.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has expressed concern over the growing number of species added to the conservation red list, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
With the 2030 deadline looming, Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, stated, “The UK has a major opportunity to lead global environmental efforts at COP16, but this must be backed by concrete action at home.”