Experts Call for Urgent Action Ahead of International Summit
The amount of land in England effectively protected for nature has plummeted to just 2.93%, according to newly released data, raising alarm among environmental experts. This stark figure casts doubt on the UK government’s commitment to conserve 30% of the country’s land for nature by 2030, a pledge made four years ago under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
A Rescue Package for UK Nature
Environmental campaigners are urgently calling for a “rapid rescue package” to restore nature, as government officials prepare to attend Cop16, the international summit on biodiversity. The event, set to take place in Colombia later this month, will see UK delegates urging global counterparts to stick to ambitious nature conservation targets. However, domestic progress on this front is faltering.
The Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL), an environmental coalition, revealed that England’s protected land has dropped from last year’s figure of 3.11% to just 2.93%. While marine protection has seen a modest rise from 8% to 9.92%, the overall trajectory is concerning, with campaigners warning that critical habitats and species are at risk of further decline.
What Does ‘Protected Land’ Really Mean?
Protected land refers to areas where legal frameworks ensure wildlife and ecosystems are safeguarded from harm and degradation. This protection is meant to prevent further depletion of natural resources and biodiversity loss. However, experts say that current protections are insufficient, particularly within national parks, where nature is often in no better condition than in non-protected areas.
While national parks are designated for recreation, scenic views, and cultural heritage, they are not necessarily created to protect wildlife. Only specific zones within these parks, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), count towards the target for nature protection.
Climate Change and Overgrazing Taking Their Toll
The ongoing climate crisis, coupled with issues like water pollution and overgrazing, has been cited as a primary factor in the deterioration of England’s protected areas. Many SSSIs have experienced declining conditions, contributing to the drop in overall protected land.
Katie-jo Luxton, global conservation director at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), stressed the urgency of improving the state of these areas: “Years have passed since the 30% pledge was made, yet we’re not seeing the action needed for nature recovery. More species are being added to the red list of conservation concern, and this will continue unless conditions improve.”
Luxton also highlighted the need to expand protected status to more areas, including seabird-foraging zones, ancient woodlands, and upland peat bogs. These ecosystems, she says, are vital for the survival of endangered species such as the puffin, curlew, and willow tit.
Marine Protection Making Strides, But More Needed
While land protections are struggling, there have been some improvements in marine conservation. New laws introduced in March 2024 now prohibit the use of bottom-towed fishing gear in certain Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), a move aimed at reducing destructive fishing practices. However, experts argue that further action is required to safeguard all MPAs by the end of 2024.
Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, warned that the UK must act fast to meet its international targets: “The new government will need to make giant strides over the next six years to meet the 2030 nature targets. As we approach the five-year countdown, we’re calling for a rapid rescue package for UK nature.”
Government Promises Rapid Review
In response to growing concerns, a spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) acknowledged that progress in restoring nature has been “too slow.” The spokesperson added: “Britain is currently one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, yet nature underpins everything – from our economy to food production, health, and society. That’s why we’ve announced a rapid review to accelerate progress on our legally binding environment targets, including protecting 30% of the UK’s land and sea by 2030.”
Time Running Out for Nature in England
With the Cop16 summit fast approaching and the five-year countdown to the 2030 targets looming, experts agree that the clock is ticking for England’s wildlife. If urgent action isn’t taken, the future of the country’s natural landscapes and biodiversity remains uncertain.
