Natural England's Mission: Conserving Nature for Present and Future Generations

Natural England is the UK government's statutory advisor for the natural environment in England. Established in 2006 by merging English Nature, the Rural Development Service, and the Countryside Agency, its remit covers biodiversity, landscapes, and public access to nature.

Core Aims (Statutory Purposes)

1. Conserve and enhance the natural environment for present and future generations—including wildlife, habitats, geology, and landscapes
2. Promote sustainable development that integrates environmental, social, and economic objectives
3. Secure conservation and enhancement of wildlife and natural habitats through protected sites, species recovery, and ecosystem restoration
4. Advise government and relevant bodies on natural environment matters—policy, legislation, planning, and implementation
5. Provide public information on the natural environment—state of nature, access opportunities, citizen science
6. Encourage public participation in conservation—volunteering, education, community engagement
7. Work in partnership with NGOs, landowners, businesses, local authorities, and communities to achieve shared goals

Key Work Areas

Protected Sites

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs): 4,100+ sites covering 8% of England
• National Nature Reserves (NNRs): 220+ reserves
• Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) & Special Protection Areas (SPAs): EU-derived designations retained post-Brexit
• Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs): 91 zones protecting 40% of English waters

Landscape Designations

• National Parks (10): Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, etc.
• National Landscapes (formerly AONBs): 34 designated areas
• Green Belt: Planning protection against urban sprawl

Species Conservation

• Species recovery programs (bittern, red kite, large blue butterfly, lady's slipper orchid)
• Licensing for protected species (bats, great crested newts, badgers)
• Invasive non-native species management

Access and Engagement

• England Coast Path: 2,700+ mile national trail (nearing completion)
• Countryside Code: Responsible enjoyment guidance
• Green social prescribing: Nature-based health interventions
• Children and nature programs

Evidence and Advice

• State of the Environment reports
• Natural Capital Accounts
• Planning advice to local authorities
• Agri-environment scheme design (Environmental Land Management)

Funding and Governance

• Sponsored by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
• Budget: ~£200M annually (grant-in-aid + project income)
• Board: Chair + non-executive directors appointed by Secretary of State
• Staff: ~2,000 across England

Why It Matters

England is one of the world's most nature-depleted countries (ranked 189/218 on Biodiversity Intactness Index). Natural England's work—protecting remnants, restoring degraded systems, connecting people with nature—is critical for reversing decline and meeting legally binding targets (Environment Act 2021: halt species decline by 2030).

From city parks to remote moorlands, from dormice to peatlands, Natural England's mandate covers the full spectrum of England's natural life.