A young fallow deer from a herd of around 100 free grazing deer which can be traced back to the 17th Century, enjoys the morning sunshine as it roams through Hatch Park near Ashford, Kent, November 26, 2024
WILDLIFE could be “disappearing in the dark,” with three-quarters of England’s habitats, wildlife and natural features not assessed on whether they are thriving or struggling, figures show.
Data obtained through an Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) request assesses the network of protected natural sites known as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
These are legally protected areas, covering 8 per cent of England and safeguarding 13,500 features, including woodlands, grasslands, species, and geological formations.
They are critical to halting species decline and meeting Britain’s target to protect 30 per cent of land and seas by 2030.
But nearly 40 per cent of assessed features are in poor condition, and 75 per cent remain unreviewed.
Wildlife and Countryside Link chief executive Richard Benwell said: “These figures are another reminder of how under-resourced our environmental watchdogs are.
“Wildlife could be disappearing in the dark while ecosystems break down.
“Government must rapidly expand and improve the network of protected sites, and give public bodies like Natural England enough money to make sure they’re in good nick.”
An Environment Department (Defra) spokesperson said the government will “deliver a new statutory plan that will help restore our natural environment.”
