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Three quarters of precious habitats and wildlife unmonitored in past five years, figures show
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.

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