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‘State of the Natural Environment’ report published

Cover: State of the Natural Environment reportNatural England have called for a new approach to managing our natural environment to adapt to climate change and the modern pressures of development.

Natural England’s 'State of the Natural Environment' report published today brings together for the first time the evidence we have about the current state of our natural environment. It shows the natural environment in England is much less rich than 50 years ago and remains under pressure from a significant range of threats: more intense use of the land and sea; continuing economic development and climate change.

The report also highlights that where we target action we can make a difference, and recent successes in assisting the recovery of a range of species. The long-term decline in many of our farmland birds is slowing thanks to more environmentally friendly farming. The overall condition of our most important wildlife sites (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) has improved dramatically in the last ten years, and heathland birds such as nightjars and woodlarks are increasing thanks to better heathland management.

Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn said:

"I welcome this report as an important contribution to our understanding of our natural environment. The report shows that if we do the right things we really can make a difference and reverse the loss of biodiversity and landscape. That's why we will be investing £2.9billion over the next five years in agri-environment schemes, for example.

"We also now recognise that climate change is presenting us with a new challenge in conserving biodiversity and managing our landscapes. We need new approaches to conservation, and we are working closely with Natural England to develop these."

More information, including the ‘State of the Natural Environment’ report, is available on the Natural England website.

Page published: 19 May 2008