Wildlife Watchdog Criticized for Halting Site Protections in England
A new report has revealed that Natural England, the government's wildlife watchdog, has ceased designating new Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) since 2023, putting rare wildlife and habitats at risk from development. SSSIs are nationally or internationally important areas for conservation, and without this designation, endangered species face potential loss due to urban expansion.
Development Threats to Potential Protected Areas
The report, conducted by planning experts for the Wild Justice campaign group, found that 14 potential SSSIs on Natural England's "designations pipeline" have had planning applications or decisions for major development within 1 kilometer. Of these, 12 applications have been approved. One notable example is a site in Thurrock, earmarked for protection, which will now be built over for the Tilbury 3 port development, destroying part of the "Ashfield A1" proposed SSSI and West Tilbury Marshes local wildlife site.
Bob Elliot, chief executive of Wild Justice, stated: "While Natural England dithers and 'reviews processes', irreplaceable wildlife sites are being trashed, damaged, and even built over. That is not a technical failure, it's a dereliction of duty." He emphasized the urgency of reopening the designation pipeline to prevent further loss of biodiversity.
Historical Context and Current Failures
SSSIs were established in 1949 to protect England's wildlife. Designating new sites is a formal duty of Natural England and a key part of the government's legal commitment to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. However, the report indicates that SSSIs currently protect only 7.1% of England, a lower level than any EU country.
In 2012, Natural England aimed to designate 12 to 20 sites annually for two to three years, with plans to decide on 50 cases each year. In reality, only 33 new SSSIs have been established in the past 14 years, with none since 2023 and no site extensions. The total area of SSSIs has grown by just 2.8% since 2005.
Resource Constraints and Strategic Oversights
Natural England has admitted in a letter that it is not adding new potential SSSI sites to its "designations programme" and has paused formal assessments. The watchdog cited limited resources and is reviewing how to use them effectively for nature restoration. Amanda Craig, director of resilient landscapes at Natural England, said: "Sites of special scientific interest are the foundation of England's most precious habitats and species, and form the core from which wider nature recovery can spread."
Despite this, the report found that 63% of potential SSSIs are at high risk from development. Academics analyzed planning applications and decisions, noting that the 1km radius is a conservative estimate of harm, as urban development often impacts ecology over wider areas.
Longstanding Delays and Future Risks
Some potential SSSI sites, such as Filey Brigg to Scarborough South Bay and Flamborough Head, have been on Natural England's pipeline list for over a decade without a decision. Other sites, like Bernwood Forest in Buckinghamshire, face threats from future developments like "Calvert city" near HS2 and East West Rail lines.
The Thames estuary area was placed into the SSSI designation pipeline in 2020 due to threats to unique wildlife. Of 198 high or medium-value insect sites identified in 2008, 100 were lost or under threat by 2014. The Wild Justice report calls for immediate action to designate sites and allocate resources to prevent irreversible damage to England's remaining wildlife.
