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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Patrick Barkham

England wildlife watchdog ‘has stopped designating special sites for protection’

Three people sit on grass overlooking the Thames estuary
Gardens overlooking the Thames estuary, which was placed into Natural England’s SSSI designation pipeline in 2020. Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

The government’s wildlife watchdog for England is failing to save nature because it has stopped giving protection to rare wildlife and habitats, according to a new report.

No new sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) have been designated by Natural England since 2023. SSSIs are nationally or internationally important places for rare wildlife and habitats. Without the designation, endangered species can be at risk of being lost to development.

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