Threat to English Wildlife from Lack of Scrutiny: A Concern for Conservation
Conservationists are sounding the alarm as figures reveal that a staggering three-quarters of England’s most precious habitats, wildlife, and natural features have not undergone recent assessments of their condition. This lack of scrutiny poses a severe threat to the country’s wildlife, with experts warning that species could be “disappearing in the dark.”
The concerning statistics come from assessments of protected natural sites known as sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) over the last five years. These sites are legally protected due to their special features, such as rare species or threatened habitats, covering over 1.1 million hectares, or about 8% of England’s land area.
Lack of Assessment Puts Wildlife at Risk
According to data from the conservation agency Natural England, nearly 40% of the habitats and features protected by SSSIs were found to be in an unfavorable condition. Shockingly, only 25% of these features have been assessed for their condition since the beginning of 2019, leaving a whopping 75% without an up-to-date evaluation of their well-being.
Conservationists Raise Concerns
Richard Benwell, the chief executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, expressed grave concerns over the situation, highlighting the importance of protected site networks in supporting wildlife, health, and the economy. With the majority of sites not inspected in the last five years, regulators are left in the dark about the condition of these critical habitats.
Government Response and Future Plans
In response to the alarming figures, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting rare habitats and species. Plans are underway to establish a new statutory plan aimed at improving the condition of protected sites and restoring the natural environment.
As the government works towards its goal of conserving 30% of England’s land by 2030, the decline in effectively protected land for nature to just 2.93% raises concerns about the impact of climate change, water pollution, and overgrazing on SSSIs.
In the face of these challenges, Natural England is developing a comprehensive program to schedule assessments for SSSIs, incorporating remote sensing technology and enhanced data monitoring to ensure the protection of these vital habitats.
Through collaborative efforts and increased scrutiny, conservationists hope to prevent further decline in England’s wildlife and natural features, ensuring a sustainable future for the country’s precious ecosystems.