In a worrying development for England's natural heritage, the country's wildlife watchdog, Natural England, has effectively halted the designation of new Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). This critical step, which is a cornerstone of the government's commitment to protect nature, has been absent since 2023, leaving rare wildlife and habitats vulnerable to development and destruction.
The implications are far-reaching. Without the SSSI designation, endangered species face an increased risk of extinction, as evidenced by the recent approval of a planning application on a potential SSSI site in Thurrock. This is not an isolated incident; a report by Wild Justice reveals that 14 potential SSSIs on Natural England's waiting list have faced similar threats, with 12 planning applications approved for major development within a 1km radius.
The Impact of Inaction
Bob Elliot, CEO of Wild Justice, rightly points out that this is not a technical failure but a dereliction of duty. The idea of protecting nature on a large scale while leaving its most vital sites unprotected is absurd. It's a strategy doomed to fail, as nature cannot be saved by hoping for the best.
The report's authors emphasize the conservative nature of their harm calculations, noting that many urban developments can impact ecology over a much wider area. This means the actual damage to wildlife and habitats could be significantly greater than what is currently being reported.
A Legal and Moral Obligation
SSSIs were established in 1949 to protect England's wildlife, and their designation is a formal duty of Natural England. It is a key component of the government's pledge to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. Yet, despite this legal commitment, England lags behind EU countries in terms of protected land, with SSSIs currently covering just 7.1% of the country.
In 2012, Natural England declared its intention to designate between 12 and 20 sites annually for a few years, moving towards deciding 50 cases each year. However, the reality has fallen far short, with only 33 new SSSIs established in the past 14 years, and none since 2023. This inaction is a clear breach of their stated goals and legal obligations.
A Lack of Prioritization
Natural England's admission that it has paused the formal assessment of potential SSSI sites and is considering "new principles" to prioritize notifications is concerning. The watchdog's focus on reviewing its limited resources to support nature restoration is a step in the right direction, but it must not come at the expense of immediate action to protect the most important sites.
One such site, the West Tilbury Marshes, described by Natural England as "the most important area for invertebrates across the North Thames area," will be destroyed by the Tilbury 3 port development. This development, granted planning permission in February, will not only impact the proposed SSSI but also a local wildlife site, highlighting the urgent need for protection.
The Bigger Picture
The Wild Justice report paints a dire picture, with 63% of potential SSSIs at high risk from development. The report's authors analyzed planning applications and decisions, revealing the intent to develop on or near these sites. This threat is not limited to a few areas; sites like Bernwood Forest face amorphous future developments, while others, like Filey Brigg to Scarborough South Bay, have been languishing on Natural England's list for a decade with no decision.
In its strategy for nature recovery, Natural England notably failed to mention SSSIs even once, a glaring omission that underscores the urgency of the situation.
Conclusion
The failure to designate new SSSIs is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. It is a failure of both legal and moral obligations, and it threatens the very foundation of England's natural heritage. The time for reviews and assessments is over; decisive action is needed to protect these vital sites and ensure the survival of our endangered species. The future of England's wildlife depends on it.
