No New Protections Since 2023
A growing row has erupted over the performance of England’s nature watchdog, with critics warning that its core mission to protect wildlife is stalling.
According to a new report, Natural England has not designated a single new Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) since 2023, an unprecedented pause that conservation groups say risks leaving vulnerable habitats and species exposed.
SSSIs are considered one of the strongest legal tools available for protecting the UK’s most important natural areas, from wetlands and woodlands to rare ecosystems under pressure.
Environmental organisations argue that the lack of new designations signals a deeper problem.
They say Natural England appears to have stepped back from one of its most fundamental responsibilities at a time when biodiversity loss remains a major concern. Without new protections, campaigners warn that key habitats could face increased risks from development, pollution, and climate pressures.
Some have described the situation as a de facto pause in conservation enforcement, raising questions about priorities within the system.
The issue is now feeding into wider criticism of the government’s environmental record under Keir Starmer.
Opponents argue that while ministers have made strong commitments on climate and nature, delivery on the ground is falling short. They point to the lack of new protected sites as evidence of a gap between policy ambition and implementation.
The criticism comes at a time when the government has sought to position itself as serious about restoring nature and meeting long-term environmental targets.
Officials have indicated that work on identifying and assessing potential new sites is ongoing, and that designation processes can take time due to legal, scientific, and administrative requirements.
There is also a focus on managing and improving existing protected areas, rather than solely expanding the list.
However, critics say this does not fully explain the complete absence of new SSSI designations over such a prolonged period.
The row highlights a broader debate about how environmental protection is being handled.
Supporters of the current approach argue that improving the condition of existing sites may deliver more immediate benefits than designating new ones.
But conservation groups insist that both are essential, warning that failing to expand protections risks leaving significant gaps in the UK’s environmental safeguards.
The stakes extend beyond individual sites.
SSSIs form the backbone of the UK’s conservation framework, supporting biodiversity, protecting ecosystems, and contributing to climate resilience.
A slowdown, or halt in designations, could have long-term consequences for species recovery and environmental stability.
Pressure is now mounting on both Natural England and the government to explain the delay and set out a clear path forward.
