Serious failures for SSSIs spell scandal for the Government’s nature commitments. The public deserves better

Read more here: www.wcl.org.uk/serious-fail...

We are calling for:
💚 A ban on inappropriate development harming SSSIs
💚 Properly funded regulators
💚 Closure of legal loopholes that allow historic consents to be exercised
💚 Statutory targets for protected site extent and condition
💚 A planning system that puts nature recovery at the centre

These are not marginal cases. These are crown jewels of England’s nature network. And yet the system meant to protect them is underpowered, lacking clear Governmental leadership to implement the laws effectively.

This year alone, SSSIs across the country have come under pressure from damaging development proposals – from ancient woodland at Oaken Wood to nationally significant wetlands at Pegwell Bay and internationally important habitats on the Wensum.

For decades, ministers have promised to restore SSSIs. Instead, designations have stalled, budgets have shrunk, monitoring has slowed, and enforcement has withered. Meanwhile, nature has paid the price.

The Government must remember that our most important infrastructure is our natural infrastructure protecting us from floods and fires.

Weakening environmental rules – as proposed in the Fingleton Review – is not the answer.

Watch here from 11:36: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live...

“Business-as-usual is failing wildlife.” – Richard Benwell, WCL CEO

We urgently need a fully funded, economy-wide programme to restore habitats, revive species & make nature central to policy.

Read more here: www.wcl.org.uk/business-as-...

This plan must be a genuine turning point for nature — not another strategy that looks good on paper while wildlife continues to decline.

Real action. Real funding. Real protection.

🔗 Read more here: www.wcl.org.uk/there-must-b...
5/5 🧵

We will now scrutinise the full plan.

Our red lines are clear:
🚩 No weakening of water quality targets
🚩 No rolling back chemicals protections
🚩 No further delays on fisheries management in MPAs
🚩 No dilution of biodiversity net gain
4/5 🧵

But major gaps are already showing.

The marine environment is missing from the Government’s own headline announcements — despite the fact Marine Protected Areas and Good Environmental Status are officially off track.

Oceans can’t wait.
3/5 🧵

There are positive steps:
✅ Clearer delivery plans
✅ A new PFAS plan to tackle toxic “forever chemicals”
✅ Tougher action on waste crime
✅ A target to expand wildlife-rich habitats by 2030

This matters – because it gives the public tools to hold Government to account.
2/5 🧵

Our latest blog sets out some of the major questions that must be answered in nature's favour. Read here: www.wcl.org.uk/planning-and...

Read more here: www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...

If the market collapses: private investment in habitat creation stalls, rural jobs are threatened and nature recovery is compromised.

Ministers must not shatter the system just as it’s beginning to thrive.

Read more 👉 www.wcl.org.uk/small-site-b...