The Environment Act 2021 introduced a strengthened biodiversity duty which requires all public authorities in England to consider what they can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
The Environmental Improvement Plan was published in January 2025 and sets out Government’s plans for improving the natural environment.
By 2030, the Government has committed to halt the decline in species abundance and to protect 30% of UK land to support the recovery of nature.
By 2042, the Government has committed to:
- increase species abundance by at least 10% from 2030
- restore or create at least 500,000 hectares of a range of wildlife-rich habitats outside protected sites
- reduce the risk of species extinction; and
- by December 2030, 50% of SSSI’s to have actions on track to achieve favourable condition.
We are required to report on the actions taken to conserve and enhance biodiversity, achievements resulting from our actions, and proposed future actions.
- Read our Biodiversity Duty Objectives and Initial Actions (opens in new tab)
- Read our Biodiversity Duty Report (opens in new tab)
- Read our Biodiversity Duty Action Plan for 2026 to 2030 (opens in new tab)
Our next Biodiversity Duty Report and a reviewed action plan must be published by the 31 December 2030.
Biodiversity net gain (BNG)
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an approach to development that leaves the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before the development occurred.
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