UK invests £90M to protect wildlife in England

April 07, 2026

The UK government has announced a major £90 million investment aimed at protecting some of England’s most vulnerable native species from extinction. This landmark funding initiative is being described by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) as the largest financial commitment ever made toward species conservation in the country.

The funding will support a wide range of conservation efforts, including reintroduction programs and population recovery projects for species such as birds, beavers, insects, marine life, and other endangered wildlife across England.

Major funding breakdown for conservation efforts

Out of the total investment:

• £60 million will be distributed to hundreds of local conservation projects through Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme over the next three years.

• £30 million will be allocated to enhance biodiversity across England’s national forest estate.

According to Defra, this funding boost will accelerate efforts to restore ecosystems, improve habitats, and strengthen wildlife populations nationwide.

Government pledges to reverse nature decline

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasized the importance of the initiative, calling it a long-term commitment to reversing environmental damage and preserving biodiversity for future generations.

The urgency is clear: the UK is currently ranked among the most nature-depleted nations globally. Studies reveal that wildlife populations have dropped by approximately 33% since 1970, while nearly one in six species faces the threat of extinction.

Meeting environmental targets and legal commitments

The new investment is part of a broader government strategy to meet legally binding environmental goals. These include:

• Halting the decline in species abundance by 2030

• Reducing the risk of species extinction by 2042

• Protecting 30% of land and marine areas for nature conservation by 2030

However, environmental organizations have warned that the UK is not currently on track to meet these targets, highlighting the need for urgent action.

Focus on habitat restoration and species reintroduction

The Species Recovery Programme will prioritize:

• Habitat restoration projects

• Captive breeding initiatives

• Reintroduction of endangered species into the wild

These efforts aim to rebuild biodiversity, restore natural landscapes, and protect fragile ecosystems such as ancient woodlands and chalk streams.

Natural England is expected to confirm the list of funded projects for the 2026–2029 period in May, with early indications suggesting support for a wide range of species.

Increased funding compared to previous years

This latest funding round more than doubles previous investment levels. Between 2023 and 2026, £32.2 million supported over 600 species, including water voles, hazel dormice, and oystercatchers.

Proven success in wildlife recovery

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, highlighted that species decline can often be reversed with the right approach. He pointed to successful conservation efforts that have brought species such as red kites, pool frogs, and large blue butterflies back from the brink of extinction.

He stressed that combining scientific research with strong partnerships has proven highly effective in restoring threatened species to stable populations.

Measurable impact of conservation programs

Natural England reports that its recovery initiatives have:

• Helped protect over 1,000 species

• Prevented the extinction of at least 35 species within the UK

Recent successes include:

• The return of red-billed choughs breeding in Kent after more than 200 years

• The reintroduction of black grouse in North Yorkshire

• The comeback of the large marsh grasshopper in the Norfolk Broads after 85 years

New campaign: “Wild again: restoring England’s wildlife”

Alongside the funding announcement, Defra has launched a new national campaign titled “Wild Again: Restoring England’s Wildlife.” The initiative aims to raise awareness and drive action to protect and restore the country’s natural environment.