England's Biodiversity
England has a high diversity of habitats and many distinctive species, reflecting its geographical position.
Some are of European or even world-wide importance and we have a special responsibility to ensure their conservation. For example:
- England has globally important populations of breeding seabirds and wintering waders and wildfowl, and 18% of the world's heathland.
- We have internationally important populations of bats and oceanic lichens, and more than half the European species of bryophytes including one moss not recorded anywhere else in the world.
- England is rich in veteran trees in ancient woodland and parklands.
- We have more chalk rivers than any other country in Europe and over half the European resource of chalk coasts.
- Nearly 20% of Europe's Atlantic and North Sea estuaries are in England.
There is a wide range of designated areas protecting England's natural environment. Well over a quarter of the land surface in England is protected either because of its biodiversity importance or as a high quality landscape. These areas are important for our social, environmental and economic well-being, attracting visitors and businesses alike.
Natural England defined a comprehensive series of Natural Areas describing the wildlife and natural feature in each. These have subsequently been incorporated into our National Character Areas.
Related articles
- England's Biodiversity Strategy 2011
- Habitat of the month
- Habitat descriptions
- Species of the week
- State of the Natural Environment reports
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Good ‘newts’ for development and conservation
(1 March 2013) This month, detailed pond survey work will be carried out as part of a major project to develop robust evidence around the distribution of great crested newts (GCN) across England, creating a high-resolution model capable of accurately predicting their population levels in different habitats.
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British Wildlife Photography Awards 2013 – call for entries
(1 February 2013) This highly acclaimed photography competition is now open and ready to receive your entries for 2013. Be inspired by our gallery showing spellbinding wildlife imagery from last year.
