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English Nature

nglish Nature was succeeded on 2 October 2006 by Natural England. See our Natural England page for the current information on functions formerly undertaken by English Nature.

English Nature was the government agency responsible for nature conservation in England. English Nature was in charge of designating SSSIs and NNRs, and many other functions including advising the government and undertaking research.

English Nature was involved in the conservation of rare species, including those under the Species Recovery Programme, such as the fen ragwort which was reintroduced at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve in 1993. Many species have statutory protection, for example under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. English Nature administered much of this protection, for example issuing permits for study of restricted species.

English Nature also advised local planning authorities and made comments on planning applications and other proposals which might have affected protected sites or species. 

English Nature owned and managed many National Nature Reserves, indeed until relatively recently it was the only body to do so. However it did not own or manage all protected sites. 

• In Wales the comparable authority is the Countryside Council for Wales.
• In Scotland the comparable authority is Scottish Natural Heritage .
• In Northern Ireland the comparable authority is The Environment and Heritage Agency for Northern Ireland.

Trying to get in touch with English Nature?

You can't contact English Nature - it doesn't exist any more. You now need to speak to Natural England.