What are the experts' concerns about the UK's progress on nature restoration?

Experts warn that the UK risks missing its 30by30 nature target by a "country mile" at the current "snail's pace progress," as the percentage of protected land in good condition has declined across the UK.

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UK Risks Missing 2030 Nature Restoration Targets by "Country Mile"

Q: What is the UK's 2030 nature restoration target?

The UK government committed to protecting at least 30% of land and sea for nature by the end of the decade as part of a global biodiversity agreement.

Q: How much of the UK's land is currently effectively conserved for nature?

According to the report, only around 6% of UK land is effectively conserved and managed for nature, meaning the country is just one-fifth of the way towards the 2030 goal.

9 Sep

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Summary

UK committed to protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030
Only 6% of UK land is effectively conserved for nature
Decline in protected land in good condition across the UK

UK Risks Missing 2030 Nature Restoration Targets by "Country Mile"

According to a report released on September 10th, 2025, the UK is struggling to meet its 2030 target to restore and safeguard nature. The government had committed to protecting at least 30% of land and sea for nature by the end of the decade as part of a global biodiversity agreement. However, the research found that only around 6% of UK land is effectively conserved and managed for nature, meaning the country is just one-fifth of the way towards the 2030 goal with five years left.

The report, from the Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL), revealed a concerning decline in the percentage of land in England that has been protected for nature and is in good condition, dropping from 2.93% last year to 2.83%. A similar pattern was observed across the other nations of the UK, with just 2.4% of land in good condition in Wales, 4% in Northern Ireland, and 12.63% in Scotland.

Experts warn that at this "snail's pace progress," the UK risks missing its 30by30 nature target by a "country mile." Conservationists are now calling on ministers to take urgent action, including a rapid rollout of new protected area designations, stronger rules to end harmful activities, and robust monitoring to ensure the environment is restored and safeguarded.

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