Government Invests £60 Million to Support 364 Threatened Species in England

More than 350 threatened species in England are set to receive vital support thanks to a record government investment aimed at protecting the country’s wildlife. Announced on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, this initiative, known as "Wild Again: Restoring England's Wildlife," will provide £60 million through Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme to fund 130 projects focused on recovering endangered plants, animals, and fungi.

Investment Overview

This significant funding will benefit a total of 364 threatened species and covers a wide range of wildlife, from birds and insects to plants and marine life. Notable species that will benefit from this investment include:

• Swallowtail Butterfly: The UK's largest butterfly, known for its striking appearance.

• White-Clawed Crayfish: The only native crayfish in the UK, which faces threats from invasive species.

• Ghost Orchid: A rare plant that was unrecorded for 23 years before its rediscovery in 2009.

These projects aim to restore habitats and protect wildlife across various environments, including woodlands, farmland, freshwater, and marine areas. This investment is crucial as wildlife populations have dramatically declined over the past few decades, with one in six species at risk of extinction in Great Britain.

Highlighted Projects

Among the exciting projects receiving funding, some notable initiatives include:

• Ghost Orchid Project: Using detection dogs and environmental DNA technology to locate and protect the ghost orchid, which is extremely rare.

• Northern Dune Tiger Beetle Conservation: Led by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust in Cumbria, this project aims to protect one of England's fastest declining insects.

• Tansy Beetle Recovery: A project in West Anglia and Yorkshire focused on safeguarding the brilliantly coloured tansy beetle, which depends on specific riverside habitats.

• Swallowtail Butterfly Tracking: A Natural England initiative to monitor the behaviour and habitat of the swallowtail butterfly across various regions.

• White-Clawed Crayfish Protection: A project by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts to support the UK's only native crayfish, which is endangered worldwide.

Government Commitment

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasised the importance of this investment, stating, “Nearly one in six species in Britain are threatened with extinction and this Government is taking action to reverse that decline.” This funding not only aims to protect specific species but also contributes to broader environmental goals outlined in the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan, which seeks to halt the decline of species abundance by 2030.

Additionally, the government is investing £30 million specifically for species recovery on the national forest estate, bringing the total commitment to £90 million. This funding is part of a larger effort that includes the establishment of three new national forests and the first wild beaver releases in 400 years.

Looking Ahead

The Species Recovery Programme has a successful track record, having helped protect over 1,000 species and preventing the extinction of at least 35 species in the past three decades. As Natural England Chair Tony Juniper noted, good science and effective partnerships are key to restoring species to a healthy status. The ongoing support for these initiatives will be crucial in reversing the decline of some of England's most beloved wildlife.

As these projects roll out, they will not only help the plants and animals that are currently at risk but also contribute to a healthier, more resilient environment for future generations. The government’s commitment to wildlife recovery is a step in the right direction towards ensuring that England's natural heritage is preserved and celebrated.