About us

We're the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England, helping to protect England’s nature and landscapes for people to enjoy and for the services they provide.

Who we are

We have 2,000 staff in offices throughout England, with a head office in York. See a map of our offices.

Responsibilities

Within England, we’re responsible for:

  • promoting nature conservation and protecting biodiversity
  • conserving and enhancing the landscape
  • securing the provision and improvement of facilities for the study, understanding and enjoyment of the natural environment, eg new tower hide at Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve
  • promoting access to the countryside and open spaces and encouraging open-air recreation
  • contributing in other ways to social and economic well-being through management of the natural environment, eg changes to wildlife licensing to improve flexibility for developers

Priorities

From 2014 to 2019, our priorities are:

  • terrestrial biodiversity
  • marine biodiversity
  • landscape and geodiversity
  • access and engagement
  • environmental land management
  • National Nature Reserves
  • support to the planning system
  • wildlife management
  • evidence
  • corporate services

For more details about our responsibilities and priorities see our latest annual report and corporate plan.

Corporate information

Access our information

Jobs and contracts

Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information. Read our policy on Social media use. Find out About our services.

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