Data obtained to monitor, evaluate and report on the condition of the natural environment
Updated 16 July 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/monitoring-the-condition-of-the-natural-environment/data-obtained-to-monitor-evaluate-and-report-on-the-condition-of-the-natural-environment
The Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) is the UK government’s cross-cutting plan to improve the natural environment in England. This statement sets out the kinds of data that are obtained to monitor whether the natural environment is, or particular aspects of it are, improving, and to monitor progress towards meeting the 13 Environment Act 2021 targets and the interim targets.
It explains our approach to monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the condition of the natural environment, in line with the requirements of section 16 of the Environment Act.
Monitoring and evaluating the condition of the natural environment
Progress towards delivering the EIP and Environment Act targets is assessed through a structured monitoring and evaluation framework. The framework includes a comprehensive set of outcome indicators and brings together specified metrics to monitor progress against the commitments in the EIP.
Different kinds of data are obtained to monitor the condition of the natural environment. This includes quantitative and qualitative data from the Environmental Indicator Framework and other appropriate sources, such as official statistical publications. Defra, in partnership with its arms’ length bodies, publishes statistics and data on the environment, guided by the UK Statistics Authority’s Code of Practice for Statistics. Given the complex processes within our environment, it can take time to see the effects of our actions.
Environment Act targets
Detailed monitoring and tracking of delivery are in place for each of the targets. An account of the types of data required for measuring progress towards the targets is included in their statutory instrument.
The nature and scope of each target is different and, therefore, the monitoring approach for each target is different. For example, whilst all targets are objectively measurable, some targets contain greater inherent uncertainty, and it is easier to quantify the impact of delivery measures for some targets than for others. Evidence gathering will continue with the input of expert opinion and citizen science.
Interim targets are important staging posts for the Environment Act targets. Metrics have been, or are being, established to provide bespoke monitoring of progress against each of the statutory and interim targets.
Environmental Indicator Framework (EIF)
The Environmental Indicator Framework (EIF) (previously known as the Outcome Indicator Framework for the 25 Year Environment Plan) collectively describes environmental change as it relates to the 10 EIP overarching goals.
It consists of 66 indicators used to consider whether the natural environment is improving in line with the current EIP goals. The indicators present trend information based on a range of quantitative and qualitative information. Statistical techniques are used to analyse trends and detect changes over time, taking account of variability and uncertainty in the data.
The indicators presented within the EIF are not themselves targets. They are not presented with specific end points established, or levels or intended trajectories attached to them. Instead, they are a way to objectively monitor the high-level changes happening in the environment.
All Environment Act targets have formal monitoring mechanisms to facilitate progress reporting including EIF indicators where relevant. Other Environment Act targets are monitored using alternative indicators that do not assess changes in the environment.
Over time new indicators may be required to accommodate new policy priorities and more advanced monitoring technology. In accordance with the EIF’s voluntary compliance with the UK’s Statistics Authority Code of Practice for Statistics, it will be kept under regular review - every 5 years as a minimum.
Evaluations
The EIP’s evaluation uses analysis and research to understand the EIP’s impact and processes. It identifies lessons for improving the design and delivery of future EIPs and other environmental policies and supports evidence-based decision-making. The evaluation is supported by related policy and programme evaluations.
The EIF and wider environmental monitoring will continue to inform the evaluation framework as a systematic means of monitoring environmental change for our longer-term understanding of the effectiveness of policies and commitments.
Reporting on the condition of the natural environment
Under section 9 of the Environment Act 2021, Defra is required to report annually through an Annual Progress Report (APR) on the implementation of the EIP including on whether the natural environment is, or aspects of it are, improving. This includes an assessment of additional monitoring information against the 13 long-term Environment Act targets and interim targets.
The APR is not intended to be a data publication document. It draws upon published data to monitor improvement. This includes the EIF, monitoring mechanisms put in place for specific targets, and periodic statistical publications and scientific literature from across the Defra group, wider government, and non-governmental organisations.
It is not practically possible to collect and publish all metrics as frequently as the annual progress reporting cycle, meaning updates may not always be possible to include in APRs. In these cases, additional evidence will be considered to support a qualitative assessment of progress in policy delivery for the report.
The Office for Environmental Protection
The statutory reporting cycle under the Environment Act 2021 requires the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) to publish an annual scrutiny report to assess government progress. Like the government’s APR, OEP annual scrutiny reports must consider the data published under section 16 that relate to the reporting period.