Corporate report

Natural England key perfomance indicator information 2023 to 2024

Published 1 July 2025

Applies to England

Natural England’s key performance indicators are based around our five year aims:

1. Well managed nature recovery networks across land, water and sea delivering resilient ecosystems rich in wildlife and character, enjoyed by people, and widely benefitting society.

2. People connected to the natural environment for their own and society’s wellbeing, enjoyment, and prosperity.

3. Nature based solutions contributing fully to tackling the climate change challenge and wider environmental hazards and threats.

4. Improvements in natural capital underpinning sustainable economic growth, healthy food systems and prospering communities.

5. Evidence and expertise are used by a broad range of partnerships, organisations, and communities to achieve nature recovery and enable effective regulation and accreditation.

6. A values-led organisation which delivers excellent service standards to all partners, organisations and communities engaged in achieving nature’s recovery.

Natural England performance reporting scorecard

This covers the year 2023 to 2024. Under each of our five year aims sit our six outcome-driven cross-cutting key performance indicators (KPIs). We use a four-level assessment for our performance (Green, Amber-Green, Amber-Red and Red).

Key performance indicator A

1. Area of protected land and sea (EIP). Red

2. Actions underway on SSSI features (EIP). Green

3. Marine Protected Areas (MPA) features in favourable condition (EIP). Amber-Red

4. Carbon secured through Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme (NCPGS) (EIP). Green

5. Protected Landscapes Outcomes Framework (EIP). Amber-Green

6. Monitor landscape/waterscape changes. Green

Key performance indicator B

7. Species recovery and reintroductions (EIP). Green

8. Licences benefitting species conservation (EIP). Amber-Red

Key performance indicator C

9. People’s access to green and blue space (EIP). Green

10. Embedding Green Infrastructure Framework (EIP). Green

11. People visiting a green and natural space. Green

12. Natural England projects connecting people with nature. Green

Key performance indicator D

13. Local Nature Recovery Strategies (EIP). Amber-Red

14. Strategic plans for places (EIP). Amber-Green

15. Delivering nature recovery in places (EIP). Amber-Red

16. Investment in NRN projects. Amber-Green

17. Diffuse Water Pollution and Nutrient Mitigation (EIP). Amber-Green

Key performance indicator E

18. Surveying SSSI features (EIP). Green

19. Surveying monads for the NCEA Programme. Amber-Green

20. Improving data management good practice. Green

Key performance indicator F

21. Staff engagement. Amber-Green

22. Safe working practices. Amber-Red

23. Diversity and inclusion. Amber-Green

24. Staff learning and development. Green

25. Customer service standards. Amber-Green

26. Digital maturity. Amber-Green

Performance analysis

Key performance indicator A

We restore and enhance the health of our ecosystems and the natural beauty of our landscapes by increasing the area and improving the character, quality, resilience and connectivity of wildlife-rich places.

In 2023-24 we chose to focus on delivering favourable condition on existing sites over protection of new land.

1. Area of Protected Land and Sea

The area of land and sea that is protected will increase by 12,100 hectares by 31 March 2024. Red

Following the exceptional year in 2022/23 where we secured 12,100 hectares, an additional 791 hectares were secured in 2023-24. These represent declaration of NNRs not underpinned by SSSIs, launched as part of the King’s series. Early in 2023/24, we took the decision to prioritise maintaining momentum on achieving favourable condition, SSSI casework and monitoring, rather than replicate the unprecedented gains of the previous year, hence the shortfall in the gain figures.

2. Actions Underway on Site of Special Scientific Interest Features

15 per cent of SSSI features will have actions underway and on track to achieve favourable condition. Green

In 2023-24 16.3 per cent of SSSI features had actions underway. The decision to focus our efforts on securing favourable condition on existing SSSIs rather than designating new ones has contributed to this progress. We have used a variety of tools to achieve these gains including funding and incentives, advocacy and partnership, and regulatory processes.

3. Marine Protected Area Features in Favourable Condition

44 per cent of designated features in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to be in favourable condition. Amber-Red

A vulnerability assessment carried out in March 2023 indicated that at least 44 per cent of inshore designated features are likely to be in a favourable condition, although our confidence in this figure is low due to a lack of evidence from completed condition assessments. We completed and published 55 out of 75 condition assessments scheduled for this financial year. A large programme of condition assessment is now needed by the 2027 interim EIP23 target date, to build on the 11 per cent of all 1,042 designated features that has been condition assessed since April 2017.

4. Carbon Secured through Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme

2.15 Mega tonnes of carbon secured through 20,500 hectares peat restoration under Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme (NCPGS). Green

We have exceeded our annual target on carbon secured, with restoration equating to an estimated carbon abatement of 2.4 mega tonnes CO2e* by 2050. 18,400 hectares of land have been brought under restoration which, although a smaller area than planned, comprised more heavily degraded and lowland peatland than anticipated.

*CO2e is Carbon Dioxide Equivalent. Greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide can be converted to an equivalent amount of CO2, based on their relative contribution to global warming.

5: Protected Landscapes Outcomes Framework Embed national government

Environmental Improvement Plan targets and ambitions into individual National Park and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Statutory Management Plans (AONBs were renamed National Landscapes in November 2023).

Complete Protected Landscapes Outcomes Framework by end of March 2024. Amber-Green

We have worked closely with Defra and Protected Landscape partners to publish the Protected Landscapes Outcomes Framework, which will drive nature recovery across an area equivalent to a quarter of England. We have collated the necessary baseline data to underpin the Framework and now move into the implementation stage, working closely with our partners to embed the targets into Management Plans.

6. Monitor Landscape/Waterscape Changes National Character

Area-based landscape database and change atlas to monitor landscape change and deliver commitment to start ongoing reporting against EIP23 Indicator G1 (changes in landscape and seascape character) by end of March 2024. Green

We have completed analysis and reporting for the Defra Environmental Improvement Plan Outcome Indicator G1: ‘Changes to landscape and waterscape character’. This includes the headline results for landscape change between 2015 and 2019 supported by a landscape change database with reports and tools for people to access detailed information online.

Key performance indicator B

We increase the abundance of species that are indicative of the wider health of the natural environment and reduce the number under threat of extinction.

This year has seen good work on extinction and species abundance, but there remains much to be done.

7. Species Recovery and Reintroductions

400 rare and threatened species benefiting from Natural England’s species & nature recovery projects (including conservation translocations). Green

451 species have benefitted from projects delivered with our partners and funded through Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme. We are implementing a new reporting framework and external evaluation contract to further demonstrate how the projects we fund each year are improving target species’ prospects of recovery.

8. Licences Benefiting Species Conservation

Increase the proportion (percentage) of licences issued that benefit species conservation by five per cent (from the current 55 per cent to 60 per cent by March 2024). Amber-Red

This year 53.8 per cent of licences issued had a direct benefit to species conservation. We took the decision in-year to prioritise meeting our customer service standards to address the backlog of overdue cases, which included a significant number of licences not directly benefitting species conservation.

Key performance indicator C

We increase the number and representation of people engaged with nature and nature recovery in a way that supports socio-economic and health benefits for local communities.

We have made significant progress in establishing baselines around the ‘Green in 15’ commitment (access to green and blue space) space within 15 minutes walk from home, people’s connection with nature and wider access agendas. We have had notable success in embedding green infrastructure polices with Local Authorities, green social prescribing pilots, evaluation of nature connection and cross-government working.

9. People’s Access to Green and Blue Space

Maintain the proportion of people with access to green and blue space within 15 minutes from home to present level of 62 per cent. Green

62 per cent of people continue to have access to green and blue space within 15 minutes from home. Natural England is the main delivery partner for the 15-minute commitment and provides advice and evidence on the quantity and quality of green infrastructure to inform the commitment.

10. Embedding Green Infrastructure Framework

20 new Local Authorities to have embedded the Green Infrastructure Framework in their policies. Green

Through a national contract Natural England has provided Green Infrastructure Framework training to 27 Local Authorities, and further bespoke advice to 10 of this group. This work is important because high quality green infrastructure can deliver nature recovery and access to nature in urban areas and areas of high deprivation.

11. People Visiting a Green and Natural Space

Maintain proportion of adults in England visiting a green and natural space in the last 14 days at 63 per cent (as measured against People and Nature survey 63 per cent 2021-22 baseline). Green

During the last year, 66 per cent of the population of England reported visiting nature in the previous 14 days. However, more work needs to be done to evenly distribute visits across the population, as currently disadvantaged groups are less likely to visit nature.

12. Natural England Projects Connecting People with Nature

Delivery of 30 Natural England activities/projects designed to connect people with nature. Includes embedded recording of the number and representation of people connecting with nature. Green

We delivered 42 activities/projects designed to connect people with nature, with embedded recording of the number and representation of people. The data collected has provided insight around who we are and are not reaching.

Key performance indicator D

We work with a wider range of local partners and diverse communities to create wildlife-rich, accessible, characterful places for people to live and work underpinning economic sustainability.

There has been good delivery under KPI D though the pace has varied across the measures and metrics. In general, we have seen better progress on those elements within Natural England’s direct delivery; other work areas that are more reliant upon partnership working have longer lead-in times and some have been impacted by the wider financial pressures on Local Authorities.

13. Local Nature Recovery Strategies

All 48 Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are on track as defined by Defra and captured on the associated progress tracker. Amber-Red

LNRS are designed to agree an area’s priorities for nature, map its existing high-value nature areas and those areas that could become more important, and establish proposals for nature recovery in that area. These strategies are progressing well although progress monitoring indicates that publication is likely to be after the March 2025 final deadline. We will support the development of LNRS so that if not actually published, all 48 will be ready to publish.

14. Strategic Plans for Places

All Area Teams working with partners to influence a range of relevant strategic plan policies, initiatives and investment to better deliver Local Nature Recovery Strategy priorities. Amber-Green

This year we have collated best practice and developed a joint understanding of how to deliver LNRS priorities in a place with partners. This sets us up well to collectively develop positive integrated outcomes for nature with a focus on the places where we can make the greatest impact.

15.\ Delivering Nature Recovery in Places

Initiate at least 30 medium-scale projects (over 500 hectares) and large-scale projects (over 5,000 hectares), delivering wildlife-rich habitat and landscapes in a place. Amber-Red

28 Natural England led Landscape Recovery Projects (LRPs) have been enrolled in development to prepare for 20-year implementation agreements and 12 Nature Recovery Projects (NRPs) continue to progress with strategic planning underway on over 100 sub-projects funded in 2023/24. Together these 40 projects cover 535,000 hectares. However, progress slowed following budget, and recruitment controls this year, and our performance assessment reflects this wider context. These factors will need to be addressed to meet future delivery ambitions which will include Round 3 of Landscape Recovery (LR) and the next 13 NRPs. In 2025 we expect the first LR projects and NRPs to start implementation and deliver nature recovery action.

16. Investment in Nature Recovery Network Projects

Development of mechanisms to support the increase of private/public Investment/funding into Nature Recovery Network (NRN) projects. Amber-Green

Enabling private sector funding and finance is critical to deliver nature recovery. In an evolving green finance landscape considerable progress has been made during 2023-24. Natural England has a lead role in the implementation of two nature markets: Biodiversity Net Gain and Nutrient Neutrality and is supporting a Defra-led pilot: Projects for Nature. This is a public-private partnership with Environment Agency, Council for Sustainable Business, Accenture and Crowdfunder which will generate private funding for nature projects.

17.\ Diffuse Water Pollution and Nutrient Mitigation

a) Six Diffuse Water Pollution Plans completed with interventions agreed.

b) Effective implementation of the Nutrient Mitigation Scheme including sales of credits to enable at least 6,500 new homes to be built.

Amber-Green

Natural England, working with the Environment Agency, has identified and agreed actions in 4 Diffuse Water Pollution Plans and 11 individual site reports, for specific protected sites impacted by nutrient pollution to support restoration to favourable condition. Through the Nutrient Mitigation Scheme, credits to enable around 7,000 new homes are in the pipeline. Additional sites are being developed, increasing the homes enabled in 2024-25 and beyond.

Key performance indicator E

We are an evidence-led organisation, using evidence to inform our advice and leadership to drive positive changes in the natural environment.

We have made good progress this year, exceeding some of our in-year targets and seeing an uptick in data use and accessibility. There have been challenges due to the availability of field skills externally. In response, we have trained 70 field surveyors which puts us in good stead for future years.

18. Surveying Site of Special Scientific Interest Features 22 per cent of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) have an up-to-date condition assessment by 31 March 2024. Green

Condition assessments are used to help Natural England understand whether a SSSI feature is in a good state, contributing to nature’s recovery and whether management to maintain or improve that feature is working. The original target published in our 2023- 24 Action Plan was to survey 850 SSSI features, and we amended this in-year to align the target with the Environmental Improvement Plan. 25.3 per cent of features now have an up-to-date condition assessment.

19. Surveying Monads for the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment Programme

250 monads surveyed for the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment programme by 31 March 2024 (a monad is 1 OS km grid square). Amber-Green

This target was reduced from the original 400 monads outlined in our 2023-24 Action Plan to 250 to reflect the delivery capacity of external contractors. 224 monads have been surveyed for soil, vegetation and landscape, with a further 38 having vegetation and landscape surveys without the soil component.

20. Improving Data Management Good Practice Improvements to organisational data good practice with regards to the use, advocacy, production and management of data. Green

We have made progress in our overall strategy and approach to how data is used, managed and processed and we are participating in the Defra Digital and Data Transformation strategy. Improvements to our overall strategy will mean that we can reprioritise activity around our data.

Key performance indicator F

We invest in the wellbeing, development, and diversity of our staff so that Natural England remains a great place to work.

We set high stretching targets this year to drive change. We have seen lots of good work across the KPI even if we are below our targets in some areas. We have maintained our overall levels of staff engagement and continued to improve our overall Health and Safety performance.

21. Staff Engagement Employee engagement index rises to 65 per cent to exceed 2021 benchmark. Amber-Green

The Employee Engagement Index measures the feelings of pride, advocacy, attachment, inspiration, and motivation held by our staff, and is calculated from a standard set of questions used across public sector organisations. Our People Survey reported an Employee Engagement score of 63 per cent.

22. Safe Working Practices

95 per cent of Reported Incidents are investigated within the required 10 working day period. Amber-Red

We were below our target in meeting the response time as 83 per cent of reported incidents were investigated within 10 working days. We are continuing to invest in health and safety leadership and training, and to simplify our processes to improve our performance in this crucial area. This includes the launch of a new health and safety reporting app that will make submitting an investigation report easier for staff, support people leaders with tracking investigations and allow more real-time reporting.

23. Diversity and Inclusion

Percentage of staff in Natural England declaring Minority Ethnicity to increase to 4 per cent by March 2024. Amber-Green

The percentage of Natural England workforce declaring as of minority ethnicity is 3.8 per cent, having risen from 3.25 per cent in April 2022. We have a range of plans and measures in place to continue action on this long-term challenge, aimed at recruitment, progression, retention and our senior leadership action.

24. Staff Learning and Development

All Staff are undertaking an average of 10 Learning and Development days per year. Green

On average each of our staff undertook 12.5 days of training and personal development in the last year, reflecting the learning needs of many new starters who have joined us during the last 2 years. We are committed to building the skills and knowledge of all staff to deliver their work and contribute to nature’s recovery.

25. Customer Service Standards

85 per cent of statutory casework delivered within published timescales. Amber-Green

We delivered 84.7 per cent of casework responses within published timescales across the 3 main work areas (licensing, planning and protected sites) despite demand levels increasing this year. We are working hard on reforms to improve our response times.

26. Digital Maturity Digital maturity describes how effectively Natural England adopts and embeds digital technologies, data, and ways of working to improve our operations and services’ we assessed progress on 5-point scale, and our Amber-Green rating reflects moving beyond early stage adoption (Level 2) towards more consistent embedded digital capability (Level 3) across the organisation. Amber Green

We have increased our Digital Maturity beyond Level 2 on average, with some areas at Level 3.