Corporate report

Natural England key performance indicator information 2024 to 2025

Updated 28 April 2026

Applies to England

Natural England’s performance framework for 2024 to 2025 builds on our 5-year strategic aims and aligns directly with Defra’s Outcome Delivery Plan and the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 (EIP23) targets.

 Our 5-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 framework

Under our 5-year aims sit our 6 outcome-driven cross-cutting key performance indicators (KPIs). We use a 4-level assessment for our performance (Green, Amber-Green, Amber-Red and Red).

Key performance indicator A 

1. Area of protected land and sea. Green

2. Actions underway on site of special scientific interest (SSSI) features. Green

3. Marine Protected Area (MPA) condition assessments. Green

4. New and expiring Countryside Stewardship Higher-Tier agreements. Not applicable - rescheduled

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

6. Carbon secured through woodland creation. Amber-Green

7. Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework. Green

8. Reporting landscape and waterscape changes. Amber-Green

Key performance indicator B

9. Species recovery and reintroductions. Amber-Green

10. Licences benefiting species conservation. Green

11. Creation or restoration of habitat outside of protected sites. Green

Key performance indicator C

12. People’s access to green and blue space. Green

13. Embedding Green Infrastructure Framework. Green

14. People visiting a green and natural space. Green

15. Nature recovery projects connecting people with nature. Green

Key performance indicator D

16. Local Nature Recovery strategies. Red

17. Delivering nature recovery in places. Amber-Green

18. Investment in Nature Recovery Network projects. Amber-Green

19. Nutrient mitigation. Green

20. Diffuse water pollution. Amber-Green

Key performance indicator E

21. Surveying site of special scientific interest (SSSI) features. Amber-Red

22. Surveying monads for the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment programme. Amber-Red

23. Data maturity. Amber-Green

Key performance indicator F

24. Staff engagement. Amber-Red

25. Safe working practices. Amber-Red

26. Diversity and inclusion. Red

27. Staff learning and development. Red

28. Customer service standards. Green

29. Digital and data continuous improvement. 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.

1. Area of protected land and sea

The area of land and sea that is protected will increase by 900 hectares (ha). Green

An additional 2,560 ha of previously unprotected land was conserved in 2024-25. This was achieved through the continued declaration of partnership NNRs as part of the King’s Series.

2. Actions underway on site of special scientific interest features

21% of special scientific interest (SSSI) features will have actions underway and on track to achieve favourable condition. Green

At the end of March 2025, 23.1% of SSSI features had actions underway and on track, an increase of 6.8% since last year. 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 condition assessments

Complete 80 Marine Protected Area condition assessments. Green

We completed and published 106 condition assessments this year. A significant programme of condition assessments is still required by the 2027 interim Environmental Improvement Plan target date. This will build on the 21% of the 1,044 designated features that have been assessed since April 2017.

4. New or expiring Countryside Stewardship Higher-Tier agreements

Triage and manage input to 800 new and expiring agreements for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier. Not applicable - rescheduled

Defra could not launch the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme in the timescale initially planned. This meant that it was not possible to achieve this target. Pre-application advice visits started in early 2025.

5. Carbon secured through Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme

3.2 mega tonnes of carbon secured through 27,000 ha of peat restoration under Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme (NCPGS). Green

We have met our annual target on carbon secured, with restoration equating to an estimated carbon abatement of 3.2 mega tonnes CO2e* by 2050. 23,400 hectares of land have been brought under restoration which, although a smaller area than planned, included 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.

6. Carbon secured through woodland creation

Provide timely advice on embedding ‘right tree right place’ on 10,000 ha to increase carbon secured through woodland creation and support biodiversity targets. Amber-Green

9,450 ha of advice has been delivered towards a target of 10,000 ha. Changes to processes to use Forestry Commission ecologist resource resulted in lower delivery figures by us, but without risk to overall outcomes.

7. Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework

Lead the apportionment of targets and complete the collation and distribution of data to inform the Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework. Green

Working closely with Defra and partners, we have led the apportionment of targets and collated and distributed data to inform the Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework. The Framework embeds key Government Environmental Improvement Plan Targets into Protected Landscape Management Plans and delivery in those places.

8. Reporting landscape and waterscape changes

Update the published interim (baseline 2015-19) reporting on EIP Outcome Indicator Framework G1: ‘Changes to landscape and waterscape character’. Amber-Green

We have completed analysis and reporting of the G1b indicator component (monitoring of the impacts of Agri-Environment Schemes on landscape character and quality across England’s National Character Areas).

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.

9. Species recovery and reintroductions

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

385 species have benefitted from projects delivered with partners and funded through our Species Recovery Programme (SRP). Our SRP Capital Grants Scheme has almost reached completion, improving on last year’s delivery. Our new reporting framework has provided the first quantifiable results for SRP, and our external evaluation contract will report on the impact and value for money the programme has achieved.

10. Licences benefiting species conservation

Increase the proportion of licences issued that benefit species conservation by 5%. Green

The proportion of licences issued that benefit species conservation increased by 8.7% to 62.7%. Key successes include Bat Earned Recognition moving to business-as-usual; implementation of automation robots to speed up processing and route more complex cases for further checks; and the launch of a licensing regime for beaver reintroduction.

11. Creation or restoration of habitat outside of protected sites

Support the creation or restoration of 3,200 ha of a range of wildlife-rich habitat outside of protected sites via our advice and funding, ultimately contributing to species abundance. Green

We supported the creation and restoration of 3,683 ha of wildlife-rich habitat outside of protected sites. This area has been achieved using delivery mechanisms such as the Nature for Climate Programme.

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.

12. 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 at present level of 62%. Green

Just over 62% of people continue to have access to green and blue space within 15 minutes from home. We are the main delivery partner for the 15-minute commitment and provide advice and evidence on the quantity and quality of green infrastructure to inform the commitment. Stakeholders have praised our Green Infrastructure Framework for its clear principles, reliable data, and policy support.

13. Embedding Green Infrastructure Framework

20 new local authorities to have embedded the Green Infrastructure Framework in their policies. Green

We are working with 20 new local authorities to embed Green Infrastructure (GI) in policies or strategies. Working with local authorities to embed GI has been shown to deliver multiple benefits, including economic growth, nature recovery, improvements to health and wellbeing and community cohesion.

14. People visiting a green and natural space

Maintain an upward trend on a 3-year rolling average the proportion of adults in England using a green and natural space in the last 14 days at 64% (as measured against the People and Nature Survey). Green

During the last year, 66% 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.

15. Natural England projects connecting people with nature

All nature recovery projects are designed, delivered and monitored to ensure delivery of strategic partnerships and embed the recording of the number and representation of people connecting with nature as part of the project. Green

11 out of 12 projects have developed their stakeholder partnerships in a strategic way, with the other project being delivered by partner organisations. The data we have provides insight into the diversity of partners engaged in nature recovery, and includes local/national conservation organisations, landowners and managers, forestry interests, local and devolved government, the health sector, and smaller grassroots community groups.

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.

16. Local Nature Recovery strategies

Ensure preparation of 48 high quality Local Nature Recovery Strategies. Red

3 Local Nature Recovery Strategies (West of England, North Northamptonshire, Cornwall) have been prepared and published at the end of the 2024-25 reporting year. Responsible Authorities (RAs) have faced challenges including resource issues which have slowed progress. We are confident that effective working with the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission is helping to ensure that high quality LNRSs are being prepared.

17. Delivering nature recovery in places

Develop and deliver a pipeline of collaborative landscape scale delivery of at least 100 projects driven through landscape recovery, nature recovery projects and through our priority places. Amber-Green

Nature Recovery Projects across England have delivered 63 sub-projects including declaration of 3 national nature reserves, expanding the area of land protected for nature, and improving access to nature. As of 31 March 2025, landscape recovery had 21 Round 1 projects in the latter stages of their development phases, with several entering the assurance process. One R1 project had commenced implementation. 34 Round 2 projects continue in the project development phase. Of these, we estimate 25 will be offered implementation agreements, with the first of these beginning later in 2026.

18. Investment in Nature Recovery Network projects

Develop and test mechanisms to support the increase/flow of investment and funding into Nature Recovery projects. Amber-Green

In an evolving green finance landscape considerable progress has been made. We have a lead role in the implementation of two nature markets: Biodiversity Net Gain and Nutrient Neutrality. We have also supported Round 1 Landscape Recovery projects to develop their blended finance plans. And we have supported implementation and evaluation of a Defra-led public-private partnership pilot: Projects for Nature, securing over £700,000 and three founding business partners. Ministers have approved the continuation of the initiative, and we are working with Defra to focus on delivery priorities.

19. Nutrient mitigation 

Implement the Nutrient Mitigation Scheme to include generating at least 6,500 nutrient credits to enable new homes to be built. Green

In the 2024-25 financial year, 1,625 nitrogen credits and 80 phosphorus credits were generated through land management agreements with Bawdswell and Foxley Wood in the Norfolk catchment. In previous years, 2,951 nitrogen credits generated with Lyscombe Farm in the Poole catchment and 3,451 nitrogen credits generated with Galley Law and Ormsby Hall in the Tees catchment. In total, 8,107 credits have been generated.

20. Diffuse water pollution

Complete 6 Diffuse Water Pollution Plans. Amber-Green

We have worked with the Environment Agency to identify and agree actions for 4 Diffuse Water Pollution Plans (DWPPs) and 2 individual site reports (led by Natural England), and 13 DWPPs (led by the Environment Agency). This is the biggest single sign-off of DWPPs since 2015 and demonstrates significant progress in this work area. These strategic plans outline the evidence and actions that will support restoration of water quality and nature recovery on protected sites.

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.

21. Surveying site of special scientific interest (SSSI) features

40% of SSSI features have an up-to-date condition assessment with at least 650 new assessments completed. Amber-Red

Feature assessments on SSSIs are used to help understand the condition of biological and geological features. A feature in good condition will contribute to nature’s recovery. 31.6% of features now have an up-to-date condition assessment and 524 new assessments have been completed this year, including some large and complex sites. Data has been collected for a further 255 features, and these will be prioritised for completion in the coming year.

22. Surveying monads for the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment Programme

Complete a combined total of 1,000 landscape and vegetation and soil surveys in sample monads (a monad is a 1 km grid square) as part of the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) Programme. Amber-Red

885 vegetation and landscape surveys and soil sampling surveys were completed during 2024 to 2025. This was the second season of field data collection for the England Ecosystem Survey (EES) project, and many improvements to management of surveys were made during the year, including our relationships with external contractors, and coordination of surveys. Further improvements to processes, and management of landowner access permissions, have been made to support the third season of EES data collection in 2025 to 2026.

23. Data maturity

Increase Data Maturity Assessment scores from 1-2 to 2-3 on a 5-point scale. Amber-Green

Direct comparison across years is difficult, but our 2024-25 Data Maturity Assessment (DMA) reports an overall, aggregated maturity score of Level 2 – Emerging. Amber Green reflects progress in more consistently achieving level 2 across themes. We have made modest progress in foundational areas such as strategic direction, learning, data cataloguing, and system improvements. DMA scoring is subjective by design and interpreted within the Defra group benchmarking framework. While we are moving in the right direction, resource constraints and persistent structural challenges continue to limit progress across several areas of the framework.

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.

24. Staff engagement

Employee engagement index rises to 64% to exceed 2023-24 benchmark. Amber-Red

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 Pulse Survey in February reported an Employee Engagement score of 61%. The survey insight tells us that most of our staff are proud to work for Natural England and would recommend us a great place to work, but scores are lower for inspiration and motivation.

25. Safe working practices

Investigate 95% of reported incidents within the required 10 working day period. Amber - Red

81.5% of reported health and safety incidents were investigated within 10 working days this year. We are continuing to support teams to carry out quality investigations within the timeframe whilst recognising that, for a variety of reasons, some incidents may take longer than the 10 days to investigate. Teams now have access to live data on incident investigations, and we are simplifying the process wherever possible to improve our performance.

26. Diversity and inclusion

Increase the percentage of staff declaring minority ethnicity to 5%. Red

The percentage of Natural England workforce declaring as of minority ethnicity is 3.9% against a target of 5%. We have a range of plans and measures in place to continue action on this long-term challenge, aimed at recruitment, progression and retention. With external recruitment by exception, we are focusing on internal inclusion.

27. Staff learning and development

Staff undertake 10 learning and development days per year on average. Red

On average each of our staff undertook 7 days of training and personal development in the last year, and we saw a record number of staff enrolled on apprenticeships. The demand to support the learning needs of new staff has reduced and going forward we will be focusing on supporting existing staff to develop the capabilities to deliver our new strategy.

28. Customer service standards

Deliver 85% of statutory casework within published timescales. Green

Across our planning, licensing and protected sites casework, we delivered 90% of responses within published timescales. Casework levels are still increasing against a backdrop of resource reduction, and we will continue to implement reforms to ensure we maintain our casework delivery targets.

29. Digital and data continuous improvement

Achieve a ‘good’ assessment rating in 5 priority areas of the cross government ‘Digital and Data – Continuous Improvement Assessment Framework’. Amber-Green

The KPI achieved an amber‑green outturn because the organisation met the “good” assessment across selected criteria within Governance and Strategy, Assurance, and Capability themes. Digital strategy alignment, governance arrangements, senior accountability, and a resourced digital assurance function were all in place and assessed as good. Not all Senior Civil Servants had completed the required digital and data essentials training, preventing a full green rating.