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England's wildlife has inspired naturalists, poets, artists and musicians for centuries. The diversity of our animals, plants, and their habitats, are varied, complex and distinctively English. Reason enough for us to ensure we conserve our wealth of characteristic species. Unfortunately, some are endangered and others are on the brink of extinction. Even some once common animals and plants are now disappearing at a rate that is causing concern.
How many lapwings or yellowhammers have you seen lately? When did you last hear a skylark or a turtle dove? Although these birds are still quite common in some areas, they have now vanished from places where they used to be seen and heard regularly. This is sadly true of many lesser-known species as well.
In 1990 it was realised that despite decades of nature conservation, populations of some plants and animals were continuing to decline and an increasing number were becoming endangered. The Species Recovery Programme began work in 1991 on 13 species at a cost of £130,000. Now with an annual budget of over £1.2 million, some 400 species are receiving benefit from the Programme. A further 250 species have been identified as being in need of recovery work.
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The cirl bunting, for example, was once fairly common across southern Britain, but by 1989 its population had plummeted to just over 250 birds, restricted to south Devon. In 1995 English Nature (now Natural England) teamed up with a partner, the RSPB, to promote sympathetic farmland management. Thanks to a tremendous response from Devon farmers, by 1998 the population was estimated to have risen to over 900 birds. Work is continuing to boost numbers further, as the aim is not only to halt decline, but also to achieve the long-term survival of this species in the countryside. Success in reversing the fortunes of this bird, and many other species, owes much to Natural England's Species Recovery Programme.
