The UK government has committed £60 million to support wildlife restoration efforts across England, aiming to address significant declines in native species observed since the 1970s. According to official assessments, wildlife populations in Great Britain have dropped by approximately one-third, with one in six species currently at risk of extinction.

The funding will be allocated by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) over the next three years as part of the broader “Wild Again: Restoring England’s Wildlife” initiative. This program seeks to reverse habitat loss and promote biodiversity recovery nationwide.

Among the species targeted for protection and restoration is the ghost orchid, a particularly rare plant that had not been recorded in England for 23 years before being rediscovered in 2009. Natural England, the government's advisory body on the natural environment, is employing innovative methods such as detection dogs and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to locate and safeguard remaining populations of the ghost orchid and other endangered species.

In addition to the £60 million directed at general wildlife restoration, a separate allocation of £30 million will be dedicated to supporting species recovery efforts within the National Forest estate. This woodland area, spanning parts of central England, is a key site for habitat restoration and conservation activities.

Officials emphasize that this funding aims to strengthen ecological resilience, improve the status of vulnerable species, and contribute to broader environmental goals including climate change mitigation and sustainable land management. The government’s approach underscores a long-term commitment to halting biodiversity loss and enhancing natural habitats as part of England’s environmental strategy.