Species
England’s position at the edge of Europe, together with its complex geology, varied land-use and relatively wet and warm climate have resulted in a rich, distinctive mix of species.
England’s species are probably the best studied in the world, with a history of recording by amateur naturalists dating back three centuries.
International importance of England’s species
England has globally important populations of some species. Some examples include:
Our coasts and seas support some of the most important breeding populations of seabirds in the world. England’s populations of non-breeding waders, wildfowl and gulls are also of global significance.
England holds internationally important populations of several species of bats. Bechstein’s, barbastelle and lesser and greater horseshoe bats are of international conservation concern and are amongst our rarest bats.
Two of England’s amphibians and reptiles are of international significance, great crested newt and pool frog. In addition, several species’ populations (sand lizard, smooth snake and natterjack toad) are important in a northern European context.
England has just over half of the bryophyte species occurring in the European flora (with three endemic species). This is a much higher proportion than for flowering plants (less than a fifth), emphasising the importance of England for bryophytes in the European context.
Number of species in England
The number of species varies between groups, from just seven native species of amphibian to at least 40,000 species of invertebrate. The State of the Natural Environment report gives estimated numbers of species across taxonomic groups in England: (523kb)
.
Species protection
Many species are legally protected by national legislation, especially the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981
(as amended), and European directives.
Many species are also protected through site designation. Some Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are designated specifically for their species and all Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are classified specifically for birds. Ramsar sites are designated for internationally important wetland habitats and species.
In England, around 1,500 SSSIs have been notified for species. Eighty-one SPAs have been classified for birds and 125 SACs designated for other species and maps showing these areas is available in the State of the Natural Environment report: (523kb).
The state of species
The current state of England's species is reviewed in the State of the Natural Environment Report: (523kb).
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(19 October 2010) The results of the latest national survey show that the otter is making a dramatic comeback to our rivers and wetlands.
