What Natural England does
Government adviser for the natural environment in England. Responsible for wildlife licensing (protected species), designating and managing protected sites (SSSIs, National Nature Reserves, National Parks). Issues environmental permits for activities affecting nature.
Scotland: NatureScot. Wales: Natural Resources Wales (NRW) handles nature conservation. Northern Ireland: NIEA.
Contact Natural England
- Phone
- 0300 060 3900
Official guidance from Natural England
Curated guidance documents to help you understand your obligations.
Apply for a wildlife licence (Natural England) (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
Ancient woodland, ancient trees and veteran trees - planning advice (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
Hedgerow regulation and management (GOV.UK guidance) (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
GOV.UK: Prevent the spread of harmful invasive and non-native plants (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
Natural England mitigation scheme (opens in a new tab)
Publication
Open access land: management, rights and responsibilities (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
Wild birds - understanding the law (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
Natural England badger guidance for development (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
View all 37 guidance documents (opens in a new tab)
Legal framework
Legislation that Natural England directly enforces.
Primary legislation
Secondary legislation
Related legislation
Legislation connected to Natural England’s remit but not directly enforced — establishing Acts, amendments, referenced legislation, and context.
Establishing / enabling
Administered / monitored
Referenced in enforcement
Other publications
39 additional documents from Natural England.
The Countryside Code: advice for land managers (opens in a new tab)
Using the nutrient neutrality calculators (opens in a new tab)
Published 28 February 2024
Water voles: apply for a mitigation licence (A11) (opens in a new tab)
Published 21 December 2022
Protected species: apply for a mitigation licence (A05 and A05a) (opens in a new tab)
Published 30 September 2022
Beavers: how to manage them and when you need a licence (opens in a new tab)
Published 2 September 2022
View all 39 documents (opens in a new tab)