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<p>The Government remains committed to taking action to recover our threatened native
species, that is why we have set four legally binding targets to drive and measure
improvements in nature recovery in England. These targets are: to halt the decline
in species abundance by 2030; then to reverse declines by 2042; to reduce the risk
of species extinction by 2042; and restore or create more than 500,000 hectares of
wildlife-rich habitat, also by 2042. We have set out our plan and policies to deliver
against our species biodiversity targets in the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP23)
published 31 January 2023. The EIP23 revises the 25-Year Environment Plan as part
of our obligations under the Environment Act.</p><p> </p><p>Measures introduced in
the Environment Act such as biodiversity net gain and Local Nature Recovery Strategies
will help deliver actions to recover species such as the hedgehog. Additionally, our
new environmental land management schemes will pay for sustainable farming practices,
creating and preserving habitat such as such as woodland, heathland and species-rich
grassland, as well as making landscape-scale environmental changes, all of which could
benefit species such as hedgehog.</p><p>Defra, Natural England and the Forestry Commission
are signatories to the United Kingdom Squirrel Accord. This partnership, of over 40
organisations seeks, to secure and expand red squirrel populations through the delivery
of actions set out in the England Red Squirrel Action Plan. Additionally, Defra has
provided £300k, to support research and development of fertility control methods to
reduce numbers of grey squirrels and impacts on red squirrels, tree health and forestry.
Work to reduce grey squirrel impacts will be supported by Defra’s commitment in the
EIP to update the 2014 Grey Squirrel Action Plan, detailing commitments to support
landowners to manage the numbers of grey squirrels.</p>
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