Natural England's research programmes will provide a strong evidence base to inform choices on the best ways to protect and enhance the natural environment.
There is already a large body of research which is being carried forward into Natural England. This includes the Diversity Review and Action Plan, which is investigating how all sectors of the society can have equal opportunity to enjoy our natural environment.
The Species Recovery Programme aims to achieve the long-term self-sustained survival of species of plants and animals in the wild currently under threat from extinction. It drives new research into the ecology of our native plants and animals to enable more effective conservation.
The Discovering Lost Ways project is conducting research into rights of way not currently shown on maps.
Natural England is producing an outdoor recreation strategy, which will include key social trends over the next 20 years, and the implications of these for outdoor recreation between now and 2015.
In addition, there is wide-ranging research providing a contemporary insight into the state and potential of the countryside in and around towns.
- Diversity Review and Action Plan (Countryside Agency)
- Species Recovery Programme (English Nature)
- Discovering Lost Ways (Countryside Agency)
- Outdoor Recreation Strategy (Countryside Agency)
- Countryside in and around towns - Research (Countryside Agency)
- Publications: Research & Policy (Natural England)