Experts warn parts of the UK, particularly southern England and the Midlands, face "exceptional" wildfire risk due to the ongoing heatwave. The Met Office expects dry, hot conditions to persist, increasing the danger across most of England and Wales.
Natural England and MPs are urging the government to revise livestock rules that could lead to a cull of Dartmoor ponies. Current Defra policies fail to differentiate between sheep and ponies, potentially forcing commoners to reduce pony numbers to meet destocking targets aimed at preventing overgrazing.
Plans to reduce livestock numbers on Dartmoor, intended to combat overgrazing, have sparked fears of a cull of up to 90% of its semi-wild ponies. MPs and Natural England are urging the government to create an exemption for the ponies, which are crucial for managing specific vegetation.
A new report reveals Natural England has not designated any new Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) since 2023, failing in its duty to protect England's most precious wildlife habitats. Fourteen potential SSSIs on the watchdog's waiting list face planning applications for major development, with 12 already approved. One site in Thurrock earmarked for protection will be destroyed by the Tilbury 3 port development. SSSIs protect just 7.1% of England - lower than any EU country - despite government commitments to protect 30% of land by 2030.
Natural England has acknowledged that keeping the entire 2,689-mile King Charles III England Coast Path open will be challenging. Parts of the world's longest managed coastal walking route, inaugurated by the King in April, are currently inaccessible due to landslips in the south west and along Dorset's Jurassic coast. In Dorset, some landowners have failed to reach agreements, while in Hampshire, walkers face an abrupt stop at Southampton Water where the Hythe Ferry has been out of service for 18 months. The path welcomed over nine-million visitors annually to the South West Coast Path alone, contributing over £500m to coastal economies.
Natural England says it will be challenging to keep King Charles's coastal path fully open in parts of the south.
