Threatened species set for major funding boost - Defra

Five species ranging from turtle doves to rare diamond-backed spider will receive a major funding boost

The government has unveiled the first five species set to benefit from the largest ever amount of government funding for threatened species.

The turtle dove, diamond-backed spider, Eurasian oystercatcher, red-billed chough and glutinous snail are among the hundreds of species set to benefit from new funding for recovery projects across England.

The government will invest £60m over the next three years – more than double the previous round of funding – into the Species Recovery Programme, which is administered by Natural England. A further £30m will be dedicated to fund species recovery on the national forest estate.

It comes as Defra reveals a new campaign, “Wild Again: Restoring England’s Wildlife”, which will encompass the government’s existing and future work to protect and recover native species through projects including the flagship Species Recovery Programme.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “We are a nation of nature lovers, and our wildlife is a huge source of pride for communities across the country. “This record investment into species recovery will give help some of our most iconic species the chance to truly flourish - from the turtle dove to the red-billed chough - with many more projects set to follow in the months ahead.”

Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said: “Once widespread and characteristic wildlife was in the very fabric of our nation. Following centuries of decline that fabric has become frayed and tattered, but all is not lost. New government support to assist with the recovery of some of our most threatened species brings hope through practical action.”