CJS News, Headlines from week beginning 13 July 2026

UK could be set to lose its first bird species due to climate change - RSPB

We look at the worrying results revealed by the latest national Dotterel survey.

Results from the latest national Dotterel survey have revealed declines of 89% since monitoring began in 1987/88. The rate of decline has increased since the last national survey in 2011.

Dotterels are small wading birds with rusty-orange chests that are adapted to breed on the rocky plateaus and sparse vegetation of mountain environments. They spend their winters in Northern Africa, and every year migrate to mountainous regions across Northern Europe - including the UK - and Asia to breed. Whilst the global population of Dotterel is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, their future in the UK appears increasingly dire.

Declines in Dotterel numbers were first noted in the 1900s, raising concerns about the species. Before 2025, three national Dotterel surveys had been conducted (1987/88, 1999, and 2011) revealing a worrying contraction in the species’ range and a considerable population decline of 57% (1987/88-2011). As a result, the species is included on the UK’s Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) Red List. The fourth national Dotterel survey, led by RSPB in 2025, sought to identify whether these losses had continued, and where breeding Dotterel remained within the UK.

Government accelerates drive to protect 30% of England's land for nature by 2030 - Defra

Government sets out clear path to the international agreed target of protecting and improving 30% of land by 2030

Action to protect 30% of England’s land for nature by 2030 has been accelerated today (Monday 13 July) with the publication of a new government 30by30 delivery plan backed with new funding.

As the UK experiences its third heatwave this year, the plan sets out how the UK will meet the global 30x30 commitment agreed by over 190 countries to help tackle climate change and to halt species extinction.

The government’s analysis shows around 32% of England’s land either already meets or has the potential to meet the 30by30 criteria. The Delivery Plan aims to turn nature recovery from ambition into action through a clear, tiered approach that helps farmers, land managers, protected landscapes teams and local partners identify where land is already delivering for nature, where more can be achieved, and where investment will have the greatest impact. A new land use story map will come online today to empower people to make effective decisions about how they manage their land.

Nearly £40 million will also be invested to support the country’s 10 National Parks and 34 National Landscapes step up action, supporting scaling up initiatives like the Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund, which helps reconnect chalk and limestone landscapes across 20% of England for wildlife to move through.