The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has found that the UK government may have failed to properly implement environmental laws, leading to a decline in wild bird populations across the UK. The OEP is investigating potential non-compliance and has issued information notices. Concerns are also raised about the planning and infrastructure bill potentially deregulating protected areas.
UK may have failed to protect wild birds with environmental laws, watchdog finds
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has found that the UK government may have failed to properly implement environmental laws, leading to a decline in wild bird populations across the UK. The OEP is investigating potential non-compliance and has issued information notices. Concerns are also raised about the planning and infrastructure bill potentially deregulating protected areas.
Trending- 1 EU designates specially protected conservation zones in UK (pre-Brexit)
- 2 Environment Act 2021 passed (post-Brexit)
- 3 OEP set up (post-Brexit)
- 4 Government data shows bird declines (since 1970, 2018-2023)
- 5 OEP investigation finds possible failures
- 6 OEP issues information notices to government (giving two months to respond)
- 7 Ministers currently passing planning and infrastructure bill
- Decline in wild bird populations (2% UK-wide, 7% England since 2018)
- Farmland birds declined by 61% (long-term) and 9% (short-term)
- Woodland birds declined by 35% (long-term) and 10% (short-term)
- High risk of development for over 5,000 sensitive natural habitats in England
- OEP initiating enforcement process against the government
What: The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has identified possible failures by the UK government to comply with environmental law, specifically regarding the protection of wild bird populations and their habitats. This includes concerns about the planning and infrastructure bill.
When: Findings released on June 9, 2025; government has two months to respond to OEP notices. Bird declines observed since 1970 (long-term) and 2018-2023 (short-term).
Where: United Kingdom, specifically England (for the planning bill and some bird decline data), and previously designated EU conservation zones.
Why: The government appears not to be meeting legal targets to halt the decline of species, failing to ensure adequate protections for specially protected conservation zones. The planning and infrastructure bill could further deregulate these areas.
How: The OEP conducted an investigation and issued information notices to the government. The government is passing a planning and infrastructure bill.