Recommendation 9

We received substantial evidence regarding the patchiness of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) monitoring data. Poor monitoring data limits the understanding of the current condition of sites across the SSSI network and makes effective planning for targeted action very challenging. We heard about the impact of funding cuts to Natural England between 2010–2019 which has led to only 22 per cent of SSSI sites having been monitored in the last six years. Sustained funding support and clear, stable policy with regards to monitoring with a focus on the delivery of 30 by 30 is required to attain a clearer, data-driven picture of the site condition across the SSSI network in England.