Recommendation 13

We welcome the Government target to meet the goal of 75 per cent of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to be in a favourable condition by 2042 and the interim target that 50 per cent of SSSIs should have actions on track to achieve favourable condition by 31 January 2028. The evidence shows that the condition of SSSI sites is poor, and the Government has made no progress in improving the condition and quality of SSSIs over the last 13 years, with current data revealing a small decrease in site condition. A step change is required to deliver tangible progress on site condition and to deliver the interim target set out in the Environment Improvement Plan.