The government will invest £60m over the next three years into the Species Recovery Programme, making it the largest ever government investment in directly supporting threatened species.

A further £30m will be dedicated to fund recovery on the national forest estate.

On top of this, Defra has unveiled a new campaign to encompass the government’s existing and future work to protect and recover native species through various projects.

The Wild Again: Restoring England’s Wildlife campaign covers the Species Recovery Programme, which has funded conservation projects including habitat restoration, captive breeding and species reintroductions, helping to tackle habitat loss, safeguard fragile ecosystems and restore nature-rich landscapes.

Emma Reynolds, environment secretary, says, “this government is bringing threatened wildlife back from the brink,” adding:

“This long-term commitment is a decisive step towards reversing the decline of nature and protecting it for generations to come.”

Run by Natural England, the programme will confirm successful projects receiving funding for 2026-29 in May.

Previous projects delivered with funding from the programme include the support of the Hawsbeard Bee in Hastings, the reintroduction of Chough in Kent and the translocation and reintroduction of breeding black grouse on the North York Moors.

The announcement comes as the government also recently announced investment in AI training, amidst environmental concerns from increasing data centres.