One species has become extinct in England since 1995. The starry Breck lichen appears to have been lost from its only site, in Suffolk, probably due to atmospheric pollution and changes in site management. However, the recent England Biodiversity Strategy report has shown that of the 309 Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species in England, 21 per cent. are declining; for example the corn bunting, grey partridge, juniper, heath fritillary and natterjack toad. This decline is slowing for 10 per cent. of species and more priority species are showing improved trends than in both 1999 and 2002.
The report also shows that 12 per cent. of the BAP species in England are increasing; for example the Adonis blue butterfly, lesser horseshoe bat, otter, field cricket and the cirl bunting.
Funding for conservation work is critical to the delivery of the objectives of the England Biodiversity Strategy. Over the last five years there has been a significant increase in public sector spending on biodiversity in England. By 2005, expenditure had increased by 54 per cent. compared with 2000.