Marian Spain has today (Tuesday 17 March) confirmed her intention
to retire as Chief Executive of Natural England.
It follows a tenure defined by significant advancements in the
protection and restoration of the natural environment, in support
of public health, food security and sustainable development.
Natural England will shortly launch a recruitment campaign to
appoint a new Chief Executive, with an anticipated leadership
transition in autumn 2026. Marian will remain in post until a
successor is formally appointed.
Appointed as Chief Executive in 2018, Marian has had a 40-year
career in nature and environmental conservation in the public and
third sectors. She has overseen a transformative period for
Natural England, including the development and launch of its
ambitious new strategy, Recovering Nature for
Growth, Health and Security, which sets a clear and
definitive course for nature recovery across the country.
As Chief Executive and Accounting Officer, Marian has been
instrumental in the delivery of key nature recovery initiatives,
most recently steering Natural England's work on developing the
Nature Restoration Fund, the King's Series of National Nature
Reserves and the rollout of the Landscape Recovery scheme. These
landmark programmes continue to support landowners and
communities in delivering large-scale, long-term habitat creation
and restoration, while also enabling housing and infrastructure
projects to play a stronger role in driving environmental
recovery.
Her tenure also coincides with a historic milestone for public
access to nature, as the King Charles III England Coast Path –
the longest coastal path in the world – nears completion, leaving
a lasting legacy for public health, wellbeing, and connection to
the environment.
Reflecting on her retirement, Chief Executive, Marian
Spain said:
It has been the privilege of my career to serve as Chief
Executive of Natural England. I am immensely proud of what our
dedicated teams have achieved together, from designating Sites of
Special Scientific Interest, National Landscapes and Marine
Protected Areas; to embedding access to nature into the health
service; from supporting new green infrastructure in our towns
and cities, to enabling growth in offshore wind whilst restoring
marine wildlife; from helping build new homes rich in nature, to
advising farmers on how to harness nature to secure sustainable
food production.
As we reach significant milestones for the Landscape Recovery
Scheme, the Nature Restoration Fund, our National Nature Reserves
and our National Trails, I step down knowing that the
organisation is in a strong position to continue leading the
change for nature's recovery and increasing access to nature for
all. I want to thank all my colleagues and partners for their
passion and support.
Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said:
Marian has been an exceptional leader for Natural England during
a period of vital transition and unprecedented ambition for our
natural environment. Her unwavering commitment, strategic vision
and deep understanding of both the ecological and administrative
complexities of nature recovery have been invaluable. We owe her
a great debt of gratitude for her tireless service and the robust
foundation she leaves behind.
Nature Minister said:
Natural England's achievements over the past eight years reflect
Marian's outstanding leadership. I want to thank her for her
extraordinary dedication to championing nature - the foundation
of our health, wellbeing and economy.
Under her stewardship, Natural England has become a driving force
in delivering the government's ambitions - from the successful
return of beavers to Britain's waterways to the new Nature
Restoration Fund unblocking development while securing lasting
improvements for nature. Her work has shown that a thriving
natural environment and a growing economy can go hand in hand. I
wish her all the best in her retirement and I look forward to
working with Natural England to build on the strong foundations
she has built.
Natural England plays a key role in delivering the government's
environmental priorities. Its purpose is to help conserve,
enhance and manage the natural environment for the benefit of
present and future generations, thereby contributing to
sustainable development.
