Defra publishes first progress report on Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published its first progress report on the Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework (PLTOF), covering the period from 2023–25. The report evaluates progress on ten environmental targets set in January 2024 for National Parks and National Landscapes, including goals to restore or create over 250,000 hectares of wildlife habitats by 2042, bring 80% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) into favourable condition by 2042 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Initial data indicates progress in several areas. The proportion of SSSI features in favourable condition across Protected Landscapes increased from 39% in 2024 to 40% in 2025, alongside increases in woodland cover. The report also notes that data collection methods for some targets remain in development.