This research focused on exploring complementary methodologies for assessing whether the long term decline in biodiversity in England has been halted. To achieve this, the research consisted of a comprehensive scoping exercise to identify and appraise additional statistical tests that could be applied to the England species abundance index, which will be used to monitor the achievement of Environment Act 2021 species abundance targets.
The analysis examined the strengths, limitations, and practical applicability of a wide range of candidate methods. From this assessment, a refined shortlist of the most suitable statistical approaches was developed. The outputs of this research have informed a further research project where statistical methods have been tested.
Disclaimer
The RSPB were commissioned by the Office for Environmental Protection to identify and appraise additional statistical tests that could be applied to the England species abundance index. The views provided in this report are those of RSPB and do not represent the opinion or position of the OEP. Some of the analysis in this report was used to inform the OEP’s report Progress in improving the natural environment in England 2024/2025.