Survey reveals widespread concern over Planning and Infrastructure Bill

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We recently asked you to complete a short survey on what you thought of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill as it was entering the committee stage in the House of Lords. The results are now in, and reveal that ecologists and environmental manager professionals are overwhelmingly concerned about the proposed changes – particularly those in Part 3 of the Bill.

Of the 452 professionals who responded to the poll, 94% expressed deep unease about the Bill, if enacted without changes, and believe it would have a negative impact on nature recovery, echoing widespread fears across the sector that key environmental protections may be weakened.

The poll also exposed growing disillusionment within the profession:

  • 57% said recent policy developments had made them consider leaving the profession.
  • Only 19% would currently recommend ecology as a career to others, while 42% said they would not and 40% were unsure.

We launched the survey to gather rapid insight from the profession and provide government with a snapshot of expert opinion. While not a scientific study, the results offer a compelling signal of the strength of feeling among those who would be directly impacted by the changes.

The findings reinforce CIEEM’s ongoing calls for robust amendments to the Bill – particularly to ensure that any exemptions or streamlined processes genuinely deliver measurable benefits for nature.

Commenting on the survey findings, CIEEM’s CEO, Sally Hayns said:

We are deeply troubled by the growing number of ecologists contemplating leaving the profession. These are highly skilled individuals dedicated to safeguarding our natural heritage – and yet stubbornly misguided government policy is eroding both their confidence and their capacity to do so. If ecological expertise is consistently sidelined, we risk not only losing a generation of deeply committed professionals – but also failing future generations who depend on a thriving natural environment.

The Bill entered the committee stage in the House of Lords on 17 July. CIEEM continues to advocate for amendments to protect nature and support the professionals working to restore it.

We would like to thank all those who took part in the survey and helped amplify the voice of the profession. Your insights are playing a vital role in informing our policy work and helping us advocate for stronger environmental safeguards at this critical stage in the legislative process.