England's top natural environment watchdog is planning to cut down its regulatory powers and seek more funding from the private companies it is meant to keep in check.
Leaked documents show that a source from inside Natural England, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Greenpeace, said the body is becoming increasingly reluctant to regulate.
Natural England is the non-departmental public body of the UK government responsible for ensuring that England's natural environment, including its land, flora and fauna, freshwater and marine environments, geology and soils, are protected and improved.
It also has a responsibility to help people enjoy, understand and access the natural environment.
The potential weakening of Natural England comes at a sensitive time due to the UK being in the midst of negotiations to leave the European Union.
Most UK laws on nature and habitats derive from EU directives which ensure they are enforced in the courts.
The weakening of Natural England’s regulatory powers may have a more comprehensive impact on wildlife and habitats on a local level across the country, according to the Wildlife Trusts, which works to conserve wildlife across the UK.
The leaked documents show that the body is seeking more than £12m in funding from business, including firms that it regulates, by 2020.
That amounts to more than an eightfold increase on current levels.
