Action to protect 30% of England’s land for nature by 2030 has been accelerated today with the publication of a new government 30by30 delivery plan backed with new funding.
As the UK experiences its third heatwave this year, the plan sets out how the UK will meet the global 30x30 commitment agreed by over 190 countries to help tackle climate change and to halt species extinction.
The government’s analysis shows around 32% of England’s land either already meets or has the potential to meet the 30by30 criteria. The Delivery Plan aims to turn nature recovery from ambition into action through a clear, tiered approach that helps farmers, land managers, protected landscapes teams and local partners identify where land is already delivering for nature, where more can be achieved, and where investment will have the greatest impact. A new Land Use in England story map will empower people to make effective decisions about how they manage their land.
Nearly £40 million will also be invested to support the country’s 10 National Parks and 34 National Landscapes step up action, supporting scaling up initiatives like the Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund, which helps reconnect chalk and limestone landscapes across 20% of England for wildlife to move through.
Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, said:
Recent scorching heatwaves and record temperatures are a stark reminder of why this government is investing in tackling climate change and restoring nature.
Together with farmers, landowners and local partners, we are delivering a more resilient and thriving environment.
Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper, commented:
Today marks a turning point for Nature recovery in England, moving us from ambition to real, tangible progress across the country. This delivery plan sets out clear routes for people, businesses and organisations to come together to drive progress towards protecting 30% of our land and seas by 2030 and restoring the natural systems that sustain our society, our economy and our food security.
The 30by30 commitment is more than just a target; it is a shared national mission and an important part of a global conservation effort. While achieving our goal will require sustained commitment, the collaboration this plan will unlock can help England - and the UK as a whole - halt decades of Nature loss, putting us firmly on the path to a more wildlife-rich future, strengthening climate resilience and providing vital international leadership.
The government also confirmed today that the Forest of Marston Vale Trust has been named as the Development Partner for the second new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor - marking a significant milestone in delivering the government’s manifesto commitment to create three new national forests.
Significant research funding is being announced for climate adaptation with £13 million going to the Met Office to develop UK Climate Information - the next generation of UK climate projections and tools – and £17 million going to a What Works Centre for Climate Adaptation to inform action on climate resilience in the UK.
The measures set out today are all part of the government’s drive to tackle the nature and climate emergencies.
Click here to access the policy paper 30by30 on land in England: Delivery Plan
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