Government accelerates drive to protect 30% of England's land for nature by 2030

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 story map will come online today to 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.

Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, Ed Miliband, said:

These record-breaking heatwaves show once again that the climate crisis isn't a future threat. The impacts are here with us today with extreme heat having an impact on our nation's health, economy, and public services.

The government will not leave our children and grandchildren to face the costs of climate breakdown and nature loss. That's why we are working with others to drive action bringing energy security and lower bills, backing British businesses and creating good jobs, and protecting our home and countryside for future generations.

Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper, said:

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.

Mary-Ann Ochota, Independent Chair, Protected Landscapes Partnership, said:

The 30by30 goal - to protect 30% of our land for nature to thrive by 2030 is a bold and brilliant commitment. Our National Landscapes and National Parks are rightly at the heart of this delivery plan: They cover 25% of England, and must become wellsprings of abundant nature, climate resilience and better health and wellbeing for the nation.

We must act swiftly, decisively and with deep courage - to embrace changes to land use and new partnerships and ways of working.

This Delivery Plan offers a strong foundation for that work and I'm heartened to see the focus on clear pathways into delivery, a commitment to create reliable incentives, remove friction and invest in grassroots teams and projects across the country. This should be a moment to be proud of the ambition, and clear eyed about the work ahead. We can't afford to fail.

30by30 means more public access to get out into nature. The country's new national forests are a key part of that and the government also confirmed today that the Forest of Marston Vale 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.

The decisions taken today are all in support of future generations and adapting the country to a changing climate. 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.

With young people disproportionately impacted by climate change, a new initiative to put young people's voices at the heart of climate and nature policy will launch this week - the Youth Climate and Nature Panel.

The panel will bring together around 15 young people aged 16 to 25 from across the UK, representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Members will provide insight and advice to government on climate and nature policies, support better engagement with young people, and help strengthen collaboration between generations on the issues that will shape their future.

The measures set out today are all part of the government's drive to tackle the nature and climate emergencies.