Helping all children, wherever they live, to enjoy the
benefits of a thriving natural environment is at the heart
of Natural England’s vision for the next five years,
published today (Wednesday 7 October).
‘Building
Partnerships for Nature’s Recovery’ sets out Natural
England’s ambitious blueprint for a more resilient and more
accessible natural environment by 2025 and highlights NE’s
commitment to helping all enjoy the benefits of our
precious natural environment where the live. Recent NE
surveys have found approximately one-third of parents wish
their children could spend more time outside in nature to
support their physical and mental health. The report also
found a striking 20 percentage point difference in the time
children from the most affluent areas spend outside every
week compared with those from more deprived areas.
Natural England Chief Executive Marian Spain said:
The coronavirus pandemic has made us all more aware of
how essential access to a thriving natural environment is
for our health and wellbeing. But is has also revealed
shocking inequalities in who in our society can access
nature.
As we emerge from the pandemic Natural England is
committed to taking action now which will revive our
natural world and make it part of our daily lives.
Restoring nature is a win win win: more wildlife,
solutions to climate change and a healthier and more
prosperous society.
Imagine a world where woodlands, peat bogs and coastal
marshes soak up carbon from the atmosphere? Where
everybody can visit national parks that are rich in
nature and beauty? Where beavers help manage our rivers,
reducing flooding and tackling pollution? And where every
child can play in greenspace near their home? That’s the
world we are working to create and why it’s so important
that we build partnerships for action to create positive
and lasting change for our natural environment.
Today, attendees of the online event will hear more about
NE’s vision and the plan which binds its everyday work in
support of the 25 Year Environment Plan, Government’s net
zero commitments and a Green Recovery:
- Well managed nature recovery network across land, water
and sea. These networks will create and protect resilient
ecosystems rich in wildlife and natural beauty, enjoyed by
people and widely benefiting society
- People connected to the natural environment for their
own and society’s wellbeing, enjoyment and prosperity
- Nature-based solutions contributing fully to tackling
the climate change challenge and wider environmental
hazards and threats
- Improvements in the natural capital that drives
sustainable economic growth, healthy food systems and
prospering communities
- Evidence and expertise being used by a broad range of
partnerships, organisations and communities to achieve
Nature recovery and enable effective regulation and
accreditation
- A values-led organisation which delivers excellent
service standards to all partners, organisations and
communities engaged in achieving Nature’s recovery
These ambitions can only be realised through a combined
effort between Natural England and partners. Natural
England’s work is focused on protecting and enhancing
resilient landscapes and seas; sustainable development;
greener farming and fisheries; and connecting people with
nature.
Environment Minister said:
This Government’s has ambitious environmental commitments
as seen through our forthcoming Environment Bill and
existing 25 Year Environment Plan and net zero
commitments.
Natural England’s ongoing work is vital to ensuring we
achieve our aims and build back a greener and healthier
natural environment and society following the dreadful
impacts of the coronavirus, allowing us to leave the
environment in a better state than we inherited for
future generations to enjoy.
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