CPRE welcomes Prime Minister's investment into the Green Recovery Challenge Fund

‘At a time when nature nearby has never been more important, it is hugely welcome to see the Prime Minister putting nature-based solutions at the heart of our recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. But this funding can only be seen as a start – we will need historic levels of new investment if we are to reverse funding cuts to government agencies, restore nature and unleash the potential of the countryside to tackle the climate emergency.

‘We believe our countryside and hedgerows should be central to this - not only are hedgerows great for wildlife, including hedgehogs, birds and insects, but they are an icon of the English countryside and an invaluable ally in soaking up carbon to tackle the climate emergency. It is crucial the government matches its tree planting ambitions with hedgerow planting, something we believe should take centre stage in the Nature Recovery Networks.

‘Ending the degradation of peatlands, including an immediate ban on the burning of heather and sale of peat in compost for gardening, would also go a long way in ensuring we begin restoring these precious natural areas. Only then will the UK government be able to claim to be global leaders in tackling the climate emergency and reversing natures decline.’