800,000 trees set to be planted as Green Recovery Challenge Fund projects announced
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68 projects to receive a multi-million pound boost for green jobs
and nature recovery Funding will create over 300 hectares of
woodlands, restore hedgerows, and plant trees in cities as we build
back greener from the pandemic Nearly £40 million allocated to
projects across England in this first round, with second round of
funding to open in early 2021 Projects that protect landscapes,
connect people with nature and help create and retain thousands of
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Projects that protect landscapes, connect
people with nature and help create and retain thousands of green
jobs across England have been awarded a share of almost £40
million, the government announced today, Thursday 10th December.
The 68 projects will see over 800,000 trees planted as well as helping to restore damaged habitats such as moorlands, wetlands and forests. The projects will also support conservation work and help to improve education about the environment. This first round of funding will award nearly £40 million. The second funding round will open for applications early next year. The Green Recovery Challenge Fund is a key part of the Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan to kick-start nature recovery, create green jobs and tackle climate change while helping the country build back better and greener from the pandemic. The fund will be delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency. The winning projects include:
“These projects will drive forward work across
England to restore and transform our landscapes, boost nature and
create green jobs, and will be a vital part of helping us to
build back greener from coronavirus.
“I look forward to working with environmental
organisations as these projects help address the twin challenges
of biodiversity loss and climate change, while creating and
retaining jobs as part of the green recovery.”
Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, said: “Reaching net zero and achieving the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan goals for nature can only be done by employing the right skills. The Green Recovery Challenge Fund will deliver on the ground benefits for local communities, and wildlife, by supporting jobs in the environmental sector. “This has been a tough year for everyone, but these projects give us reason for optimism and will help develop the skills needed to tackle the climate emergency, protect biodiversity and build back greener.” Natural England, Chair Tony Juniper, said: “Having opportunities to experience wildlife-rich natural environments has never been more essential for the nation’s health and wellbeing as it has been this year. Today we celebrate the tangible benefits for people and wildlife this fund will soon deliver, as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis. “It is inspiring to see how the fund will help aspiring ecologists take their first roles toward building careers in Nature recovery and the sustainable economy it is essential we now build. It is another step toward securing the wonderful landscapes and habitats upon which we all depend.” Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive, National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Supporting our natural environment is one of the most valuable things we can do right now. All these projects are of huge benefit to our beautiful countryside and wildlife, but will also support jobs, health and wellbeing, which are vitally important as we begin to emerge from the coronavirus crisis.” The fund will also drive progress on the government’s wider 25 Year Environment Plan commitments, including plans to increase tree-planting across the UK to 30,000 hectares per year by 2025. This is alongside the forthcoming Environment Billwhich puts the environment at the centre of policy making to ensure that we have a cleaner, greener and more resilient country for the next generation. Notes to editors
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