The government has unveiled a new plan to protect 30% of England’s land for nature by 2030, backed by nearly £40 million for National Parks and National Landscapes.
The 30by30 Delivery Plan sets out how England will contribute to the global commitment agreed by more than 190 countries to tackle climate change and halt species extinction. It comes as the UK experiences its third heatwave of the year.
Government analysis suggests around 32% of England’s land either already meets the 30by30 criteria or has the potential to do so. The plan is intended to identify which areas are already supporting nature, where further recovery is possible and where investment could deliver the greatest benefits.
A tiered approach will be used to help farmers, landowners, protected landscape teams and local organisations assess how their land can contribute. A new online land use story map is also being launched to support decisions about land management and nature recovery.
Nearly £40 million will be invested across England’s 10 National Parks and 34 National Landscapes to expand conservation projects and improve connections between habitats.
This includes support for initiatives such as the Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund, which aims to reconnect chalk and limestone landscapes covering around 20% of England. Creating larger connected habitats allows wildlife to move between areas rather than becoming isolated in fragmented pockets of countryside.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said recent extreme temperatures demonstrated the need to accelerate both climate action and nature restoration: “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.”
The plan also links nature recovery with improved public access to the countryside and the creation of three new national forests.
The Forest of Marston Vale has been appointed Development Partner for the second planned national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor. The government said the project represents a significant step towards delivering its manifesto commitment.
Alongside the land measures, £13 million will be provided to the Met Office to develop the next generation of UK climate projections and tools. A further £17 million will establish a What Works Centre for Climate Adaptation to support decisions on improving the country’s resilience.
A Youth Climate and Nature Panel will also launch this week, bringing together around 15 people aged between 16 and 25 from across the UK. Members will advise the government on climate and nature policies and help improve engagement between policymakers and younger generations.
Natural England Chair Tony Juniper described the delivery plan as a turning point for nature recovery but warned that meeting the target would require sustained action.
He said: “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.”
Copyright © 2026 Energy Live News LtdELN