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Aerial shot of Woodah farm taken by Alan Puttock during field surveys

Alan Puttock, University of Exeter

What does this mean for the UK?

Here's what the Government must commit to

So, what does this mean for the UK? All relevant national policies should be contributing to restoring nature, NOT degrading it. This means better protecting what we already have, and expanding it. Government has set a target for 30% of land in recovery for nature by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050 - in order to achieve this, here's what the Government must commit to:

  • 30 by 30
    Restore a minimum of 30% of UK land and sea for nature by 2030 
  • Restore 100% of upland peat before 2050
    And introduce an immediate ban on rotational burning, to give peat the best chance of surviving in hotter, drier conditions as the climate changes. 
  • Use the planning system to help address the climate crisis
    Introducing a new Wildbelt designation in England would protect land in recovery for nature, and putting Nature Recovery Networks at the heart of the future planning system will address the crisis whilst providing opportunities for people from all backgrounds to access wildlife-rich places in their communities. 
  • A legally binding State of Nature target to halt and reverse the decline of nature by 2030 
    This target in England's Environment Bill should be supported by an additional £1 billion per annum investment in nature's recovery. 
  • UK agriculture significantly contributing to meeting the Government's targets
    Government must support and incentivise sustainable land use practices through England's new Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes.
  • Better management of our seas
    30% of all Marine Protected Areas designated as Highly Protected Marine Areas, with fishing policies and marine spatial planning contributing to protecting and enhancing blue carbon stores.