Restoring England’s Landscapes: A World Environment Day Call to Action

By Elf

 

This World Environment Day, we turn our focus to land restoration in the UK, one of the most nature-depleted countries globally according to the 2023 State of Nature report, and which has some of the lowest amounts of biodiversity remaining. Historical and recent agricultural intensification, infrastructure development, and pollution have led to the severe degradation, fragmentation, and loss of critical habitats. As we celebrate the environment today, it’s important to acknowledge the importance of ecological restoration and the steps being taken towards a greener future.

The State of Nature in England

England’s landscapes, once teeming with biodiversity, have suffered extensively. The drivers of this ecological decline include intensive farming practices, urban sprawl, pollution, invasive species, unsustainable resource extraction, and climate change. These activities have left many habitats degraded, fragmented, and incapable of supporting the species that depend on them.

Ecological Restoration: A Path to Recovery

Ecological restoration is essential for reversing habitat degradation. It involves promoting the recovery of ecosystems by addressing the root causes of their decline and employing methods such as planting native vegetation that encourage native fauna. This not only revitalizes degraded areas but also supports the re-establishment of wildlife-rich habitats where they have been lost. Habitat creation is another complementary approach, establishing new, biodiverse areas in places currently lacking them.

Government Commitments and Targets

Under the Environment Act 2021, the UK Government has committed to legally binding targets for nature recovery. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has set an ambitious goal: creating or restoring 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside protected areas by 2042, covering 3.8% of England’s land area. This commitment is a significant step towards reversing the damage and fostering a robust natural environment.

Global Commitments and Local Strategies

At the international level, the UK is a signatory to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in December 2022. This framework aims to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030, including protecting 30% of the planet’s land and marine areas and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems.

Locally, the UK Government is implementing Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) to coordinate and target restoration efforts. Each strategy will map out local habitats, set biodiversity priorities, and outline practical actions for recovery. By involving landowners, managers, and local communities, these strategies ensure that restoration efforts are well-informed and locally supported.

Moving Forward: A Collective Effort

The road to ecological recovery in England requires a collaborative approach. Local authorities, landowners, environmental organizations, and communities must work together to implement restoration strategies effectively, creating pathways for nature to move and reconnecting nature sites. Government incentives, such as funding for nature recovery activities and Environmental Land Management schemes, will support these efforts.