New Environmental Improvement Plan launched

The government has announced a revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), aimed at restoring the natural environment.

The plan is backed by hundreds of millions of pounds and should lead to cleaner air and water.

The EIP sets out a five-year roadmap to tackle the nature and climate crisis, improve public health, and support sustainable growth.  

It includes action to tackle fine particulate pollution (PM2.5). Under a new interim target, population exposure to PM2.5 will be cut by 30% by 2030, compared to 2018 levels.

A quarter of a million hectares of wildlife-rich habitats will be created or restored by 2030 and there is a new target to halve the presence of damaging invasive species compared to 25 years ago.

There is £500 million for Landscape Recovery projects, which will bring together farmers and land managers to restore nature at scale, creating wildlife-rich environments, reducing flood risk and improving water quality.

£85 million has been allocated to improve and restore peatlands, thereby reducing flooding in communities, improving water quality and supporting public health through cleaner air and enhanced access to green spaces for physical and mental wellbeing. There is also £3 million to improve access to nature in Public Forest Estates through facilities including accessible bike trails and all-terrain mobility equipment. 

Environment secretary Emma Reynolds said: "Our environment faces real challenges, with pollution in our waterways, air quality that’s too low in many areas, and treasured species in decline.   

"This plan marks a step change in restoring nature. Our ambitious targets are backed by real action to cut harmful air pollutants, revive habitats and protect the environment for generations to come."