'It's time we did more to support nature', pledges Somerset MP
Legally-binding targets are being proposed to help boost the numbers of animals in the countryside, with DEFRA environment minister and Somerset MP Rebecca Pow pledging to halt species decline by 2030.
Last updated 24th Jun 2021
More details are expected by October 2022 as the Government looks at how the scheme will work - as part of its Environment Bill.
In the past farmers recieved subsidies to look after their land and the Government is developing a system - since leaving the EU - which would likely include species targets and regular monitoring of animal populations.
The plans would also see animals reintroduced into areas where they used to live.
Under the proposals, there would likely also be 10 'landscape-scale recovery projects' - where large areas such as Exmoor and Dartmoor would bid for funding so that all stakeholders could work together on environmental projects.
When asked in the Commons about the plans, Ms Pow said: "To support the recovery of native species in England, we have tabled an amendment to the Environment Bill to require a new, historic, legally binding target for species abundance by 2030, aiming to halt the decline of nature.
"This is in addition to the long-term, legally binding targets we are developing under the bill.
"We expect to publish a consultation on the proposed targets in early 2022. We are looking at the action needed on the ground and will launch at least 10 landscape-recovery projects to restore wilder landscapes.
"In partnership with stakeholders, we will determine the specific actions that will be paid for by our new schemes to reward environmental land management. In addition, the £80 million green recovery challenge fund has kick-started a pipeline of nature-based projects, many of which relate to native species."
For more about the Environment Bill click here