Achieving '30 by 30' in England on land and sea

In 2020 the UK Government pledged a commitment to protecting 30% of land in England for nature. Members of Wildlife and Countryside LINK welcomed the target and in September 2021 published a report, available to download below, to guide how the target can be effective. 

The Report puts a spotlight on the role of existing as well as newly designated areas for nature protection. It states two conditions that should be met for an area to count under the 30% target if this target is to be meaningful. To qualify, an area should be:

1) Protected for nature in the long-term. The entirety of the 30% should be afforded long-term protection for nature and long-term protection against damage such as pollution, overexploitation, invasive non-native species, habitat destruction and harmful development.

2) Effectively managed for nature. As well as protection from harm, areas counted toward the 30% should be afforded appropriate management for nature’s recovery. They should be wellmanaged for nature and regularly monitored at appropriate intervals as part of a programme of management and investment to ensure that they are in good or
recovering condition.

If you have the time, the full Report is worth reading!