There has been widespread coverage of our announcement launching three vital nature recovery projects aimed at tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis. The Independent, Evening Standard, ITV News Online, Express and Star & others covered the news positively.
The projects – receiving a funding boost totalling £11.7 million and spanning North East & Scottish Borders, Cumbria and South Yorkshire – will focus on internationally important species and habitats of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) and will be radically rejuvenated over the next five years by partnerships led by Natural England and funded by LIFE.
The Independent highlights each of the projects and carries a supportive quote from Natural England Chair Tony Juniper, highlighting how the innovative partnerships give tangible examples of efforts to protect and restore critically endangered species and habitats, and that he is hopeful the nature recovery projects will inspire more action throughout the country.
The Yorkshire Post reports on a project to restore 400 hectares of degraded raised bogs, one of Europe’s rarest habitats, on the South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire border. Elsewhere, the Northumberland Gazette focusses on the project to restore marine habitats on the Northumberland coast and River Tweed catchment, noting how the projects aims to reduce river pollution, improve water quality, restore wildlife rich habitat and combat climate change through nature recovery.
Natural England Chair, Tony Juniper said:
These innovative partnership projects present highly tangible examples of the efforts being made to protect and restore critically endangered species and habitats.
“From the conservation of freshwater pearl mussels in Cumbria to storing carbon in lowland raised bog in South Yorkshire, these new Nature recovery projects are among a series of initiatives through which Natural England is taking the lead in tackling the biodiversity crisis and climate change challenge.
“I’m hopeful that these Nature recovery projects will inspire more action across the country, enabling more people to enjoy wildlife-rich natural landscapes into the future.
Environment Agency Chair Emma Howard Boyd said:
Preparing for climate impacts and reversing the decline in nature takes partnership. These projects are strong examples of how nature-based solutions can help reduce pollution, support biodiversity and reduce flooding.
“By working together with communities, businesses and NGOs, Natural England and the Environment Agency are showing what works on the ground so that we can scale up ambition and investment in the next crucial decade.
LIFE is the EU’s financial instrument supporting environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects throughout the EU. Since 1992, LIFE has co-financed more than 4500 projects. The projects’ sites have seen an increase in visitors during the pandemic, and are popular for those appreciating wildlife, seeking solace in nature, or enjoying outdoor recreation.
Read more about EU LIFE and the partnerships here.
3 comments
Comment by Richard Ogden posted on
just get the water companies to do their job and stop polluting our rivers which have declined dramatically in my 80 years and the farming fraternity likewise.
Comment by William Hughes-Games posted on
Did I miss it. I haven't seen a single mention of the effect of beavers to achieve the aim of your restoration projects. And best of all, to restore beavers to a location doesn't cost the huge sums you are talking about. Perhaps this is the problem. You can't picture that a project that doesn't cost millions can be worth while.
Comment by Dave Stanley posted on
So wet all the links to these new life projects?