England plans 500,000 trees and nature recovery funding

The English government is set to fund the planting of half a million trees over the next three years as part of a package aimed at protecting communities from extreme weather. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle is due to announce the plan at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. The £79 million package will include £53 million for tree planting and £26 million for local nature-recovery strategies.

Mayors, local authorities, charities and grassroots groups will receive new funding and responsibilities for restoring wetlands, river edges and meadows. These landscapes can help manage flooding naturally and reduce damage from drought, according to the government’s plans. Eagle is expected to say that this summer’s drought demonstrated the need for more trees and better protection of natural areas.

She will argue that vegetation can retain water during dry periods, provide shade during heatwaves and reduce flood risks when heavy rain arrives. The supplied material says trees can lower urban air temperatures by 4C and that a mature tree can intercept 15,000 litres of water annually. It also says trees can reduce noise and air pollution and provide wildlife habitats.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, welcomed the proposals but said farmers also needed support to contribute to nature protection. Richard Benwell of Wildlife and Countryside Link said investment in natural infrastructure could benefit communities and businesses. The announcement follows criticism of the management of a £253 million Sustainable Farming Incentive fund.

The fund was exhausted within six hours of opening for applications, leaving some farmers disappointed. England has lost more than 90% of its wetlands over the past century, according to the supplied material. The proposals are intended to give local bodies a larger role in restoring nature and strengthening resilience to climate impacts.