Time has run out for another plan without action

Today the Government announces its Delivery Plan to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030. 30by30 is Target 3 of the Convention on Biological Diversity's Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and failure to achieve it will leave the UK in breach of its international commitment to halt and reverse nature loss. It will also leave British people more vulnerable to the most severe impacts of climate change. With only 4 years left until 2030, it is essential that this Delivery Plan sets out exactly how landscapes and landowners in England can contribute to 30by30.

Wildlife and Countryside Link is the largest environmental coalition in England and reports annually on the percentage of land which is both protected for nature and in good condition. Last year’s analysis showed that in England, just 2.83% of land is protected and in good condition. This is down from 2.93% in 2024.

Richard Benwell, Chief Executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said:
“This 30by30 delivery plan will not deliver 30by30. Unless Government urgently ramps up effort to protect and restore nature, it will fail future generations, landowners, and wildlife. Time has run out for another plan without action.

“The priority must be to restore, expand, and connect up England's protected sites and revitalise protected landscapes, which have been hollowed out by years of damage and neglect. Unless something seriously changes, many of our nation's most precious places will be beyond repair. We need destructive practices to stop, including unsustainable development, intensive farming, and pollution. We need credible, long-term incentives for landowners to restore nature.

“As our country suffers the most prolonged heatwave since 1976, nature should be our first line of defence. But our environment is in poor condition and getting worse, with 80% of the abundance of priority species lost since 1970 and just 6% of National Parks effectively managed for nature. Achieving 30by30 is essential to turn round nature loss and support the health, wealth, and happiness of future generations.”