Preet Kaur Gill MP welcomes new plan to restore nature in Birmingham Edgbaston

• Cleaner rivers and air, less domestic waste, more nature and wildlife under plan

• Ensure proper investment in recycling, whilst reducing illegal waste sites and fly-tipping

• £500 million to accelerate landscape-scale nature recovery across England

• New commitments will see government tackle forever chemicals and reduce harmful pollutants in the air

People across Birmingham Edgbaston will have cleaner air and water under a strengthened new plan to restore the natural environment, with millions of pounds of funding announced for the benefit of landscapes across England.

The revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) published this week [Tuesday 2 December] will accelerate action over the next five years to better meet the challenge posed by the nature and climate crisis. The plan will improve public health, boost nature and wildlife, and support growth which is dependent on a healthy environment.

Nature will be boosted with quarter of a million hectares of wildlife-rich habitats created or restored by 2030 – an area larger than Greater London. This is 110,000 hectares of habitat more than had been previously committed supporting our aims for a healthier environment, which is essential to growth.

Efforts will be made to tackle illegal waste sites and reduce fly-tipping. Working with local councils to improve recycling and set targets to lower fly-tipping incidents. Addressing this damaging nuisance will help create cleaner, safer neighbourhoods for communities.

Preet Kaur Gill MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, said:

“This Government has already made significant progress in protecting nature for constituents in Birmingham Edgbaston. With two reservoirs, in my constituency, where residents enjoy walks and connect with nature. I know how invaluable it is to ensure that we have well-protected natural environments supporting health and building community spirit.

The Government has announced £500 million for Landscape Recovery projects, bringing together farmers and land managers to restore nature at scale, creating wildlife-rich environments, reducing flood risk and improving water quality.

This plan is a clear, detailed pathway to restore our natural environment for future generations while growing the economy.”

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:

"Our environment faces real challenges, with pollution in our waterways, air quality that's too low in many areas, and treasured species in decline. "This plan marks a step change in our approach. Our ambitious targets are backed by real action and cut harmful air pollutants, restore wildlife habitats across an area larger than Greater London and reducing the establishment of new non-native species.

 "We're turning words into meaningful action so that future generations can inherit a country with a thriving natural environment while we grow our economy."

The plan is being supported with new headline commitments and funding announced today. This includes £500 million for Landscape Recovery projects, bringing together farmers and land managers to restore nature at scale. These unique, collaborative projects will achieve ambitious nature recovery specific to their local area.

This will include boosting biodiversity, creating wildlife-rich environments for people to enjoy, reducing flood risk in vulnerable areas and improving water quality in local rivers and streams. Building on this landscape-scale approach, £85 million will improve and restore peatlands, helping reduce flooding in communities and improve water quality.

A further £3 million will improve access to nature in the Public Forest Estates through facilities including accessible bike trails and all-terrain mobility equipment for hire at parks and nature reserve.