Thursday 19 November 2020
The Chilterns Conservation Board has welcomed the Government’s announcement yesterday (Wednesday 18 November) of a 10 Point Plan to deliver a green recovery.
The wide-ranging measures include Point 9: Protecting Our Environment, which will create 10 new Landscape Recovery projects to restore and improve access to nature and employ nature-based solutions to tackle flooding. An additional £40m will be made available for the Green Recovery Challenge Fund, a Government fund designed to kick-start environmental renewal and create and retain jobs in the conservation sector across England.
The 10 Point Plan also confirms that more of England’s beautiful and iconic landscapes will be designated as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, safeguarding these areas for future generations and bringing more people within closer reach of our natural environment and heritage.
Dr Elaine King, Chief Executive of the Chilterns Conservation Board, said:
“These measures are an exciting step forward for nature, landscapes and for people, and provide a platform on which to address the huge challenges facing nature and society in this country.
Significant and sustained investment in the natural environment will be needed if we are to reverse declines in biodiversity and deal with the climate crisis. I hope that this 10 Point Plan is the start of more to come and that its delivery connects closely with the Government’s new Environmental Land Management scheme and the Planning White Paper.”
“The Covid-19 pandemic has made clear the vital importance of nature, landscapes and green spaces for people’s health and wellbeing. 70 years after National Parks were created as places for people to heal and seek solace after World War II, now feels the right time to ensure that more people than ever have access to and can benefit from our special landscapes.”
The Chilterns Conservation Board is looking forward to working closely with the Government, its Agencies, local authorities, farmers, landowners and other partners to identify how we can best work together to deliver the Government’s 10 Point Plan and build resilience for the environment, businesses and communities both in the Chilterns and beyond our boundaries.
Notes to Editors
Further information
For further information, images and interviews please contact Vicki Pearce, Communications Officer at the Chilterns Conservation Board at vpearce@chilternsaonb.org.
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