Government has published its revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), setting out an ambitious five-year roadmap to tackle the nature and climate crisis, improve public health and support sustainable growth. 

Communities will see improved air quality thanks to action on fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) – a harmful pollutant linked to asthma, lung disease, and heart conditions.

Under a new interim target, population exposure to PM2.5 will be cut by 30% by 2030, compared to 2018 levels – supporting better quality of life and reducing pressure on the NHS. 

Nature will be boosted with a 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 government’s aims for a healthier environment, which is essential to growth.   

A new target to reduce the rate of establishment of invasive non-native species compared to 25 years ago will protect native wildlife and farmers’ livelihoods. This will help prevent new invasive species from becoming established and manage existing invaders like the American Signal Crayfish and Japanese Knotweed.  

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 restoring nature. Our ambitious targets are backed by real action to cut harmful air pollutants, revive habitats and protect the environment for generations to come.”

The plan is being supported with new funding including:  

• £500m 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 while unlocking economic opportunities through green jobs and nature-based solutions that support rural prosperity 
• £85m to improve and restore peatlands, reducing flooding in communities, improving water quality and supporting public health through cleaner air and enhanced access to green spaces for physical and mental wellbeing. This comes alongside £3m to improve access to nature in Public Forest Estates through facilities including accessible bike trails and all-terrain mobility equipment.
• First-ever plan to reduce risks from ‘forever chemicals’ (PFAS) to health and the environment, with a review of sewage sludge spreading rules to ensure sustainable practices 
• New Trees Action Plan and measures to reduce damaging methane emissions, particularly from agriculture, alongside exploring new domestic combustion measures to drive climate progress 
• Environment Act target delivery plans published for the first time, providing clear progress tracking and fixing the lack of rigour in the previous plan 

The publication follows wider government action on nature and biodiversity, including the reintroduction of beavers to the wild, a commitment to end bee-killing pesticides, and the launch of two National Forests. 

Government will now work with individuals, communities, farmers, businesses and local authorities to deliver the plan, driving economic growth through green jobs and innovation while ensuring future generations benefit from a greener and more prosperous country. 

Landscape Recovery is one of the government nature-friendly farming schemes, alongside Countryside Stewardship and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which also deliver positive outcomes for nature and sustainable food production. Over half of farmland is already in one of these schemes, with an improved SFI offer opening next year.

The Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) has welcomed the, calling it a major opportunity to accelerate nature recovery, raise environmental standards and drive green economic growth in England.

While praising the move toward a more coherent long-term framework, EIC stresses consistent delivery for nature across all government departments will be crucial.

Julia Baker, chair of EIC’s Nature and Biodiversity Group and technical director, nature services at Mott MacDonald, said: “This plan has the potential to put nature’s recovery and enhancement where it belongs - central to decisions on how we use and develop land in this country.

“What matters now is the detail: clear delivery pathways, stable incentives, enabling policy regimes, and long-term funding so industry, landowners and innovators can invest with confidence. Our sector stands ready to provide the tools and expertise required, especially for infrastructure development to deliver local benefits for nature and communities.”

Kate Jennings, CEO of EIC, added: “The Environmental Improvement Plan sets an ambitious agenda across nature, air, water, chemicals and waste — all areas where England urgently needs progress. With this framework in place our members can deliver the sustainable infrastructure and housing development, nature restoration, clean power, air and water communities are asking for.

“Success will depend on strong implementation, clear milestones, joined-up policy and partnership and a stable regulatory environment. With proportionate regulation, firm delivery timetables and sustained investment, we can ensure the plan translates into real improvements for communities, businesses and nature.”

Click here to read the full plan.