The decisions we take now to address climate change and restore nature will define the country that today’s young people will inherit. We want the next generation to inherit solutions, not challenges. Today’s young people are already helping to develop solutions – in their schools, communities, workplaces and families and bring different experiences, …
Restoring nature across the government estate – and beyond During London Climate Action Week, Defra published the Government Estate Nature Plan (GENP), the first plan of its kind globally, setting out how nature will be restored across government-owned land in England. In this …
My name is Anika Dowling, and I am a policy advisor in Defra’s Peat team. In this blog I’ll set out what each new scheme offers and how you can apply. In the Environmental Improvement Plan, we announced our new Peatland Programme for 2026 to 2030. This month, we’ve launched …
The Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) is a landmark reform to the way housing and infrastructure developers meet their environmental responsibilities. Yesterday, 18 June 2026, two sets of secondary legislation were laid before Parliament. This is an important step towards putting the fund into practice, …
'Forever chemicals' - or PFAS - have been making headlines. PFAS are used in many products we rely on every day – cookware, clothing, packaging. Their durability is useful, but it also means they stay in the environment for a long time. That's why the government is publishing its first PFAS plan setting out an evidence-based approach to tackling these persistent chemicals, protecting public health and the …
We have published (1 December) our revised Environmental Improvement Plan – a clear roadmap for restoring nature. The previous plan lacked the rigour and detail to turn intent into impact. This government is determined to put that right. Our revised …
In this post, Catherine Brabner-Evans gives an introduction to Protected Landscapes, as well as an insight into the action Defra is taking to meet targets within these landscapes to halt and reverse the decline in nature.
