The Chilterns National Landscape welcomes publication of the government’s plan for nature

Date: 14th July 2026

This week, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published its 30by30 Delivery Plan, setting out how England will contribute to the international commitment to protect and effectively manage 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. The 30by30 target is supported by almost 200 countries worldwide.

Nature is often viewed as a luxury, or as something separate from everyday life, but a healthy natural environment provides essential services that support communities, businesses and the economy. From food production and clean water to flood management, drought resilience, cleaner air and improved health and wellbeing, nature plays a vital role in everyone’s lives.

The Chilterns National Landscape supports the government’s vision and works in partnership with farmers, landowners, conservation organisations, local authorities and communities to restore habitats, support wildlife and build a healthier, more resilient landscape for future generations.

Dr Elaine King, Chief Executive at the Chilterns National Landscape, said: “We share the government’s ambition for nature and people and are pleased to see the Delivery Plan recognise the role of National Landscapes and National Parks as ‘powerful delivery partners that strategically balance outcomes for nature, climate, heritage and communities’. By working collaboratively at a landscape scale, we can create bigger, better and more connected habitats, helping nature to thrive while delivering lasting benefits for generations to come.”

The 30by30 Delivery Plan coincides with publication last month of the Chilterns Nature Recovery Plan, which sets out a blueprint for how the 30by30 nature targets could be delivered in the Chilterns National Landscape.

Collaborative projects across the Chilterns are already contributing to the Government’s 30by30 ambition, including farmer-led grassland and hedge regeneration, rare chalk stream restoration, and the creation of rich floodplain habitats that benefit both wildlife and people.

One example is the Mend the Gap programme, where the Chilterns National Landscape and North Wessex Downs National Landscape are collaborating across the Goring Gap to enhance chalk and wetland habitats. As part of the programme, the Sulham Wetland project has transformed more than two hectares of former arable land into a rich wetland habitat, creating space for wildlife while demonstrating how partnership working can deliver nature recovery at landscape scale.

These projects highlight that nature recovery is not only about protecting wildlife and special places but also investing in the natural systems that provide clean water, reduce flood risk, support food production and help communities adapt to a changing climate.