Press Statement: Overdue conversation on land use framework is essential to join up nature recovery, climate resilience and economic growth
On our small island, a sensible plan for land use in England is long overdue and while this “conversation” feels a little like kicking the can down the road, at least we are now on the road.
31/01/25
On our small island, a sensible plan for land use in England is long overdue and while this “conversation” feels a little like kicking the can down the road, at least we are now on the road.
The Secretary of State’s speech today and other recent speeches from the Prime Minister and Chancellor have too often suggested a trade-off between a healthy natural environment and economic growth. We are clear: there can be no prosperity without well-functioning natural infrastructure. We must prioritise sustainability in new developments, or growth will not be sustained. Intelligent land use decisions are central to protect us in our changing climate and underpin food and water security. It is not just a nice-to-have bonus.
The consultation paper itself sets out some welcome principles towards multifunctional landscapes, achieving more with our land and spatially targeting solutions that offer multiple benefits. This all sits well with our vision of a holistic, catchment-based approach. We look forward to contributing further, ensuring that integrated catchment management is central to the Land Use Framework, bringing in the communities, landowners, businesses and others we are already convening in this space.
Let’s move quickly to a Land Use Framework that can help us act intelligently and really move the dial on delivering for society and nature - as well as the economy - in our landscapes.
Tessa Wardley, Director of Communications & Advocacy