Nature Recovery Network

Defra and Natural England are bringing together partners, legislation and funding, to create the Nature Recovery Network (NRN). Together, we will deliver the Network by restoring and enhancing England’s wildlife-rich places.

Creating a national network

The NRN will be a national network of wildlife-rich places. Our aim is to expand, improve and connect these places across our towns, cities and countryside.

The NRN is a major commitment in the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and part of the forthcoming Nature Strategy.

What the NRN will achieve

The NRN will help us deal with 3 of the biggest challenges we face: biodiversity loss, climate change and wellbeing.

Establishing the NRN will:

• enhance sites designated for nature conservation and other wildlife-rich places - newly created and restored wildlife-rich habitats, corridors and stepping stones will help wildlife populations to grow and move
• improve the landscape’s resilience to climate change, providing natural solutions to reduce carbon and manage flood risk, and sustaining vital ecosystems such as improved soil, clean water and clean air
• reinforce the natural and cultural diversity of our landscapes, and protect our historic natural environment
• enable us to enjoy and connect with nature where we live, work and play - benefiting our health and wellbeing

NRN objectives

Through our work to create the NRN, by 2042 we will:

• restore 75% of protected sites on land (including freshwaters) to favourable condition so nature can thrive
• create or restore 500,000 hectares of additional wildlife-rich habitat outside of protected sites
• recover threatened and iconic animal and plant species by providing more, diverse and better connected habitats
• support work to increase woodland cover
• achieve a range of environmental, economic and social benefits, such as carbon capture, flood management, clean water, pollination and recreation

See also 210609 | Prime Minister Announces New Funding For Cornwall To Create a G7 Legacy For The Region