£40 million fund to be used to plant over 800,000 trees across England
Projects that protect landscapes, connect people with nature and help create and retain thousands of green jobs across England have been awarded a share of almost £40 million, the government announced on Thursday (December 10).
The 68 projects will see over 800,000 trees planted as well as helping to restore damaged habitats such as moorlands, wetlands and forests.
The projects will also support conservation work and help to improve education about the environment.
This first round of funding will award nearly £40 million while the second funding round will open for applications early next year.
The Green Recovery Challenge Fund is a key part of the Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan to kick-start nature recovery, create green jobs and tackle climate change while helping the country build back better and greener from the pandemic.
What projects will receive funding?
The fund will be delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
The winning projects include:
Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said:
"These projects will drive forward work across England to restore and transform our landscapes, boost nature and create green jobs, and will be a vital part of helping us to build back greener from coronavirus.
I look forward to working with environmental organisations as these projects help address the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, while creating and retaining jobs as part of the green recovery.
Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the Environment Agency, said:
"Reaching net zero and achieving the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan goals for nature can only be done by employing the right skills.
The Green Recovery Challenge Fund will deliver on the ground benefits for local communities, and wildlife, by supporting jobs in the environmental sector.
"This has been a tough year for everyone, but these projects give us reason for optimism and will help develop the skills needed to tackle the climate emergency, protect biodiversity and build back greener."
