The UK Government has announced a strengthened Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) aimed at nature recovery, restoring England’s natural environment, cutting harmful pollution and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The revised strategy, published on Monday 1 December 2025, outlines a five-year roadmap backed by hundreds of millions of pounds to revitalise landscapes, improve air and water quality, and protect wildlife.
Under new measures, population exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) — a pollutant linked to asthma, lung disease and heart conditions — will be reduced by 30% by 2030 compared with 2018 levels. Ministers say the target will help save lives, improve quality of life, and ease long-term pressure on the NHS.
Nature recovery is also set for a significant boost, with the government pledging to create or restore 250,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat by the end of the decade — 110,000 hectares more than previously committed. Officials say this expansion is essential to reversing species decline and ensuring England’s landscapes can support both environmental resilience and economic growth.
A further target aims to halve the presence of damaging invasive species relative to levels 25 years ago. Species such as the American Signal Crayfish and Japanese Knotweed have long threatened biodiversity, farmland and infrastructure across the country.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said the strengthened plan marked “a step change in restoring nature”, adding: “Our environment faces real challenges, with pollution in our waterways, air quality that’s too low in many areas, and treasured species in decline. Our ambitious targets are backed by real action to cut harmful air pollutants, revive habitats and protect the environment for generations to come.”
The updated EIP is supported by a series of new funding commitments, including £500 million for Landscape Recovery projects. The programme brings together farmers and land managers to restore nature on a large scale, reduce flood risk and boost water quality, while creating green jobs and supporting rural economies.
An additional £85 million will go towards peatland restoration, aimed at reducing flood risks, improving water quality and enhancing access to green spaces. A further £3 million will be invested in improving access to nature across Public Forest Estates, including new accessible bike trails and all-terrain mobility equipment.
Other measures outlined in the plan include:
- the first-ever government strategy to reduce public and environmental risks from PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’
- a review of sewage sludge spreading to ensure sustainable practices
- a new Trees Action Plan
- new measures to curb methane emissions, particularly from agriculture
- progress tracking via Environment Act target delivery plans published for the first time
The updated strategy builds on wider efforts to boost biodiversity, including the reintroduction of beavers, a pledge to end the use of bee-harming pesticides, and the creation of two new National Forests.
The government will now work with communities, farmers, businesses and local authorities to roll out the plan. Ministers say the approach will create economic opportunities through innovation and nature-based solutions while ensuring future generations inherit a healthier, more resilient environment.
Landscape Recovery sits alongside Countryside Stewardship and the Sustainable Farming Incentive — schemes already covering more than half of England’s farmland — with an expanded SFI offer due to open next year.
Source: Water Magazine