Ecological networks to be set up in Britain

The UK government has committed funds of £7.5 million between now and 2015 to establish large-scale 'ecological networks' through the creation of nature conservations linked up across the landscape.

The initial steps were taken by the government this week as it set-up 12 new Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs), which will cover hundreds of thousands of hectares in total, built on unused land to create a reinstatement of habitats and the creation of havens for wildlife.

The NIAs have been signalled as marking a distinct change to conservation approaches in the 21st century. This represents a seismic shift from protecting the wildlife that is there to become proactive in large-scale habitat restoration and creation.

Paul Wilkinson, of the Wildlife Trusts partnership said: "We are delighted this competition has demonstrated a real appetite for putting nature back."

"But 12 Nature Improvement Areas are not enough. This concept should be driven forward everywhere across England and given formal recognition through the new planning process, expected next month, and agri-environment grants."

Posted by Lauren Steadman