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<p>In England we have set four legally binding targets for biodiversity including
to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030 then reverse declines by 2042 and
restore or create more than 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat, such as wildflower
meadows, also by 2042.</p><p> </p><p>We have set out our plan to deliver on these
ambitious targets, along with our other environmental targets, in the revised Environmental
Improvement Plan (EIP23) published 31 January 2023. Here we link the different objectives,
plans and mechanisms for recovering nature.</p><p> </p><p>Our agri-environment schemes
provide incentives for creation and management of wildlife-rich habitat. Since 2011,
over 130,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat, including wildflower meadows, have
been created. Our new Environmental Land Management schemes will reward farmers and
land managers for delivering environmental outcomes such as conserving and restoring
such habitats.</p><p>Furthermore, our Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
provide protection for many species-rich grasslands. Additional sites are included
in Natural England’s designation programme published on GOV.UK. The EIP23 confirms
our commitment to delivering the 25 Year Environment Plan goal to restore 75% of our
SSSIs to favourable condition by 2042. It also sets two interim targets on protected
sites which support the delivery of that 2042 goal and contribute to the achievement
of statutory species targets.</p><p> </p><p>We are supporting grassland creation and
restoration, including through our Green Recovery Challenge Fund. For example, Plantlife’s
‘Meadow Makers’ project, which was awarded over £700,000 in the first round, has restored
500 hectares of species-rich grassland at over 100 sites across seven landscapes.</p>
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