In 2020, the government outlined its commitment to protect 30% of the UK’s land and sea by 2030 (30by30).
This was adopted internationally at the 2022 Biodiversity Summit COP15 and forms part of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will set out their approaches to delivering this target separately.
Since then, Defra has worked with stakeholders including the NFU to develop its approach to delivering 30by30 on land in England.
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt said: “The NFU has been pleased to be involved in the development of the government's approach to 30by30 and welcomes its ambition to provide a clearer plan for delivery and a tiered approach that recognises and encourages the vital role of farmers.”
The recent announcement sets out the 30by30 delivery plan and provides guidance on the criteria and assessment process for land to contribute to 30by30.
“Farmers and growers are eager to play their part in supporting the environment, but questions remain over whether 30by30 offers suitable incentives for farms to participate.”
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt
30by30 delivery plan
The 30by30 delivery plan aims to outline and drive action to deliver 30by30 through clearer tiered pathways, easier routes to delivery, and by inspiring participation and leadership.
Government hopes this approach will support farmers, land managers, protected landscapes teams and local partners to identify where land is already delivering for nature, where more can be achieved, and where investment will have the greatest impact.
Analysis by the government identifies that around 7% of land is already meeting 30by30 criteria and around 32% of England could contribute to the 30by30 ambitions.
Government identify LNRS (Local Nature Recovery Strategies) and protected sites – eg, SSSIs (Site of Special Scientific Interest), national parks and landscapes, and the National Estate for Nature – as ways to help enable delivery.
30by30 criteria and assessment process
The government also published guidance and an assessment form which explain how land in England can be assessed for 30by30 – this remains voluntary. It includes the criteria for which land could contribute and the process for assessment and reporting land against the target.
For land to contribute to the different tiers (gold, silver, bronze) it would need to meet various criteria and qualify through the assessment:
- Gold – areas of land that fully meet the criteria; the area has clear purpose, protection, and management, and it can be formally counted towards the target.
- Silver – areas of land meeting an initial threshold and progressing towards the 30by30 criteria.
- Bronze – areas of land delivering wider benefits for nature.
NFU reaction
Robyn said: “From integrating agroforestry and improving soil health to creating habitats for wildlife, farmers and growers are already delivering for nature.
“Farmers and growers are eager to play their part in supporting the environment, but questions remain over whether 30by30 offers suitable incentives for farms to participate.
“The government must work with farmers, growers, landowners and tenants to ensure participation remains genuinely voluntary and does not create unintended consequences for farm businesses or food production.”
The NFU continues to engage with government to ensure that the important role of farming and food production is recognised and supported in 30by30.
