UK to Restore Swathes of Wildlife Habitat for Hedgehogs

Voice of America
31 Jan 2023, 16:07 GMT+10

London - Britain will announce a plan Tuesday to improve the environment, including a commitment to restore at least 500,000 hectares (1.2 million acres) of wildlife habitat to protect the country's rarest species, from hedgehogs to red squirrels.

The proposals comprise 70 new projects including 25 new or expanded National Nature Reserves, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

There are 225 National Nature Reserves in England, with a total area of over 98,600 hectares or about 0.7% of the country's land surface, according to government data.

The proposals come after the country's nature protection watchdog criticized the government this month for falling far short on its environmental targets.

'Protecting our natural environment is fundamental to the health, economy and prosperity of our country,' said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Last year he was forced to reverse a decision to skip the COP-27 summit after heavy criticism.

Historic Compensation Fund Approved at UN Climate Talks

Among the new pledges, the government said it wants to ensure everyone lives within a 15-minute walk from a green space or water.

Other commitments included a promise to restore 400 miles (643.74 km) of river through the first round of landscape recovery projects and establishing 3,000 hectares of new woodlands along England's rivers.

Reuters
Subscribe

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to The UK News.

More Information

12 ℃

Light Rain / Windy in Newham

International

Section

Australian river town reports millions of dead fish

MENINDEE, Australia: After recent floods and hot weather, millions of dead fish have washed up in southeastern Australia, which authorities ...

Idaho to OK death by firing squad when drugs not available

BOISE, Idaho: Under a bill passed by the Idaho Legislature thios with a veto-proof majority, the state will allow firing ...

California joins with drugmaker to manufacture affordable insulin

SACRAMENTO, California: The state of California and generic drug manufacturer Civica have announced a 10-year partnership to produce affordable, state-branded ...