Government plans for Nature Improvement Areas unveiled today will mean a brighter future for wildlife in 12 distinctive and character landscapes across England.

From the crowded Thames Estuary – homes to thousands of wildfowl and wetland birds – to the spectacular downlands of Wiltshire and the wild landscape of the Peak District, today's announcement identifies iconic landscapes where government investment will reap benefits for nature.

The 12 NIAs will build on a growing approach to conservation on a landscape scale, which also has benefits as larger landscapes can buffer people and wildlife against the impacts of climate change. It complements work already being carried out by conservation groups, including the RSPB's own Futurescapes programme.



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