A major coalition of landowners, responsible for around 10% of England’s land, has come together under a new government-led initiative to spearhead large-scale nature restoration.

The National Estate for Nature, launched by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, aims to transform land management practices, boosting biodiversity and strengthening the country’s resilience against climate change.

The scheme, welcomed by environmental organisations, including Wild Moors, brings together influential public, private and third-sector landowners, including United Utilities, Yorkshire Water and the Ministry of Defence. They are joined by leading conservation organisations such as the Wildlife Trusts, RSPB and National Trust.

Collectively, their upland estates cover extensive areas of peatland, woodland, heath and ancient grassland—vital habitats that play a key role in capturing carbon and supporting wildlife.

The government hopes the project will demonstrate how conservation and economic growth can go hand-in-hand. By restoring natural ecosystems, the coalition aims to boost carbon sequestration, improve air and water quality, and build resilience to flooding and wildfires—while simultaneously creating jobs in sustainable land management and supporting local economies.

Speaking after the National Estate for Nature’s inaugural meeting, Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP said the coalition’s combined influence made it uniquely placed to drive meaningful change.

“Landowners must go further and faster to restore our natural world,” Reed said. “The National Estate for Nature, which manages a tenth of the land in this country, has a responsibility to future generations to leave the environment in a better state.

“We have a unique opportunity to work together on common-sense changes that create a win-win for nature, the economy, and the communities that depend on the land around us.”

The initiative forms part of the government’s wider environmental strategy, which seeks to protect and restore the natural world and drive economic growth. With mounting pressure to meet legally binding environmental targets, including protecting 30% of land and sea for nature and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030, ministers are hoping the National Estate for Nature will make a valuable contribution.

Landowners involved in the scheme are expected to introduce innovative land management plans, with an emphasis on habitat restoration and sustainable land management. Proponents say the initiative has the potential to deliver long-term environmental benefits while enhancing the economic value of rural areas and local communities.

However, the success of the project will ultimately hinge on its delivery. While conservation organisations have welcomed the move, they stress that accountability and measurable outcomes will be key to ensuring success.

Image credit: Zhi Xuan Hew