Calls for ‘wild belt’ land to be part of England's planning strategy

Wildlife Trusts says designated new areas of protected land is needed to help nature recover

New areas of protected wild belt" land across the English countryside and in towns and cities must be created as part of the government's planning changes to help nature recover, the Wildlife Trusts has said.

The trusts' analysis of the planning changes outlined by the government in a white paper suggests they will damage nature, increase air pollution and leave local people with no say on protecting urban wildlife corridors.