England should give over 7% of land to nature and renewables to meet environmental targets, data shows

"About 7% of England's land an area roughly two-and-a-half times the size of Cornwall will need to be given over to nature, forests and renewable energy, to meet the UK's environmental targets, new data shows. But there will still be enough land to grow the food needed, and to house a growing population, according to the government's first land use framework, published on Wednesday."

"Under new rules, a default yes will be given to housing developments within walking distance of existing train stations. Housebuilders will also be told to include ponds, wetlands and improved urban drainage schemes in their developments, to combat the rising risk of flooding."

"Farmers will also be told whether their land would be better turned over to forestry, wetland or peatland restoration, or other uses rather than farming. Where appropriate they will be encouraged to do so by new incentives, but not coerced."

England's first land use framework reveals that approximately 7% of land—an area 2.5 times larger than Cornwall—must be dedicated to nature, forests, and renewable energy to achieve UK environmental goals. The framework demonstrates that sufficient land remains for food production and population growth despite this allocation. Current land use is inefficient and requires adaptation. Key policy changes include defaulting to approve housing near train stations, mandating green infrastructure in developments to reduce flooding, and updating agricultural land classifications. Farmers will receive incentives to convert land to forestry, wetlands, or peatland restoration where appropriate. Renewable energy requires only about 1% of land, though this estimate may need revision due to AI datacentre demands. Peatland restoration is prioritized, with 87% of England's peatland currently degraded.

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