Access to green space must be a priority for land use in England, say peers

Access to green space should be a priority when choosing land use, says House of Lords report.

Peers from the House of Lords cross-party commission on land use in England have set out their priorities for a land use framework, which would divide up land in England and decide where is best for different types of land agriculture, as well as carbon sequestration, nature restoration and recreation.

The report, released on Tuesday, explains that "a framework should help to better identify and define the areas where land should be optimized for priority uses other than housing - for example, prime agricultural land for food production or land essential for carbon sequestration and nature regeneration. 'is' important for health and well-being, e n particularly in urban n and peri-urban areas close to places of life”. The report adds that "access to green space must be a priority within a land use framework, and the provision and maintenance of accessible green space must also be reinforced in existing policies".

The report suggests using the green belt to expand access to green spaces. Matthew Kirby, a PhD researcher at Northumbria University, told the report that when viewed through a natural capital lens, green belt areas have the potential to provide important uses land uses, including carbon sequestration, flood management and recreation.

< p class="dcr-2v2zi4">Green MP Caroline Lucas recently tabled a private member's bill calling for that the green belt is open to the public, arguing that it is close to urban centers where many people do not have natural areas nearby.

The report was also very critical of the British farming system. Jake Fiennes, superintendent of Holkham Nature Reserve in Norfolk, told the commission that “current farming and farming practices are generally not sustainable in the medium to long term. Our reliance on synthetic inputs and the effects they have on the wider environment are all too clear. ”

The report criticizes the government for the uncertainty surrounding post-Brexit farm payments, which were meant to ensure nature's recovery. Details around these have been delayed, with reports that the initially ambitious plans are set to be watered down.

Commenting on the report, Lord Cameron, the chairman of the land use in England committee, said: "Land use in England faces an increasing number of competing pressures and demands, including food, nature, biodiversity, net zero targets, housing, energy, and welfare.

"The government cannot afford to prioritize this issue. We urge the government to set up a land use commission to create a framework for land use that will help identify and address current and emerging challenges and opportunities emerging in land use in England. The framework is essential to support effective land use strategies and address the many challenges we currently face. »