A Clearer National Direction for Cleaner, Healthier Places
The government’s revised Environmental Improvement Plan outlines a detailed pathway for reducing pollution, restoring nature and improving public health across England. With a commitment to cut population exposure to PM2.5 by 30% by 2030 and limit annual concentrations to 10 μg/m³ (GOV,2025), the plan places communities at the centre of environmental progress,supporting better health outcomes and easing pressure on public services.
A Major Commitment to Restoring Nature at Scale
The plan includes £500 million for Landscape Recovery projects, created to restore 250,000 hectares of wildlife rich habitats by 2030 -110,000 hectares more than previously pledged. This expansion supports farmers, rural enterprise and local communities, while directly strengthening biodiversity, soil quality and climate resilience in regions such as the Midlands.
Supporting Farmers and Land Managers to Thrive Sustainably
Over half of farmland in England is already part of nature friendly farming schemes and the plan confirms a strengthened Sustainable Farming Incentive offer for next year. These programmes encourage practical, environmentally responsible farming that improves land health while enabling food production to continue across lower-grade land areas only minimally impacted by land use changes.
Cleaner Waterways, Better Landscapes
The Environment Agency will lead more than 50 actions focused on water quality, including ensuring compliance from water companies and reducing storm overflow pollution. Targets include reducing phosphorus from wastewater by 80% by 2038 and cutting agricultural pollutants by at least 40%, helping restore river systems and iconic chalk streams relied on by communities across England.
Long-Standing Environmental Risks
For the first time, England will introduce a plan to reduce risks from PFAS chemicals – substances that persist in the environment and affect water and soil quality. A review of sewage sludge spreading rules, alongside actions to manage invasive species such as American Signal Crayfish and Japanese Knotweed, offers stronger protection for both nature and local businesses.
Growing Woodland and Expanding Green Infrastructure
New tree cover targets aim to raise woodland and tree canopy to 16.5% by 2050, backed by a refreshed Trees Action Plan. This includes planting in urban areas, hedgerows, parklands and farms, supporting carbon reduction, improving water quality and enhancing daily access to green spaces in growing cities like Birmingham.
Peatland Restoration for Nature and Public Health
An £85 million investment will support peatland restoration, reducing flood risk, improving air quality and strengthening landscape resilience. Combined with new accessible trails and facilities across Public Forest Estates, the plan highlights the connection between environmental wellbeing and mental and physical health…particularly important for communities facing economic or social disadvantage.
Why This Matters to the Social Economy
Environmental progress is inseparable from economic fairness and many of England’s most affected communities are those served by the social economy. Cleaner air, safer water, healthier habitats and sustainable land use protect public wellbeing while creating opportunities for green skills, community enterprise and inclusive growth…key priorities for iSE and its partners.
What This Means for Birmingham and the West Midlands
The Midlands, home to diverse communities and major industrial transitions, stands to benefit significantly from improved air standards and expanded green infrastructure. Local social enterprises already contribute to environmental improvements through education, innovation, sustainable business models and community engagement,ensuring the region is part of England’s climate conscious future.
iSE’s Ongoing Role in Environmental and Social Progress
As an organisation dedicated to strengthening the social economy, iSE supports community-driven solutions that help people and places adapt to environmental change. From sustainability focused business support to social enterprise development, our work sits at the crossroads of local leadership and environmental responsibility, ensuring that progress is widely shared and rooted in real community needs.
“At iSE, we believe that a healthier environment begins with empowered communities. When people, enterprise and purpose come together, every neighbourhood has the chance to grow, thrive and look forward with confidence.”