Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of large‑scale habitat restoration funded through the Nature Restoration Fund on the economy.

Large-scale habitat restoration has the potential to deliver significant economic benefits alongside environmental gains. Evidence from similar programmes suggests the following could be realised:

Job creation: Habitat restoration projects generate skilled employment in land management, and ecological services.

Natural capital uplift: Improved ecosystems enhance flood resilience, water quality, and carbon sequestration, reducing long-term public costs.

Local and National growth: Investment will attract jobs, supporting local businesses and supply chains.

Further detail can be found within the published Impact Assessment.