Saplings in prisons and bogs on military ranges: Labour’s plans for nature-friendly state land
The UK environment secretary Emma Reynolds has unveiled Labour's plans to make state-owned land more nature-friendly, including tree nurseries in prisons and restoring peat bogs on military ranges. The initiatives aim to enhance biodiversity, support flood prevention, and improve prisoner welfare while advancing green infrastructure. Reynolds defended the government's environmental commitment amid criticism from the Green Party and concerns over abandoned pledges like banning foie gras imports.
- ▪Tree nurseries could be established in prisons to support both reforestation and prisoner welfare.
- ▪Military training ranges may be converted into heathland or peat bogs to restore habitats and reduce flooding.
- ▪Government land around transport routes will feature more 'green bridges' to aid wildlife movement.
- ▪The plans are part of a broader strategy to balance environmental restoration with economic and infrastructural needs.
- ▪Reynolds criticized the Green Party for opposing key green infrastructure projects like solar farms and electricity pylons.
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The plan, Reynolds says, shows ‘how the government is delivering better outcomes for nature and the environment for future generations’. Photograph: Jill Mead/The GuardianView image in fullscreenThe plan, Reynolds says, shows ‘how the government is delivering better outcomes for nature and the environment for future generations’. Photograph: Jill Mead/The GuardianLabourSaplings in prisons and bogs on military ranges: Labour’s plans for nature-friendly state landExclusive: Minister says proposals show government’s ambition, as it faces unprecedented pressure from Greens UK politics live – latest updates Peter Walker Senior political correspondentMon 4 May 2026 07.09 EDTLast modified on Mon 4 May 2026 08.11 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleTree nurseries could be built at prisons, and…
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