Every year on 3rd March, we celebrate World Wildlife Day, a chance to recognise the incredible role wildlife plays in our world. This year’s theme, Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet, is all about how funding can help both nature and communities thrive.
At East Devon National Landscape, we see how investment in nature makes a real difference. Thanks to conservation funding, we can restore habitats and protect species, ensuring long-term benefits for wildlife and the people who care for these landscapes.
One example is our collaboration with the Bat Conservation Trust’s Connecting People and Landscapes project. Made possible with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project works to strengthen links between people and nature through conservation initiatives, joint funding, and partnerships with local organisations. By working together, we can protect our landscapes while also making them more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
National Landscapes & the 30by30 Goal
The UK has committed to the 30by30 target, which means protecting 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030.
“Our Protected Landscapes will provide the backbone to 30by30 in England, contributing towards the target where they are effectively managed and delivering in-situ conservation. We recognise that we can, and must, go further within Protected Landscapes than other areas to meet our national environmental targets, including 30by30. This will be driven by the Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework, as well as further action to ensure that these special places are wilder and greener. Through their management plans, existing structures and strong partnerships, Protected Landscapes organisations can also play a convening role to champion, identify and support areas that meet, or have potential to meet, the 30by30 criteria.” Defra
National Landscapes cover approx. 14% of the UK’s land area, making them a key part of reaching this goal. Defra has recognised that Protected Landscapes will play a vital role in 30by30, ensuring these areas are effectively managed to be wilder, greener, and better for nature.
With the right support and resourcing, as National Landscapes, we look forward to playing a critical role in supporting the UK to deliver on its international commitments. And locally in East Devon we can continue to create healthier habitats, increase biodiversity, and strengthen the connection between people and nature.
Why It Matters
Protecting nature isn’t just about wildlife—it’s about supporting people too. Funding helps farmers, volunteers, and conservation experts care for our landscapes. It also ensures that future generations will still have wild places to enjoy, explore, and protect.
