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Packham calls government nature bill ‘a complete con'

The Independent

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May 25, 2025

TV naturalist Chris Packham has issued a scathing criticism of the proposed Nature Restoration Fund, describing it as a "licence to destroy nature".

- LOUIS CHILTON

Packham calls government nature bill ‘a complete con'

The fund, which would be established if the government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill passes into law, allows property developers to eschew environmental obligations by making a payment. That money would then be channelled by Natural England into nature restoration efforts elsewhere.

Springwatch presenter Packham discussed the subject during a panel at the Hay Festival, held in partnership with The Independent. Packham appeared alongside Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud and Community Planning Alliance co-founder Rosie Pearson.

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