Packham calls government nature bill ‘a complete con'

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

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.