THE Government has published a White Paper which aims to increase food production while improving the natural environment.

The Natural Choice is the first White Paper on the natural environment for 20 years.

It acknowledges the vital role farmers and land managers play in food production and the environment.

Key measures include £7.5m to fund 12 Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) to demonstrate what can be done to help wildlife survive and adapt to climate change.

New Local Nature Partnerships will strengthen joinedup action between local agencies and organisations.

The aim is to improve the quality of the natural environment across England, halt the decline in habitats and species, and strengthen the connection between people and nature.

The Moorland Association welcomed the paper and hoped one of the NIAs would be a heather moorland regeneration scheme.

The Tenant Farmers’ Association also welcomed the initiative and highlighted how its members could help.

Jeremy Walker, TFA chairman, said: “They know the land they farm intimately and will understand better than anyone what will and will not work.”