National Highways and Natural England have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining a framework for collaboration between the two organisations.
The 'primary aim' of the partnership is to 'improve environmental outcomes along the Strategic Road Network (SRN)'. As part of this agenda, the MOU will help the organisations to:
- understand approaches and seek alignment on government policies across transport and the natural environment
- promote and develop relevant natural environment initiatives that will improve environmental outcomes for species and habitats along and in proximity to the SRN
- where relevant, jointly develop research and collaboration opportunities; develop collaborative and effective relationships at all levels (legal, technical, operational and strategic)
- where practicable engage with each other early on projects with a view to resolving and agreeing issues early in the planning process
- develop protocols for managing issues of joint concern with a view to resolving issues in a timely and proportionate manner
- share and input into the development and implementations of relevant plans, programmes of work and guidance with the aim of supporting improved environmental outcomes and efficient use of resources.
National Highways is one of the largest landowners in England, managing over 30,000 hectares, and its 2050 vision is to provide a road network that 'supports the country’s transport needs but also protects and strengthens the natural environment and community wellbeing'.
It is also committed to 'reconnecting habitats, reversing the decline in biodiversity, creating thriving ecosystems and increasing environmental resilience to a changing climate' through its Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
National Highways’ executive director of major projects, Nicola Bell, said: 'This landmark agreement with Natural England marks a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering a transport network that not only connects communities but also works in harmony with the environment.
'Our work goes beyond just operating and maintaining our roads and by collaborating more closely with Natural England, we can ensure that our infrastructure projects deliver better outcomes for both people and nature.
'Together, we are setting a new standard for sustainable development that respects and enhances the natural world, helping to create a thriving, resilient environment for future generations.'
Natural England chief executive, Marian Spain, said: 'Recovering nature and development can and must go hand in hand. New roads are some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects but there are also opportunities to ensure that the National Highways network can help grow nature as well as enhancing travel and transport.
'This memorandum is an important step in embedding this open, early, constructive communications between Natural England and National Highways to deliver our shared objectives of sustainable development.'
National Highways has £402.3m spending plans through its Designated Funds programme in the current roads investment period (2020 – 2025) for environmental schemes including those that maximise biodiversity and ensure conservation.
Image: National Highways. Nicola Bell (left) and Marian Spain sign the landmark MOU.
