Labour ministers have spent an all-time high investment of £90million to protect Britain's most threatened species as fears arise concerning the UK’s worsening nature crisis.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) describe the investment as the largest-ever put towards supporting and reintroducing wildlife across the country.
The money will be used to preserve species including birds, beavers, beetles, snails, spiders and seahorses across the UK.
Some £60million is set to be distributed through Natural England’s species recovery programme over the next three years.
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Another £30million will go towards conservation work across Britain's national forests.
Labour has pledged to protect 30 per cent of land and sea for nature by 2030, and reducing extinction risk by 2042.
As it stands however, the Government is currently significantly off-target.
With one in six species now at risk of extinction, Britain is now considered one of the most severely nature-depleted countries in the world. Since 1970 wildlife populations have fallen by about a third.
Historic success stories such as recoveries of red kites have been highlighted
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Historic success stories such as recoveries of red kites, pool frogs and large blue butterflies have been highlighted by Chair Tony Juniper, who makes a hopeful statement claiming that species decline is nearly always reversible.
The projects set to receive this new funding will be announced within the next three years.
Matthew Browne, head of public affairs at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Today’s announcement is a much-needed ray of sunshine.
"Nature and wildlife not only spark wonder, bring communities together and nurture pride in place, but they are also a necessary foundation of our economy and future as a nation.
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The money will be used to preserve species including beavers
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"At an uncertain time, this promise that the future will have more joy-bringing wildlife in it is hugely welcome.
“However, to deliver on this promise, the Government must follow today’s warm words with action if we are to tackle nature’s sharp decline.
"Widespread recovery of wild spaces on land and sea, decisive action on climate, pollution and over-development pressures, and sustained investment in nature, are all pre-requisites for bringing wildlife back.
"The public are clear that they want to see more action from politicians to save nature before it is too late.
"Today should be just the start of making this a reality.
“Much work is still to be done if the Government are to reach their legally binding domestic and international commitments on nature, including to recover nature on land and at sea by 2030.”