PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Environment: Coronavirus (22 June 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 lockdown on the UK's natural environment; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by:
Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat)

Our efforts to keep coronavirus under control have had follow-on impacts on our natural environment. It is too early to draw detailed conclusions about the impacts of the lockdown, but some trends are developing.

The unprecedented changes in living and working patterns during the coronavirus outbreak are likely to have had an effect on air pollution and could potentially lead to short-term improvements in air quality.

It has been encouraging to see reports that some of our wildlife, including our common mammals and ground nesting birds, may be doing well, venturing into areas where they would not normally be seen. It is similarly encouraging to see reports of wildflowers blooming on roadside verges and land that has not been mown during the lockdown.

Defra will continue to research and develop our understanding of the longer-term implications from these unprecedented changes in living and working patterns. This will ensure we apply that learning to delivering the Clean Air Strategy, 25 Year Environment Plan, the Environment Bill and our approach to the Government’s Net Zero commitment.

Answered by:
Rebecca Pow (Conservative)
30 June 2020