HTA responds to the publication of the Government Estate Nature Plan

26 June 2026

The HTA has commented on today’s publication of the Government Estate Nature Plan (GENP). It sets out how the government will coordinate nature recovery across its land.

 

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy & Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said:

“We welcome the publication of the Government Estate Nature Plan (GENP), which highlights the government’s commitment to nature recovery, climate adaptation, and climate resilience, crucial areas that our member businesses can help deliver.

“The GENP emphasises the importance of nature-based solutions; this is what environmental horticulture is about. However, it is disappointing not to see the connection made – that by greening government estates, investing in their green infrastructure, and adopting smarter public procurement, we could see a real boost to UK environmental horticulture businesses, the UK’s environment, and economic green growth.

“Green infrastructure – our plants, trees, gardens and green spaces – play a vital role in cooling our cities, supporting flood mitigation, reducing air pollution, and boosting biodiversity. HTA member businesses have expertise in plants, trees, landscaping, urban greening, and community initiatives that can deliver the practical solutions needed to support the government, England’s largest landowner, in driving nature recovery.

“It is critical that across government, we see a renewed opportunity to work with the environmental horticulture sector to boost domestic production and habitat creation, and to contribute to ecological landscaping and restoration efforts.”