Despite us having a wonderful array of beautiful spots like this across the country, England is nonetheless one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. We know what we have to do to be able to reverse that trend which has been going on for a very long time. We need to create more places that are rich in nature, that are of better quality, that are bigger, and which are joined together.
Now, when it comes to joining together, not only do we need to create wildlife corridors through landscapes which are presently farmed or which are urban, but also we can be finding ways in which we can connect up the landscape through the use of infrastructure with wildlife corridors that are attached to what are already linear features running through the landscape, alongside railways, alongside some of our highways and of course, by the side of our canals and rivers.
Less often do we discuss the environmental issues linked with the quality of the habitats that are alongside these wonderful linear features. The reeds and vegetation by the side, the trees and bushes, the shrubland that can grow on the riverbanks and canal sides, and thinking about ways in which we might use that as part of renewing the green infrastructure of the country, in order that not only can we have more habitat, but also for it to be more effectively joined up. This is why it's so important for Canal & River Trust to be participating in this national programme to create a nature recovery network, because a network is not only a set of places, it's about the connections between them. And so joining up the landscape through these features that include canals and rivers is an absolutely critical part of the plan as we go forward.
And this is not only about nature for nature's sake. This is also about the health of communities, the vibrancy of our society, and, indeed, economic health, because canals and rivers provide enormous enjoyment for a large number of people across the country.
And they contribute to the economy as well, through hosting bankside attractions like pubs and restaurants, through supporting businesses that for example do boat hire. And of course in the process these wonderful places contribute to our health and wellbeing in really quite profound ways. We know that access to the outdoors has a huge beneficial impact on our psychological and our physical wellbeing. And of course being able to come to water has a particularly beneficial effect, because we know water sides are magnets for people who want to enjoy the outdoors. And as they enjoy the outdoors, a chance of seeing some of wonderful wildlife. A glimpse of kingfisher, the sound of a grey wagtail, being able maybe even to glimpse an otter. This wildlife can live very close to people, even in the heart of our towns and cities, especially if we harness this green infrastructure, these linear features, to be not only beautiful in their own right but to be connecting up the landscape, and thereby contributing to nature's recovery.
I do hope the coalition of support that builds around Canal & River Trust will enable us in the future to do even more together, and I know that the Natural England teams across the country are very excited to be working with you and going forward in common cause over the years ahead there is so much that we will achieve together. Thank you very much indeed.
