The Nature Restoration Fund will pool developer contributions to fund projects that support nature recovery at a landscape scale
The Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) is a landmark reform to the way housing and infrastructure developers meet their environmental responsibilities.
Yesterday, 18 June 2026, two sets of secondary legislation were laid before Parliament.
This is an important step towards putting the fund into practice, setting out a framework for how developers can use the NRF.
In this blog we want to explain what this means, how we got here, and what comes next.
What is the Nature Restoration Fund?
The NRF allows developers to meet specific environmental obligations through a simple levy payment, avoiding the need to commission their own site by site mitigations. Pooled funds from multiple developments will then be used to deliver nature restoration at a landscape scale.
The NRF will be delivered by Natural England through Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs). Each EDP will cover a specific geographical area and set out a package of conservation measures designed to address the impacts of development on protected sites or species. Through this approach, the NRF will support economic growth, whilst ensuring that nature benefits from development.
Where we are now
The core legal framework for the NRF was established through the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which received Royal Assent in December 2025. Since then, we have been working to put in place the building blocks for delivery.
1. The levy regulations set out a framework for how the nature restoration levy will operate. These provide the foundations for key aspects of the NRF user journey that will enable developers to discharge certain environmental obligations.
2. The appropriate prioritisation regulations set out how Natural England should approach the prioritisation of different types of ‘conservation measure’ when preparing EDPs. This delivers on the commitment made in Parliament to demonstrate how the mitigation hierarchy is expressed through this new strategic approach.
The full details of the regulations have been published on legislation.gov.uk:
The Nature Restoration Levy Regulations 2026 The Environmental Delivery Plans (Appropriate Prioritisation) Regulations 2026Working with stakeholders to get this right
Getting implementation of the NRF right depends on working closely with the people and organisations it will affect, drawing on their knowledge, skills and experience. We are committed to transparency and an evidence-based approach, with stakeholder engagement at the heart of delivery.
We are grateful for the constructive engagement on the NRF so far. We continue to work with a wide range of groups to inform the design of the NRF, including environmental non-governmental organisations (eNGOs), developers, housebuilders, local planning authorities and nature services providers. This engagement is helping to shape both the first EDPs and the design of the levy.
What comes next
All draft EDPs will be subject to a public consultation of a minimum of 28 days. Natural England will shortly be launching the formal consultation on the first draft EDP, which will address nutrient pollution. This will give stakeholders and members of the public an opportunity to comment on the plans, including the proposed conservation measures and levy charging schedule. We will share more details on the consultation ahead of its launch and encourage all those with an interest to take part.
Once the required legislation is in place and consultations have been completed, finalised EDPs will be sent to the Secretary of State for consideration and approval before ‘going live’ for developers.
The NRF provides an important opportunity to reshape the relationship between development and nature in England. We are committed to making it work for everyone and will continue to provide updates as delivery progresses.
Find out more
For a full overview of how the NRF will work, our approach to developing EDPs, and the implementation timeline, read the NRF Implementation Plan on GOV.UK. Natural England’s Business Readiness Forum brings stakeholders together to share updates on delivery, test the service, capture feedback and answer questions as we move towards launch. If you would like to sign up to the mailing list, please email nrfengagement@naturalengland.org.uk. seen at 11:30, 19 June in Environment.