Written Question·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·UIN 101961

Soil: Conservation

Tabled: 2 January 2026

Answered: 9 January 2026

Question

Blake Stephenson

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing planning protections for high-functioning soils by designating them as Soil Conservation Zones.

Answer

Mary Creagh

The Government has no plans to assess or introduce new planning-based protected designations for high functioning soils. However, the Government recognises the importance of improving and protecting soil health, through sustainable and responsibly managed...

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