Natural England has unveiled a £2m cash injection to fund a number of projects designed to preserve the country's threatened wetlands.

Wetland habitat recreation projects across England will benefit from the investment, which the public body says are necessary to guarantee the long-term survival of wildlife in wetland areas, including a range of insects, plants and animals. The announcement follows the July launch of a 50-year plan for the future of English wetlands by the Wetlands Vision Partnership, incorporating a number of conservation agencies including the Environment Agency and the Wildlife Trusts.

Natural England's chief executive, Helen Phillips, said: "We need to address the environmental health of entire landscapes, focusing on wide-scale restoration of habitats and ecosystems. "Wetlands are a perfect example of how we should think big to reverse habitat losses, restore biodiversity and achieve other environmental gains. This £2m funding will be an important step in reviving the fortunes of these crucial habitats."