Five local authorities in England will test how the recovery of England’s landscapes and wildlife can be driven locally.
Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Northumberland will share £1m to set up a Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
The funding will enable them to map the most valuable sites and habitats for wildlife and identify opportunities for recovering nature.
Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: 'Coronavirus is shining a light on the importance of our natural world, and the positive impact nature can have on our health and well-being.
'These first pilots will be a key part of our green recovery and help kick-start the creation of over a million acres of joined up habitats that people can enjoy across the country.'
