The deputy prime minister has launched a Land Restoration Trust as a partnership between English Partnerships, Groundwork, the Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency. It will be charged with transforming derelict, neglected or under-used brownfield land into open green spaces, and will kick off with a three-year pilot phase project managing 1,500 hectares of under-used brownfield land. "The creation of the Land Restoration Trust will transform swathes of neglected brownfield land into open green spaces for the community to enjoy, and will help to improve not only the local environment but also people's quality of life,” said Prescott. "I hope to see the Land Restoration Trust helping communities across the country - from the former coal mining areas to the creation of new sustainable communities in the Thames Gateway." The Trust’s remit is to expand its portfolio to 10,000ha over the next ten years.