Wiltshire wide survey launched on county's Nature Recovery Strategy

Wiltshire Council is asking for residents' opinions on their plans to restore the region's natural resources.

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is a collaboration with Swindon Borough Council, as well as various national and local environmental organisations.

It aims to set out priority habitats, key species to be mindful of, and practical ways of expanding, restoring and connecting the county's natural resources.

A public consultation on the plans is now live until April 20th. |newtab)

There'll also be three online public webinars are taking place on the 11th, 19th, and 26th March, to give an overview of the strategy, explain how to provide feedback, and offer an opportunity to ask questions.

We can sign up to take part in those by emailing localnaturerecoverystrategy@wiltshire.gov.uk

Cllr Dominic Muns, Cabinet Member for Environment at Wiltshire Council said: “The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with one in six species threatened with extinction. Central Government introduced the LNRS as a key tool to address this crisis by ensuring conservation efforts are strategic, locally informed, and well-coordinated.

“The Wiltshire and Swindon LNRS will map key habitats and identify priority areas for conservation, set clear objectives for restoring and enhancing biodiversity, identify practical projects for creating or improving habitats and support collaboration between local authorities, conservation groups, landowners, and the wider community. By focusing conservation efforts where they are most needed, the LNRS will support wildlife to thrive and can also help to deliver wider environmental benefits such as cleaner air and waterways, reduced flood risk, and enhanced green spaces for local communities.”

Cllr Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, added: "The LNRS will help us achieve a fairer and greener Swindon by ensuring developers prioritise biodiversity net gain and that our communities benefit from a healthier natural environment. I encourage as many people as possible to have their say."

Feedback given during the public consultation will be reviewed, and used to help refined the draft document.

Once fully approved through the respective councils, the LNRS will be submitted to DEFRA and Natural England.

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