Council will lead nature recovery drive in the county

THE COUNTY council has taken on new responsibilities for driving nature’s recovery across both Wiltshire and Swindon.

The council is one of 48 individual local authorities who will benefit in receiving allocations from a £14 million funding pot from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs enabling them to work with their local communities to develop a tailored nature recovery strategy for their area.

Wiltshire Council will be responsible for preparing a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Swindon and Wiltshire, under section 105 of the Environment Act 2021.

With the best ways to support nature recovery depending on local geography, Local Nature Recovery Strategies will help communities map out the action needed in their area to restore nature working closely with local stakeholders, from farmers to school children. When put together they will be a key way of meeting England-wide nature recovery targets.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for environment and climate change, Cllr Nick Holder, said: “We’re delighted to not only be given this funding but also the responsibility to shape this important work for years to come.

“We will be seeking to collaborate with local partners to develop our strategy and look forward to working together on a common goal to protect and enhance the beautiful county we live in.

“Our Business Plan states that we want Wiltshire to be a place where we take responsibility for the environment, and this opportunity allows us to lead from the front on this vital work and to hopefully bring people along with us on the journey.”

Environment secretary Therese Coffey said: “We depend on nature for everything and now nature really needs our help. Across the country, local nature recovery strategies will enhance wildlife habitats that reflect the wonderful tapestry of nature that exists on our isles.”

Natural England chair Tony Juniper said: “Nature recovery must be locally led and delivered at scale if we are to create more, better, connected nature – rich habitats that enable wildlife to recover, move and thrive.

“Through these initiatives that support a growing national Nature Recovery Network, we can create natural landscapes which will capture carbon, mitigate extreme weather events and protect the health of people and wildlife.

“Natural England is proud to be supporting local authorities and their partners to develop Local Nature Recovery Strategies that meet the needs of local people and the landscapes in which they live.”