Wiltshire residents invited to help nature's recovery

Wiltshire Council is leading the drive by preparing a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

The strategy aims to create rich habitats that will drive nature's recovery and provide wider environmental benefits.

In 2023, the council was one of 48 local authorities which received a share of £14 million from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The council has invited residents to share their feedback on the draft LNRS map (Image: Getty Images) This money is to be used to develop a tailored nature recovery strategy for the area.

The LNRS team has been mapping areas in Swindon and Wiltshire where future nature improvement projects could be beneficial.

These areas were identified following suggestions gathered at stakeholder engagement opportunities and events held earlier this year, and the council is now asking for public views on this mapping.

Feedback on the draft LNRS map can also be given via the survey, which will be available on the Wiltshire Council LNRS webpage until Friday, October 11.

Councillor Dominic Muns, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for environment, said: "We depend on nature for everything and now nature really needs our help.

"The LNRS will assist us to enhance wildlife habitats in the beautiful county in which we live.

"We will be seeking to collaborate with local people, farmers, and landowners on this vital work and asking people to give us their views, by completing an online survey."

The council held a webinar on Monday, September 30, to provide more information about the draft LNRS map and how to give feedback via a survey.

The webinar also provided an opportunity for people to ask questions.

Councillor Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for the environment and transport, said: "We have been working with Wiltshire Council and Natural England for more than two years to establish the LNRS so I'm really pleased we are about to enter the second engagement phase with local communities to get their views.

"I would encourage as many people as possible in Swindon and Wiltshire to have their say on the strategy as it is really important we conserve and enhance biodiversity across the whole county.

“The LNRS will deliver on all three of our council missions to build a better, fairer, and greener Swindon by ensuring developers focus on biodiversity net gain, improving our open spaces, and working with communities to find ways of helping the natural environment. ”