This week marks a year since the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) launched its Nature and Biodiversity Taskforce, a key initiative to help safeguard and restore the region’s natural world.
As nature loss and biodiversity decline continue to pose serious environmental, social, and economic challenges, this anniversary is a moment to reflect on what nature and biodiversity are, why they matter to all of us, and how Mayor Claire Ward is championing nature recovery across the East Midlands.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “As Mayor of the East Midlands, I am deeply committed to protecting and enhancing the natural world across our region.
“People all over the East Midlands take joy, solace, and restoration from nature – but we know the natural world has taken a back seat when it comes to politics and political decision-making.
“This taskforce – drawing on experts from across the region – helps me to ensure that EMCCA’s resources are used in a way that improves access to green space and supports natural flood management and nature recovery.”
Nature refers to the living world around us – from woodlands, rivers, grasslands and wetlands to the plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that call these places home.
Biodiversity is the variety of all these life forms and the complex web of interactions between them.
Healthy biodiversity means more resilient ecosystems: species and habitats can better withstand pressures like climate change, pollution, and changes to how the land is used. These systems provide us with countless benefits, including clean air and water, fertile soil for food production, flood protection, carbon storage, and places for recreation and wellbeing.
Yet the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world due to intensive farming, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. So, our work here in the East Midlands is crucial.
Nature underpins all life, and our health, economy, and culture are deeply connected to it:
These benefits show why protecting nature and biodiversity isn’t just about wildlife – it’s about building a sustainable, thriving region for people and nature alike.
Over the past year, we have led a range of initiatives to champion nature and biodiversity across the East Midlands:
Establishing the Nature and Biodiversity Taskforce
In January 2025, EMCCA convened a multi-expert taskforce to guide and advise on regional nature goals. Chaired by experienced conservationist Austin Brady, the group brings together voices from wildlife trusts, local councils, natural environment bodies, and environmental agencies. Together they support work to improve green space access, natural flood management, and nature recovery.
Supporting Local Nature Recovery Strategies
EMCCA backs Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire – long-term blueprints which map priorities and actions to help nature thrive. These strategies help partners coordinate efforts, identify key habitats, and plan targeted restoration activities across the region.
Championing community-led projects
Mayor Claire has highlighted projects where nature and community come together — for example, visiting the Young People’s Forest at Mead, where more than 250,000 trees have been planted by local young people. Sites like this show how hands-on engagement supports biodiversity, accessibility, and environmental education.
Embedding nature in our projects
Nature recovery is a long-term journey. EMCCA’s role is to enable coordinated action across councils, communities, businesses and residents.
One year on from launching the taskforce, the focus remains on turning strategy into tangible improvements – more wildlife habitats, greener towns and stronger natural systems that benefit both people and the planet.
Whether through planting trees, restoring wetlands or creating better green spaces in towns and cities, everyone in the East Midlands has a part to play in securing a richer, greener future.