A new partnership strategy to help shape the future of nature and its recovery in Nottinghamshire has been formally launched.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Nottinghamshire and Nottingham is a blueprint which sets out the long-term priorities and actions to make sure nature and habitats can thrive and survive in the county and city.
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. Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s new Local Nature Recovery Strategy is a brilliant next step in making sure we all understand how best to create a richer and greener future for our communities, now and in the future.”
Nottinghamshire County Council was appointed by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to lead the strategy on behalf of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), Nottingham City Council, district and borough council partners, and Natural England.
Mayor Claire said: “At EMCCA, we are looking forward to working with colleagues in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to put this strategy into action. Our Nature and Biodiversity Taskforce will play a pivotal role by bringing together local partners and experts who will help us to deliver real and lasting change for nature.”
Britain is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world due to changes in how land and pesticides are used as because of pollution and climate change.
However, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy framework will encourage partners, residents and environmental organisations to continue to play their part and take more action for nature recovery in Nottinghamshire.
Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The Local Nature Recovery Strategy sets out the most important actions for nature recovery which can be taken by the county, city and district councils, partner organisations, and by Nottinghamshire residents.
“We all have a responsibility to protect the natural environment. The County Council will work with partners and stakeholders to help deliver the strategy, but we need everyone, including residents, to play their part.
“I know nature and the environment mean a lot to the people of Nottinghamshire and I would encourage anyone who feels passionately about our county’s natural habitats and the future of them find out more about the opportunities for nature in the LNRS strategy and how they can help to support it.”
The launch of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy comes after Derbyshire County Council launched its blueprint for protecting and restoring nature in Derby and Derbyshire earlier this year.
Mayor Claire said: “We know wildlife and habitats do not stop at county boundaries, so we will continue to work closely with Derby, Derbyshire, and beyond to ensure our efforts support a thriving and connected natural environment across our whole region.”