Nature recovery consultation set to finish this month

A public consultation on a plan to restore deplated habitats across Shropshire and Telford is set to close this month.

The Shropshire Council led Local Nature Recovery Strategy(LNRS) sees the authority working with local nature organisations on a range of projects and strategies to improve the county’s natural environment, as part of a national patchwork of similar schemes.

The completed strategy will include specific priorities and actions to restore county habitats, such as the creation of wetlands or the planting of trees and hedgrows.

Together with 48 other strategies across the country, the linked schemes will identify the most important areas for wildlife and habitats in England, and set out how they can be restored and connected.

When completed, the published strategy will contain a map of local habitats and a specific plan of biodiversity priorities for Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

Three separate consultations aimed at getting input from land owners, town and parish councils and the general public will close on October 16.

“The LNRS is a great opportunity for everyone to have their say on how we can improve and restore our natural environment in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin,” said Councillor Ian Nellins, cabinet member with responsibilities for Climate Change and Environment, at the launch of the consultations in July.

“This initiative serves as a platform for conservation specialists, proficient experts, commercial entities, and community members to collaborate on methods for revitalizing and enriching natural habitats.

“LNRS is a strategy for nature and people, that aims to restore and enhance the natural environment and the services it provides for our health, well-being, economy, and climate.

“Your views are essential to help shape the strategy and ensure that it reflects the needs and aspirations of the local communities. Whether you are a farmer, a landowner, a resident or a visitor, you have a stake in the future of Shropshire’s nature.”

The scheme is led by Shropshire Council, but the authority is also working with the support of Telford & Wrekin Council and Natural England on the proposals.

Earlier this year, the then-Conservative government published a policy paper setting out how local recovery strategies formed part of its plan for the restoration of England’s natural habitats, which it says are “widely considered to be one of the most nature-depleted in the world” following historic and ongoing declines.

“Government has made legally-binding commitments to end these declines and for nature to recover,” said a spokesperson.

“This is important for nature’s own sake and for all the things that we rely on nature for, like clean water and food production. For nature to recover, targeted, co-ordinated and collaborative action will be required.”