Residents, farmers, businesses and landowners can have their say on ambitious new plans to restore nature as a public consultation is launched today (November 20, 2024).
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Nature Recovery Strategy is a statutory blueprint for nature recovery to help guide how wildlife can be restored, enhanced and protected across the region.
Developed by Cornwall Council in partnership with the region’s Local Nature Partnership, the Council of the Isles of Scilly and the Isles of Scilly National Landscape partnership, the strategy consists of:
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A map of the existing most valuable areas for wildlife and opportunities to recover nature
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Immediate short-term priorities and actions for nature
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Nature-based solution ideas such as natural flood management to make communities more resilient to climate change
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Case studies to help inspire residents to take action for nature
Lord Teverson, Chair of the Local Nature Partnership said:
“Both councils and the Local Nature Partnership worked with the farming community, businesses, communities and environmental organisations to shape the strategy.
“It is a vital new framework to guide how we can all take action to reach the target of 30% of our land and rivers to be well managed for nature by 2030. We have a short window of time to turn this strategy into local action so we must act now.”
The public consultation is open until January 6, 2025. Once adopted, the new Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Nature Recovery Strategy will guide planning decisions and funding.
Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change Cllr Martyn Alvey, said:
"Our Cornish landscape and wildlife are a vital part of our heritage and identity. This new Local Nature Recovery Strategy is a pivotal plan to help guide us, our partners and communities in taking action to grow nature and tackle the ecological emergency for the benefit of one and all.
“Now is your chance to tell what you think of the strategy, and we would love to hear your views.”
Cllr Harry Legg, Lead Member for Environment, Environmental Services and Climate Change at the Council of the Isles of Scilly said:
"The Isles of Scilly and Cornwall contain some excellent examples of how society can thrive alongside nature. Only by working together can we ensure that the environment around us starts to heal and we are able to continue to enjoy the benefits to healthy lives that nature provides us.
"I encourage everyone to comment on this strategy by completing the survey so that we can progress together and ensure everyone is able to gain the advantages of an improved natural world."
The government awarded £14m to councils across England to develop Local Nature Recovery Strategies which are a policy in the Environment Act 2021.
The preparation of the LNRS is supported by Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission. The documents will not mandate any changes to local landowners.
For more info see: Nature Recovery hub