Residents are being asked to have their say on what, where and how nature recovery should take place across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as a new strategy is launched today (July 18, 2023).
Cornwall Council is leading on creating a new Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the region in partnership with the Local Nature Partnership and the Council of the Isles of Scilly.
The government has awarded £14m to councils across England over the next two years to develop Local Nature Recovery Strategies to act as local blueprints for nature.
This will help nature across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to grow and recover, and maximise nature-based benefits for local communities and businesses.
Both councils and the Local Nature Partnership will be working with the farming community, businesses, communities and environmental organisations to shape the strategy over the next 18 months.
Residents can start giving their views today through a survey and interactive map on the Lets Talk Recovery page.
Give your views on the Lets Talk websiteThe survey closes on October 22.
Cornwall’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change Cllr Martyn Alvey, said:
“Developing Our Local Nature Recovery Strategy is key to our responding to the ecological emergency. This will shape how we can all help to deliver our target for 30% of land, rivers and seas to be well managed for nature by 2030.
“Our Cornish landscape, wildlife and seas are a vital part of our heritage and identity, and we are pleased that the government recognises this through the creation of this locally-led strategy for nature recovery.
“Cornwall was one of five pilot areas chosen to go through the process of developing a draft local nature recovery strategy back in 2020. We were extremely impressed with the high level of engagement from Cornwall’s community and we are pleased the strategy will now cover both Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We hope that even more people will get involved to help shape the Nature Recovery Strategy and have their say.”
Lord Robin Teverson, Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership (LNP), said:
“The Local Nature Recovery Strategy is the best opportunity we have to reverse the big retreat of nature that we have seen in Cornwall and Scilly over recent decades. We’re looking forward to working closely with both Cornwall Council and Scilly to produce a plan that is both practical and delivers.
"There will be all sorts of challenges on the way, but by working closely and up front with farmers, businesses, communities and environmental groups we can make this happen. Our Pledge for Nature scheme on our website has already shown there is a real grass roots local commitment to nature’s revival."
Council of the Isles of Scilly’s Lead Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste, Cllr Harry Legg, said:
“The Isles of Scilly is internationally important for wildlife. Our unique landscape is at the heart of our communities, influencing our way of life and sustaining the visitor economy. However, our low-lying island habitats are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly from invasive species and sea-level rise.
"The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will help us coordinate approaches to support the wildlife and habitats that make our islands so special.”
For more info see:Nature Recovery hubYou can also make your Pledge for Nature.
Local nature recovery strategies are a new policy contained in the Environment Act 2021. Cornwall Council is receiving £343,692 of funding to draw up the new Local Nature Recovery Strategy and undertake this new duty required in law.
The preparation of the LNRS will be supported by Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission. The documents will not mandate any changes to local landowners.
