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North Somerset Council and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, led by Mayor Dan Norris, launched the groundbreaking Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Local Nature Recovery Toolkit at a West of England Nature Partnership conference on Thursday 7 November in Bristol.
To support the delivery of the strategy, the West of England Nature Partnership has bold plans to reverse persistent declines in biodiversity and empower its recovery so that nature can thrive again. Their 9 Priority Programmes take these ambitions to the next level.
This landmark event positions the West of England as a trailblazer in restoring and reconnecting nature at a landscape scale.
The West of England Nature Partnership is an active, ambitious and diverse coalition of NGOs, local authorities, local communities and commercial partners.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will accelerate momentum built with the West of England Nature Partnership across the region over recent years. This momentum has seen, and plans for, the return of important native species to the area not seen on the Bristol Avon for many years, such as glow-worms on Severnside.
Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s executive member for climate, waste and sustainability, said: “It was a pleasure to attend the launch event for the innovative new Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Thank you to our residents and local communities who engaged with the consultation we were involved with earlier in the year, and who shared their feedback.
“This strategy and toolkit will help us on our mission to become a green North Somerset, by helping nature to thrive. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with partners across the West of England to protect our wonderful landscapes for everyone to enjoy.”
Dan Norris, the Mayor of the West of England, said: "This new joint strategy — the first of its kind in the country — will put our region on the map with an ambitious plan to support nature to recover and thrive in every corner of the West of England. With investment from businesses and landowners across our region, and everyone doing their bit, the future looks bright once again."