• Swindon & Wiltshire Eco
• Monday November 11 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

West of England positions itself as nature trailblazer with launch of Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The West of England has positioned itself as a nature trailblazer with the launch of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

The strategy – the first to be launched by an English region – was launched in Bristol last week.

It aims to help reverse biodiversity decline, tackle the climate energy, and create greener and more resilient neighbourhoods.

Business leaders and landowners are being asked to back the plan, by helping to create places where nature can thrive, especially in urban landscapes.

One of the nine projects – Returning Species – could see beavers, pine martens, and white-tailed eagles return to the West.

Launching the plan, Ian Barrett, chair of the West of England Nature Partnership and chief executive of Avon Wildlife Trust, said: “Nature will bounce back if we give it a helping hand. Our new strategy, toolkit and programmes offer a roadmap for everyone—from landowners to policymakers—to get involved in this vital effort.

“Together, we can restore nature across the West of England, creating a region where people and nature can thrive together.

“Our nature recovery programmes offer multiple opportunities for private sector partners to invest in high-integrity, measurable solutions to climate and biodiversity challenges.

“Nature-based solutions are essential not only to bringing wildlife back and achieving Net Zero, but also to protecting us from threats like flooding, extreme heat, and air pollution.

“By investing in nature now, we’re investing in a brighter, more resilient future for all.”

Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England, said: “The people of the West of England share a deep love for our wildlife and natural heritage—from kingfishers along the Kennet & Avon Canal to ancient oaks in Pensford and pollinator havens in Bristol parks.

“But for too long, our natural world has been under siege, with species dwindling in an ecological crisis. As the birthplace of the BBC Natural History Unit and the region that launched Sir David Attenborough’s pioneering work, we know what’s at stake and what has already been lost.

“This strategy—the first of its kind in England — reflects our commitment to a future where nature is restored, reconnected, and actively recovering. The West of England Nature Partnership is driving this forward, seeking to unlock funding for their exciting projects.

“Together, we’re creating a model for others to follow: a region where landscapes are resilient, nature thrives, and our communities benefit for generations to come.”

Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East and the government’s minister for climate, said: “I am pleased to see the West of England leading the way on nature restoration with the launch of this trailblazing Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

“We know nature is in crisis, with growing species and habitat loss. On Thursday we will come together as a region to begin the work of reversing that process, creating a model for the rest of the country to follow.

“Restoring nature requires a holistic approach, with everyone coming together to take action which will both reduce nature’s decline and begin the process of rebuilding.

“My colleague Steve Reed, the environment secretary, has committed to reversing the decline of nature and to making this the most ‘nature-positive government this nation has ever had.’ The strategy and the broader West of England Nature Partnership are a crucial part of achieving this vision.”

Pictured: WENP partners/conference attendees, left to right: Stephen Peacock, CEO of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority; Zoe Metcalfe, client director for local and central government at AtkinsRéalis; Ian Barrett, chair of the West of England Nature Partnership and CEO of Avon Wildlife Trust; Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England; Zoe Davies, West of England nature partnership manager; Tony Juniper CBE, chair of Natural England; Kerry McCarthy MP, MP for Bristol East and minister for climate; Bevis Watts, CEO of Triodos Bank.