There’s still time for people to have their say on an ambitious draft strategy to make space for nature across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.
People from across the two counties and the city have already shared their views on the draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) since the consultation was launched on Monday 6 January.
The LNRS has been developed by Leicestershire County Council and partners to safeguard nature and allow it to recover by conserving and improving habitats and biodiversity.
The consultation runs until Friday 28 February and wants to hear from residents, farmers, landowners and other interested groups on the draft strategy, which sets out practical actions to boost the area’s wildlife and natural spaces.
The main points include:
• A big picture look at how habitat loss, shrinking species populations and the effects of climate change can be tackled
• The priority habitats and species that need urgent attention
• What action is needed to build a healthier, more connected natural environment
• Creating space for nature to flourish while supporting local people and their livelihoods
Developed with input from local councils, environmental groups, farmers, landowners, and the community, the draft strategy also highlights important habitats including woodlands, wetlands, and urban green spaces, along with key species that need help.
The survey can be viewed on our Have Your Say page and features at-a-glance interactive maps which can be used to view projects in detail and make comments.
Several in-person and online briefing sessions have been organised to give people the opportunity to learn more about the LNRS, ask questions, and share your thoughts. These events are open to everyone.
The in-person sessions include a presentation, a Q&A and an opportunity at the end to speak to the presenter. The first takes place on Thursday 13 February, (7pm-9pm), at the Symington Building in Market Harborough, and the second is on Monday 17 February, (7pm-9pm), at Loughborough Town Hall. A third will take place on Tuesday 18 February, (7pm-) at Bishop Street Methodist Church in Leicester city centre, while the fourth takes place in the Rutland County Council Chamber from 2.30-4pm on Tuesday 25 February.
The online sessions take place on Tuesday 11 February (6.30-7.30pm), Tuesday 18 February (4pm-5pm) and Tuesday 25 February (1pm-2pm and 6.30-7.30pm.
More information and registration for the in-person or online briefing sessions can also be found on our Have Your Say page.
Responses to the consultation, which runs until Friday 28 February, will be used to develop the final version of the LNRS, which will be published in the summer.
We are pleased that people have already taken the time to complete the survey and let us know how we can give nature a helping hand and help it to thrive across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.
If you’ve not already shared your view through the consultation, we would love to hear from you. By working together, we can protect our landscapes and wildlife, and create a more sustainable future for everyone.
Person:Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for environment and the green agenda
Leicestershire County Council has been appointed as the ‘responsible authority’ to lead on the development of the strategy, working closely with the other local authorities, key stakeholders in land management, and supporting Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) organisations.
The other partners helping to oversee the development of the strategy are Leicester City Council, Rutland County Council, the seven Leicestershire district councils, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Natural England, and The National Forest Company.