Businesses and land owners are being urged to back new plans aimed at boosting wildlife in the West Country including beaver populations on the River Avon.
The Nature Recovery Strategy, being published on Thursday (November 7), is the first of its kind in England. It is hoped the proposals could mean the return of glowworms on Severnside and growing fish populations around Capricorn Quay.
The strategy is being launched by the West of England Combined Authority and the West of England Nature Partnership (WENP) – a group of non-governmental organisations and local authorities working across Bristol; South Gloucestershire; North Somerset; and Bath and North East Somerset.
Dan Norris, the Mayor of the West of England, said: “People from the towns, villages, and cities of the West of England love wildlife and nature. From the majestic kingfishers along the Kennet & Avon Canal, to mighty ancient oaks in Pensford and vibrant pollinator patches in Bristol’s parks, our region is home to some wonderful species.
“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.”
Nature minister Mary Creagh said closer collaboration between communities, businesses and local partners would put nature “on the road to recovery” for the next generation.
“Nature underpins everything – the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat – and we urgently need to halt and reverse its decline across the country,” she said. “Local Nature Recovery Strategies like this one will lay out a path to creating places where people, plants and wildlife can thrive.”
The publication of the strategy will be accompanied by a toolkit to inform action for nature across the West of England. The launch of the plans follows a consultation period earlier in the summer.
Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, added: “England is currently one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. To protect the web of life that we depend on for our health, wealth and security, we must take cooperative action across every level of society to restore nature. This includes at the local level.
“The first LNRS marks a significant step forward for nature recovery efforts, pioneering a locally led approach to restoring landscapes and habitats at scale.”