Making Space for Nature: A Call to Action Across Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland
A crucial initiative has been launched, inviting residents, landowners, and stakeholders across Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland to participate in shaping a vital new nature strategy. The "Making Space for Nature" consultation is focused on the draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), a comprehensive plan designed to protect and revitalize the region's natural environment.
Spearheaded by Leicestershire County Council and its partners, the LNRS addresses the pressing challenges of habitat loss, declining species populations, and the escalating impacts of climate change. The strategy aims to establish a framework for practical actions that will bolster biodiversity and create a healthier, more connected natural landscape.
Key Objectives of the LNRS:
Addressing Environmental Challenges: To tackle habitat loss, shrinking species populations, and the effects of climate change through a holistic, large-scale approach.
Prioritising Habitats and Species: Identifying and focusing on the habitats and species most in need of urgent intervention.
Building a Connected Environment: Implementing actions to create a thriving and interconnected natural environment.
Balancing Nature and Livelihoods: Fostering an environment where nature can flourish while supporting local communities and their economic activities.
The draft strategy emphasises the importance of diverse habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and urban green spaces, and highlights key species requiring immediate assistance. Recognising the significant role of agriculture in the region, with 80% of the land being farmland, the LNRS actively encourages farmers and landowners to adopt sustainable, nature-friendly practices.
The development of the LNRS is rooted in community engagement. Prior input was gathered through workshops and surveys, with over 1,000 residents and nearly 100 farmers and landowners contributing their insights. Key suggestions from these consultations included creating new habitats, restoring existing ones, and integrating nature into housing and industrial developments.
How to Participate:
The "Making Space for Nature" survey is now open, offering an interactive platform for residents to provide feedback. The survey features interactive maps, allowing users to explore project details and share their comments. The consultation period runs until Friday, February 28th, and the feedback collected will be used to finalize the LNRS, which is scheduled for publication in the summer.
Voices of Support:
Councillor Blake Pain, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda, emphasised the collaborative nature of the project, stating, "It’s a call to action for everyone. Nature is struggling, and we need to step up to help it bounce back. By working together, we can protect our landscapes and wildlife, and create a more sustainable future for everyone."
Councillor Geoff Whittle, Leicester City Council assistant city mayor for environment & transport, highlighted Leicester's commitment to nature conservation, saying, "I would encourage everyone who cares about our environment to take part in this consultation, to help us build on our biodiversity and nature conservation work for the benefit of future generations."
Councillor Christine Wise, Rutland County Council cabinet member for transport, environment and communities, acknowledged the community's passion for nature in Rutland, stating, "I know people in Rutland will be keen to take part in this consultation. It’s incredibly important and has the potential to make a big difference."
This initiative represents a vital step towards creating a more sustainable and biodiverse future for Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland. By actively participating in the consultation, residents can play a crucial role in shaping the region's natural landscape for generations to come.
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