Somerset Council is using Earth Day to remind residents of their last chance to help shape the future for nature in the county.
Earth Day is a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, encouraging us to come together and take action for a healthier planet and brighter future.
And April is the last opportunity to contribute to a survey bringing together the public’s views on how nature matters to them in the county. Your opinion counts – the results of this survey will be used to help shape Somerset’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will provide a single vision for nature recovery and map out local priorities and opportunities. It will also help to identify the locations most suitable for nature restoration, and the places where the recovery or enhancement of biodiversity could make a particular contribution to other environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration, flood regulation, and access to nature-rich spaces for health and wellbeing.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy is funded by Defra and local authorities throughout England have been appointed to lead the work. Somerset Council is developing the LNRS for Somerset in collaboration with the Somerset Local Nature Partnership.
Work is underway to evaluate Somerset’s habitat types, where they occur, their condition, the pressures they face, desired outcomes and what actions are needed to achieve these outcomes. Data on species and habitats is also being gathered from a wide range of sources.
A wide range of people and organisations have been involved in the development of the Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Workshops and specialist surveys have been used to gather knowledge and views from wildlife specialists, government organisations, environmental charities, farmers, landowners and managers, businesses, local groups and communities, with more to follow as the Strategy takes shape.
Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Dixie Darch said
“Somerset has some of the most spectacular habitats and wildlife in the UK, but our natural environment faces urgent and significant challenges. The latest Somerset State of Nature Report demonstrates that we need to do much more to reverse the decline in nature and help Somerset’s wildlife to thrive. Each and every one of us benefits from nature, without it, we are lost. I encourage everyone to take part in the survey and make a positive difference for our beautiful county.”
There have already been well over 500 responses to the public survey, which shows how important nature is to the people of Somerset. Thank you to everyone who has taken part.
Anyone can have a part to play in shaping the Strategy and we’re keen to hear from you if you would like to have your say, and tell us how Somerset’s nature matters to you. Don’t delay. The survey closes on 30 April.
Take part in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Somerset survey
Once collated all this information will be used to prepare the draft strategy which will be published for consultation in the autumn.
