THERE’S still time for city residents to have their say on an ambitious draft strategy to make space for nature across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) will help to protect nature and allow it to recover by conserving and improving habitats and biodiversity. It will identify locations to create or improve habitat and provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment.
The city council is working with Leicestershire County Council on the development of the strategy, in liaison with other local authorities, land management organisations, and the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra).
People have already been sharing their views since the consultation was launched last month.
The consultation runs until Friday 28 February and is inviting comments 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
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 found here and features 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 be found on Leicestershire County Council’s website here
A spokesperson for the city council said: “We want to hear from as many groups and individuals as possible so we can agree priorities for nature locally and identify locations that will benefit most.
"We can’t do this by ourselves. We know we need to strike a balance between helping nature and wildlife recover, protecting the livelihoods of those who own and cultivate land, and the wider needs of people who live here.”
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.