Last week, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) was jointly launched by Shropshire Council with Telford and Wrekin Council. A significant milestone, following considerable work by the steering group and local officers to get the strategy over the line. After public consultation with a strong response, the opportunity map and strategy were approved by the Cabinet at both councils. Nearly 4,000 responses were considered and adjustments made as a result.
The streering group consisted of:
- Shropshire Council (the Responsible Authority)
- Natural England (Supporting Authority)
- Telford and Wrekin Council (Supporting Authority)
- Country Land and Business Association
- Environment Agency
- Forestry Commission
- National Farmers Union
- Shropshire Hills National Landscape
- Shropshire Wildlife Trust
Last week Shropshire Council issued a press release on world earth day. I was very pleased to support that and commended the team for their effort to get the strategy over the line. Read more about LNRS here.
Councillor David Walker, Shropshire Council Cabinet member with responsibility for planning, said:-
“Nature underpins everyday life, from clean air and water to the green spaces that support our health and wellbeing, yet many species and habitats across Shropshire are still in decline.
“This strategy sets out a shared, locally‑led approach to turning that around. It’s about bringing councils, landowners, organisations and communities together to deliver real, practical improvements for nature. I’d like to thank everyone who contributed and the whole team who have pulled together such an excellent piece of work. The focus now is on turning this ambition into action on the ground.”
On Monday this week I was interviewed by the BBC.
Shropshire Council News Article: Landmark nature recovery plan published for Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. An excellent news report. Breaking down the trategy and future efforts while highlighting some of theo. This was in parallel to a BBC Radio Shropshire report which is also linked below.
BBC Shropshire news story: How do you restore the wild spaces in a corner of England?
During the interview I stressed how great Shropshire is to live and work in. But there are still things we can do to improve that. Not only by improving habitats, and amenity spaces but also by improved management of run off and flooding. In the long-term there will be some great opportunities to boost tourism, support wider economic activity, and create high skilled jobs.
BBC Radio Shropshire: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002v590
