Have Your Say on Cornwall’s New Blueprint for Nature Recovery

Residents, farmers, businesses, and landowners across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are being invited to share their views on a bold new plan to restore and protect the region’s natural environment. The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Nature Recovery Strategy was launched today (20 November 2024) and offers a detailed roadmap for enhancing local wildlife and tackling the ecological emergency.

What Does the Strategy Include?

Developed collaboratively by Cornwall Council, the Isles of Scilly Council, the Local Nature Partnership, and the Isles of Scilly National Landscape partnership, the strategy outlines a range of tools and actions to restore nature.

Key components of the plan include:

• Mapping: Highlighting the most valuable areas for wildlife and identifying opportunities for nature recovery.
• Short-Term Actions: A focus on immediate priorities to help restore nature.
• Nature-Based Solutions: Ideas such as natural flood management to increase climate resilience in local communities.
• Case Studies: Real-life examples designed to inspire residents to take action.

Lord Teverson, Chair of the Local Nature Partnership, emphasised the urgency of the plan:
“It is a vital new framework to guide how we can all take action to reach the target of 30% of our land and rivers to be well managed for nature by 2030. We have a short window of time to turn this strategy into local action so we must act now.”

Public Consultation Open Until January

The public consultation on the strategy will remain open until 6 January 2025, giving everyone the opportunity to provide feedback.

Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, encouraged residents to take part:
“Our Cornish landscape and wildlife are a vital part of our heritage and identity. This new Local Nature Recovery Strategy is a pivotal plan to help guide us, our partners and communities in taking action to grow nature and tackle the ecological emergency for the benefit of one and all. Now is your chance to tell what you think of the strategy, and we would love to hear your views.”

Collaboration Is Key

Harry Legg, Lead Member for Environment, Environmental Services and Climate Change for the Council of the Isles of Scilly, highlighted the importance of working together:
“The Isles of Scilly and Cornwall contain some excellent examples of how society can thrive alongside nature. Only by working together can we ensure that the environment around us starts to heal and we are able to continue to enjoy the benefits to healthy lives that nature provides us.”

Government Backing

This strategy is part of a wider policy initiative introduced in the Environment Act 2021, which allocated £14 million to councils across England to develop Local Nature Recovery Strategies. Supported by Natural England, the Environment Agency, and the Forestry Commission, the plans will not mandate changes to local landowners but will serve as a guide for planning decisions and funding.

How to Have Your Say

Residents are encouraged to participate by visiting the consultation page: Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Nature Recovery Strategy.

For more information, visit the Nature Recovery hub or make a Pledge for Nature.

The opportunity to shape the future of Cornwall’s natural world is open now – your voice matters.