Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Launch Nature Recovery Strategy

A major new plan to help wildlife and restore natural spaces across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has officially been launched, setting out a path to recover nature across the region.

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Nature Recovery Strategy is a statutory report that aims to reverse the decline in wildlife, support biodiversity, and improve natural habitats for future generations.

Developed in Cornwall, Backed by Thousands

The strategy was developed by Cornwall Council in partnership with the region’s Local Nature Partnership, the Council of the Isles of Scilly and the Isles of Scilly National Landscape partnership. It’s one of the first of its kind in England and was shaped by input from thousands of residents, farmers, businesses and landowners.

The plan sets out how the region will work towards a major national target: having 30% of land and rivers well managed for nature by 2030.

As part of the Environment Act 2021, councils across England were awarded £14 million by the government to create Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly adopted the final strategy in March 2025 and are now working with national and regional partners to begin its delivery.

Why It Matters

The report makes clear that nature in Cornwall and Scilly is facing serious challenges, with wildlife declines in line with national trends. Despite this, the region is home to unique wildlife and important habitats that need better protection, more space, and better connections across the landscape.

It also recognises that people living in and visiting the region care deeply about nature and see themselves as part of it.

Goals That Go Beyond Protection

The strategy outlines a series of major goals:

• A thriving Nature Recovery Network, with protected, enhanced and restored habitats supporting rich wildlife

• Species recovery, with greater diversity and numbers

• Nature-based solutions, such as natural flood management, to help communities adapt to climate change

• Support for land managers, including farmers, to help access funding and create plans to restore nature

Lord Teverson, Chair of the Local Nature Partnership, said the challenge goes beyond simply protecting what we already have:

“Like the rest of the UK, nature in Cornwall and Scilly is in decline as it faces the many pressures of modern life. That means it’s not enough just to protect what we have. We have to reverse the trend.”

He added:

“We now have a well-grounded strategy, available to all, ready to be delivered. And everybody can join in and make their mark by making their-own Pledge for Nature on our Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership’s website.”

Support from Across the Region

Councillor Loic Rich, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said the benefits of nature recovery go far beyond wildlife alone:

“The more we do for nature, the more nature can do for us.”

He highlighted the vital role of Cornwall’s farmers and growers:

“In a rural region like Cornwall farmers and growers are central to that mission… supporting businesses to stay viable whilst delivering for nature at the same time.”

What’s in the Strategy?

The strategy includes:

• A detailed map showing existing important areas for wildlife and opportunities for recovery

• Immediate actions and short-term priorities for nature

• Nature-based solution ideas, such as restoring wetlands and managing floods naturally

• Real-life case studies to inspire residents

Local Priorities for Nature

Key nature recovery priorities for Cornwall include:

• A Forest for Cornwall with well-managed trees and woodlands

• A better understanding of the role of scrub across the landscape

• A connected network of heathland, moors and mires

• More ponds in schools, farms and villages

• Cleaner estuaries and seas, and protected coastal habitats

• Healthier rivers and streams, with restored floodplains

• Nature-friendly farming, supporting both food production and wildlife

• Grasslands, hedges and wildflower-rich spaces for pollinators

• Greener towns and villages, making space for wildlife and people

• A near continuous coastal wild-belt of habitat and regenerative farming

The full strategy is now available and will guide local decision-making and funding going forward.

To get involved or learn more, visit the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership’s website.