Inside Salisbury: Formal public consultation on Local Nature Recovery
Here's a chance to have your say about local nature and biodiversity
by Annette J Beveridge
A FORMAL public consultation has been set up inviting residents, landowners and organisations to help shape the future of nature’s recovery across the county.
The six-week Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) will provide the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft strategy to map out priority habitats, key species and practical measures to expand, restore and connect important natural resources across the region.
There will be three online webinars.
Tuesday, March 11
Wednesday, March 19
Wednesday, March 26
The webinars will give an overview of the strategy and explain the process. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Dominic Muns, said “The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with one in six species threatened with extinction. Central Government introduced the LNRS as a key tool to address this crisis by ensuring conservation efforts are strategic, locally informed, and well-coordinated.
“The Wiltshire and Swindon LNRS will map key habitats and identify priority areas for conservation, set clear objectives for restoring and enhancing biodiversity, identify practical projects for creating or improving habitats and support collaboration between local authorities, conservation groups, landowners, and the wider community.
“By focusing conservation efforts where they are most needed, the LNRS will support wildlife to thrive and can also help to deliver wider environmental benefits such as cleaner air and waterways, reduced flood risk, and enhanced green spaces for local communities.”
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The Wiltshire and Swindon LNRS has been developed in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, Natural England Environment Agency, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, RSPB, National Landscapes, the local Biological Records Centre, and key farming, river, and forestry organisations. Their expertise, alongside wider public input, will help ensure the strategy is both scientifically robust and locally relevant.
A full consultation document is available on the Wiltshire Council website, along with a map of measures and an interactive LNRS web survey, where participants can review and comment on proposals.
The consultation closes on Wednesday, April 16.
Wiltshire Council will then review all feedback and refine the draft strategy.
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The updated document will be considered by the Environment Select Committee and Cabinet, before going to Full Council for adoption. Once fully approved, the LNRS will be submitted to DEFRA, in addition to Natural England. The strategy will guide nature recovery initiatives across Wiltshire and Swindon, contributing to the broader National Nature Recovery Network across the country.
This will not only support local conservation efforts but also play a crucial role in national biodiversity goals.
If you want to get involved, here are the available options.
Review the draft LNRS and submit feedback before Sunday, April 20 2025. Find the link to the survey on the Wiltshire Council website here.
Sign up for a webinar. Email localnaturerecoverystrategy@wiltshire.gov.uk to learn more about the strategy and ask questions.
Follow Our Wiltshire or @WiltsCouncil on X (formerly Twitter) for updates.
Join the LNRS mailing list to receive event invitations and consultation updates directly to your inbox.
Be part of Wiltshire’s nature recovery - share your views and help shape the future of our landscapes.
