Public consultation on a new strategy to make space for nature across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland ran from 6 January to 28 February 2025.
The draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) has been developed by Leicestershire County Council and partners to protect nature and allow it to recover by preserving and improving habitats and biodiversity.
The consultation asked for input 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
Developed with input from local councils, environmental groups, farmers, landowners, and the community, the draft strategy also highlights important habitats including woodlands, wetlands, and urban green spaces, along with key species that need help.
With 80 per cent of the land within the scope of the consultation being farmland, farmers and landowners are key players, combining sustainable food production with nature-friendly methods.
The draft strategy has been created using the responses to a series of workshops and two surveys, with more than 1,000 residents and almost 100 farmers and landowners having their say as part of the Making Space for Nature survey last year.
The most popular suggestions for action were the creation of new habitats, the restoration or expansion of existing habitats and the need to make space for nature in housing, industrial and other developments.
Next steps
Responses to the consultation will be used to develop the final version of the LNRS, which will be published in the summer.