Dorset Council has been appointed as one of 48 responsible authorities in England, to lead in the preparation of a new Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the county.

The announcement, made by Defra, forms part of the UK government's ambitions to protect and restore nature and will see the creation of around 50 strategies covering all of England.

The strategy for Dorset will cover the whole of the county and will help show where our most valuable spots for nature currently are. It will also explore the opportunities to restore, grow and connect wildlife in our county.  

Dorset Council, alongside supporting authorities Natural England and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council, will be working closely with residents, businesses, farmers, landowners, and communities to develop the strategy. 

As one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, it is clear action is urgently needed in England to restore habitats that have been lost and make more space for nature in our local areas.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said of the recent announcement: "This is an excellent opportunity for the council to work with Dorset's residents, groups, landowners, and organisations to provide the framework to make nature bigger, better and more joined-up in our county.

"The Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Dorset will go beyond simply protecting existing wildlife spots, it will seek to actively restore, connect, and create new areas for nature.

"This is a collective effort, and we each have our part to play in making sure Dorset remains a wildlife-rich county for generations to come." 

Councillor Andy Hadley, BCP Council's portfolio holder for Climate Mitigation, Environment and Energy, added: "Making space for nature is as important in the urban environment as it is in the countryside, with a patchwork of public spaces, gardens and insecticide/herbicide free locations creating opportunities for nature recovery and wildlife observation.

"We look forward to working with Dorset Council, residents, and other partners to develop this strategy together."

Once created, Dorset's Local Nature Recovery Strategy will be joined with other local strategies to form a country-wide Nature Recovery Network.

Opportunities for Dorset residents, businesses, farmers, landowners, and communities to contribute to the strategy will be shared in the coming months.

You can find more information on the local nature recovery strategy and the ongoing work to protect Dorset's environment, climate and ecology on the council's website: Dorset's Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) - Dorset Council.