Gloucestershire County Council has produced a strategy to promote nature recovery and enhance biodiversity across the region.

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) was published last Friday and outlines 113 proposed measures to support its restorative aims. The suggestions include regenerative farming, natural flood management, and orchard re-planting.

Part of the strategy includes the launch of an interactive online map which highlights the council’s priority potential measures and the sites at which they would have the greatest benefit.

To celebrate the publication of the plan, a nature-themed event was held at Mitton Manor Primary School in Tewkesbury, during which pupils, staff, and the council gathered to ‘spark excitement and interest in the county’s ambition’.

According to the council, the LNRS will support planners, landowners, farmers, organisations, and communities, by delivering positive outcomes such as enhanced mental and physical health, improved water and air quality, healthier ecosystems, sustainable food production, and boosted habitats for wildlife.

The local authority has also confirmed that councils must now consider the LNRS during decision-making, with a new delivery officer and a Local Nature Partnership network having been introduced to ensure the strategy’s integration.

Cllr Martin Horwood, Cabinet Member for Nature, Climate and Waste Reduction, said:?‘This launch marks a major turning point for Gloucestershire’s environment. By putting nature recovery at the heart of how we plan, grow and care for our county,?we’re?taking?action that will?benefit?generations to come.

‘I encourage everyone to explore the strategy and the map online, see what can be done in your area and join us in making Gloucestershire a national leader in restoring the natural world.’