A landmark plan to restore wildlife and habitats across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin has been published, following two years of partnership work between Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council and Natural England.
The Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Local Nature Recovery Strategy sets out a shared framework to restore nature, boost biodiversity and strengthen the landscapes that local communities and wildlife depend on.
The strategy attracted a record number of almost 4,000 responses during consultation, from residents, landowners, conservation groups, businesses and parish councils.
The plan is non-regulatory and does not introduce new restrictions or require land-use changes, but instead provides a framework to guide partners, support landowners, inform funding decisions and help communities enhance local green spaces.
Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin is one of 48 Local Nature Recovery Strategy areas in England, established under the Environment Act 2021. The strategy has now been finalised and submitted to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Cllr David Walker, Shropshire Council Cabinet member with responsibility for planning, said: ‘Nature underpins everyday life, from clean air and water to the green spaces that support our health and wellbeing, yet many species and habitats across Shropshire are still in decline.
‘This strategy sets out a shared, locally led approach to turning that around. It’s about bringing councils, landowners, organisations and communities together to deliver real, practical improvements for nature.’
