People are being asked for their priorities to help shape an "ambitious new nature strategy" for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will help to protect nature and allow it to recover by preserving and improving habitats and biodiversity. It will identify locations to create or improve habitat and provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment.

Rutland County Council is working with Leicestershire County Council on the development of the strategy, working closely with the other local authorities, key stakeholders in land management, and the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Residents, alongside organisations including landowners, farmers, parish councils, environmental and nature groups are being asked to have their say to help draw up the priorities to be included in the strategy.

Two separate Making Space for Nature surveys for the public and organisations have been launched to capture a wide range of views, ideas and suggestions on how nature can be improved and helped to recover across the area. These surveys will remain open until Sunday 26 May 2024. 

The survery closes on 26 May 2024. Image credit: Nub News.

Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Environment at Rutland County Council, said: "We need this strategy to ensure both nature and people thrive across Rutland in the future. We want to hear from as many groups and individuals as possible, so we can agree shared priorities for nature locally and identify locations that will benefit most.

"We can't do this alone. We know we need to strike a balance between helping nature and wildlife recover, protecting the livelihoods of those who own and cultivate land, and the wider needs of residents. This is why we want the broadest possible range of views." 

All the views and ideas received through the Making Space for Nature surveys will contribute to a final strategy, with further public consultation planned before it is published in the summer of 2025.

Residents can find out more and take part here. Anyone without internet access can arrange to complete the survey by calling Rutland County Council on: 01572 722 577. 

The partners helping to oversee the development of the strategy are Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council, Rutland County Council, all seven district councils, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Natural England, and The National Forest Company.