The quality of our natural environment has long been a factor which contributes towards community well-being. Restoring nature offers a range of benefits to communities through nature-based solutions, opportunities to improve well-being through nature connection, healthier living, boosting recreation and tourism, social cohesion through nature based projects, and contributing to a communities identify.
Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) were introduced in the Environment Act 2021. They are strategic plans which guide and co-ordinate actions for nature recovery, aiming to address the decline of biodiversity, promote ecological resilience and create healthier and more sustainable environments. Devon County Council is the responsible body for Devon’s LNRS. However, the success of the LNRS requires support from a wide range of partners and stakeholders, including parish and town councils.
Parish and town councils are actively involved in the management of numerous greenspaces in their communities, such as recreation grounds and parks, burial grounds, village greens, flowers beds, verges and more. Many will already be managing at least part of these areas to benefit nature, which will contribute to achieving the objectives of the LNRS. This event aims to introduce the LNRS, explaining what it is about, what is is trying to achieve, the timeframe and opportunities for you to engage and contribute. The second part of the session will explore how we could adjust management of greenspaces to help nature recovery and identify opportunities for collaboration.
We are delighted to be welcoming Damian, Bridie and Jo, who are working with Devon County Council’s Environment Team to develop the LNRS. Bridie and Jo will brief participants on Devon’s LNRS and Damian will lead a workshop to explore opportunities for delivering nature benefits through the management of our greenspace.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of nature recovery initiatives, to engage with the LNRS, and network with fellow councils. Let’s explore together any untapped potential of our greenspaces for a greener, healthier future.
This event is a free online event and open to councillors or officers from our member councils. Register for our Connect Event on 7 December, at 6pm.
Our Connect Events are instrumental in bringing Councils together; to connect to DALC, to connect with each other, and to connect with other agencies whose work impacts our communities.
A primary goal of our events is to foster information sharing and collaboration. We want to create a space where councils can engage in open and constructive discussions, receive timely information, and to pool our collective wisdom so DALC can effectively represent its membership, and help shape local policy which supports our communities.
We welcome all councils to participate in these events – where collaboration flourishes, engagement thrives, information flows, and our network strengthens.
See recordings of past Connect Events: