Public consultation opens for Isle of Wight's Nature Recovery Plan
Published: 17 January 2025
The UK has seen a big drop in biodiversity and habitat over the past 25 years, with many common species like starlings, sparrows, frogs, and slow worms now at risk.
To help tackle this, DEFRA and Natural England are working with authorities across the country to create Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) as required by the Environment Act 2021.
These strategies aim to restore habitats, protect species, and boost biodiversity.
In the summer of 2023, the Isle of Wight Council asked Island-based Arc Biodiversity and Climate to help prepare the LNRS for the Isle of Wight.
After launching 'Island Nature' in late 2023, they engaged with many local stakeholders over the past 18 months.
In December 2024, DEFRA and Natural England approved the draft LNRS for the Isle of Wight, recognising its potential to serve as a model for the rest of the country.
Samantha Buck, director at Arc Biodiversity and Climate, said: "The Island Nature team has worked very hard to gather the Island's ecological knowledge and expertise. We are thrilled that the draft LNRS was well received by DEFRA and Natural England."
The next step is a four-week public consultation on the draft LNRS, and the community is encouraged to share their views.
Councillor Lora Peacey Wilcox, Cabinet member for climate change, biosphere and waste, said: "The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will be key in helping our Island's nature and wildlife recover and thrive.
"I urge the Island community to review the draft, give feedback, and help shape the priorities and actions we want to see."
After the consultation, comments will be reviewed, and Isle of Wight councillors will be asked to approve the final version of the LNRS in the first half of 2025.
Once agreed, the document will guide and support nature recovery efforts across various sectors on the Island.
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