With studies revealing that the UK is one of most nature-depleted countries in the world, halting the decline of the natural world has never been more important – and here in the Staffordshire Moorlands a plan for helping do just that has been launched.
The Plan for Nature will focus and guide the work of the District Council to stop, and reverse, habitat loss in the Moorlands. It has been developed in partnership with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and key stakeholders.
To fulfil the vision for biodiversity, these targets have been developed:
– 30% of Staffordshire Moorlands land will be managed for wildlife by 2030
– Support priority species with the help of community groups
– Develop plans to improve water quality in nature
– Improve wildlife sites
– Improve the Churnet Valley as a home for biodiversity
– Ensure access for all to green spaces
Councillor Nigel Yates, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, met colleagues from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, and the some of the Friends of Cecilly Brook at the nature site in Cheadle to launch the plan.
He said: “We’re extremely fortunate that here in the Moorlands we have some of the most scenic landscapes and natural spaces in the country. We at the Council take our responsibility for protecting and enhancing these sites seriously which is why I’m so pleased that we’re launching our Plan for Nature.”
The Plan is based on detailed mapping by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and will help meet the Council’s new enhanced statutory duty on biodiversity as well as other provisions in the Environment Act 2021 including Biodiversity Net Gain in new developments.
Councillor Yates added: “This evidence base will help us prioritise our use of resources, and our work with other partners, to deliver conservation actions that minimise habitat loss and help species recover.
“I’d like to thank the team at Council, the Wildlife Trust, and everyone who has contributed to the Plan, for all their hard work. We’ll continue to work together to ensure we’re making a positive difference whilst ensuring everyone has access to the green spaces and natural environments that are so important to our wellbeing.”
Dave Cadman, Head of Nature Recovery Networks at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “It’s vital local authorities are at the forefront of targeted efforts to tackle the nature crisis. We’re hopeful that as the Plan for Nature is implemented, we will see wildlife recover and become plentiful across the Moorlands.
“We’d encourage other local authorities to follow suit and would be only too happy to help them to formulate area specific plans.”
