The Isle of Wight council’s draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) has been approved by DEFRA, following extensive work by Arc Biodiversity and Climate and a public consultation.
Their initiative, called ‘Island Nature,’ launched in late 2023 and has since involved extensive engagement with local stakeholders over an 18-month period.
In December 2024, the draft LNRS for the Isle of Wight received approval from DEFRA and Natural England, a recognition that underscores its potential as a national example.
“Thrilled” following the hard work
Samantha Buck, director at Arc Biodiversity and Climate, commented,
“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.”
Public consultation opens
The next phase for the LNRS is a four-week public consultation. Residents are encouraged to review the draft and provide feedback to help shape the strategy’s priorities.
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.”
A roadmap for recovery
Following the consultation, public comments will be assessed and councillors will be asked to approve the final version of the LNRS in the first half of 2025.
Once adopted, the strategy will serve as a vital roadmap for biodiversity recovery, supporting efforts across various sectors on the Island.
Island residents can access the draft LNRS and related mapping on the Island Nature website, where a questionnaire is available to gather feedback.
With its strong foundation and broad community involvement, the Isle of Wight’s LNRS could play a critical role in restoring nature and inspiring similar initiatives across the UK.
