Hampshire County Council wants residents, community groups and organisations including businesses, parish councils and others to take part in a survey asking where they would like to see improvements for nature recovery, their views on nature priorities and what action they may be taking locally to help nature in their area.

Gathering this information is an important first step in the development of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy which aims to ensure Hampshire’s natural environment is protected for today’s and future generations.

Councillor Rob Humby, Leader of the County Council, said: “The Strategy is an exciting opportunity to create a blueprint for the recovery of nature in Hampshire – outlining what we can do, where the opportunities for doing it are, and considering how it can be delivered alongside wider positive environmental outcomes for people and nature, such as reduced flood risk. It will provide organisations with a framework for developing nature recovery projects and help prioritise funding and investment in Hampshire’s nature’s recovery.”

The County Council has been appointed by the Government to lead the preparation of the county’s strategy to include the areas of Portsmouth and Southampton, working with all of the county’s local councils, as well as the wildlife and farming organisations, national parks and environmental and conservation organisations.

Completing the online survey should take only a few minutes and will provide valuable information.

Working with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the County Council is also arranging a series of community workshops.  Details of these will be available in the New Year on the County Council’s website so keep a look out for more information.

People can sign up for regular updates and newsletters on the Local Recovery Strategy here: Local Nature Recovery Strategy sign-up