The deadline for people to have a say on the development of an ambitious new nature strategy has been extended to the end of May.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy is being developed for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland to protect nature and allow it to recover by preserving and improving habitats and biodiversity.
Leicestershire County Council has been appointed as the ‘responsible authority’ to lead on the development of the strategy, working closely with the other local authorities, key stakeholders in land management, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Organisations including landowners, farmers, parish councils, environmental and nature groups, as well as the public, are being asked to have their say to help draw up the priorities to be included in the strategy.
It will identify locations to create or improve habitat and to provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment.
Two separate Making Space for Nature surveys for the public and organisations have been launched to capture a wide range of views, ideas and suggestions on how nature can be improved and helped to recover across the area.
So far, the surveys have received almost 400 responses – with the deadline to take part in those surveys now extended to 26 May.
Ann Carruthers, Leicestershire County Council’s director of environment and transport, said: “The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will help both nature and people thrive across the whole of Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.
“It’s great to see that close to 400 responses have already been received across the two surveys, and we are keen to see even more people and organisations taking part.
“We know it’s been busy for some with the Easter and Eid breaks, so we've extended the deadline to give many more people the opportunity to share their views.
“Getting input from as many groups and individuals as possible to contribute to the strategy is an important step so we can identify locations that will benefit most.
“We need to strike a balance between helping nature and wildlife recover, protecting the livelihoods of those who own and cultivate land, and the wider needs of people who live here.
“All the views and ideas we receive from the Making Space for Nature surveys will contribute to the development of the strategy which we will work up with our partners and consult people on before it is published in the summer of 2025.”
The other partners helping to oversee the development of the strategy are Leicester City Council, Rutland County Council, the seven Leicestershire district councils, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Natural England, and The National Forest Company.