The popular community forum for nature is being relaunched by Leicestershire County Council with a new name, new format, and a renewed focus on local action for wildlife.
The Nature Network, formerly known as the Parish Nature Network, will bring together parish and town councillors, local representatives and active community members to share ideas, ask questions and learn more about what they can do to help nature thrive in their area.
The first online meeting of the relaunched network will take place on Wednesday 10 September from 7pm to 8.30pm via Microsoft Teams. The session will include the latest news on wildlife and habitats in Leicestershire, a talk on water vole recovery in the county, and an opportunity to put questions to county council staff in an informal Q&A.
The Nature Network is hosted by Leicestershire County Council and welcomes contributions from all. Future topics planned for the sessions include tree warden activities, invasive and non-native species, conservation projects, and the urban wildlife verge scheme. Each session will also include seasonal updates, a guest speaker, and an optional problem-solving ‘surgery’ to offer advice on funding, governance and best practice.
A full programme of future events and speakers will be shared later in the year.
The Nature Network will be running alongside the rollout of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, which was officially launched on 8 July.
I’m delighted to see the Nature Network relaunching with a renewed focus on supporting local communities to take action for wildlife. This is a vital platform for parish councils, community groups and individuals to share ideas, learn from each other and hear the latest about nature recovery across Leicestershire.
Protecting and restoring our natural environment is a priority for the council, but we know real change happens when local people get involved.
I’d encourage anyone with an interest in nature, no matter your experience, to sign up and be part of this growing community.
Person:Councillor Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for environment & flooding
The county council will be sending invitations to parish councils through existing channels, and other individuals and community groups with an interest in nature are also very welcome to take part.
Anyone who would like to sign up for the first meeting or to submit a question in advance is asked to contact the Environment Team at: EnvironmentTeam@leics.gov.uk