Nature lovers are being invited to get involved to help local wildlife thrive across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
100 Indicator Species have been identified to help track the state of nature across the area, and these can show a lot about how well local habitats are working and how they’re responding to conservation efforts.
Leicestershire County Council is leading the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland (LNRS), and these species have been carefully selected to reflect the variety of habitats covered by the LNRS.
A wide range of species are covered, including mammals, birds, fish and plants, with the full list and how to log any sightings, is available on the NatureSpot website.
By keeping an eye on these chosen species, partners can better understand the overall health of the environment.
When these species are doing well, it is a sign that habitats are thriving. When numbers drop, it can point to where more support and action are needed.
Anyone can take part by recording sightings to NatureSpot. People of all backgrounds and levels of experience are encouraged to get involved, whether they are farmers, planners, conservationists or enjoy spending time outdoors.
This is a really positive step in helping us understand how nature is doing across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. By getting local people involved in recording indicator species, we can build a much clearer picture of what’s working, where nature is bouncing back and where more support is needed.
It shows how everyone can play a role in nature recovery, simply by keeping an eye out for wildlife and sharing what they see. This is citizen science in action, and every record counts.
Person:Councillor Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for environment & flooding
The records will help to guide decision‑making across sectors including land management, planning, conservation and community projects, ensuring action is targeted where it is most needed.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland brings together councils, farmers, landowners, conservation organisations and local communities with the shared aim of restoring and enhancing biodiversity by creating more, bigger, better and more connected spaces for nature.
From woodlands and grasslands to wetlands, rivers and urban green spaces, the strategy sets out how everyone can play a role in tackling environmental challenges and supporting nature’s recovery.