Council consulting on strategy to boost nature

Worcester City Council is taking action to help wildlife thrive across the city.
The Council is directly responsible for over 260 acres of green space, including 24 conservation sites.
To stop the decline of important wildlife species, the City Council has drafted a Biodiversity Strategy, which was supported by councillors.
The strategy sets out a plan for the next five years to stop biodiversity loss and boost wildlife habitats.
Key goals include measurable improvements in tree canopy cover, the creation of wildlife corridors, and a five per cent net gain in biodiversity across Council-managed land by 2030.
The strategy also aims to increase the opportunities for residents and visitors to the city to connect with nature, recognising the mental and physical health benefits that brings.
Councillor Karen Lewing, Vice-Chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee, said: “The UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, and every city has a responsibility to help its wildlife recover.
“Worcester is no exception, and the Council have made a commitment to help address this biodiversity crisis - both on their own land, through their policies, and by working with local residents and community groups to actively protect and enhance nature.
“The strategy highlights the importance of protecting and enhancing green spaces such as parks, nature reserves, allotments, and cemeteries, many of which have already achieved Green Flag status.
“It will also encourage the creation of new habitats across the city, making sure that verges, hedgerows and even buildings are managed for nature.
“Despite the scale of environmental challenges we face, simple actions can support nature's recovery and combat its destruction, and the Council will take immediate, ambitious and continued action to transform green spaces across the city into thriving natural habitats.”
Five of the City Council’s owned parks already have Green Flag status – an international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
Gheluvelt Park, Fort Royal Park, Cripplegate Park and Riverside Park along with Astwood Cemetery and Crematorium have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag.
Astwood Cemetery has already been redesigned to promote wildlife, with the addition of wildflower meadows, bat boxes, and beehives, and the Council has initiated tree planting and improved hedge management in several areas.
When it met on Tuesday evening (28 January) the City Council’s Environment Committee agreed to hold a six-week public consultation on the Biodiversity Strategy to give Worcester residents the chance to comment on how they would like to see the Council take action to improve biodiversity across the city.
Following this consultation, a final strategy will be developed, including an Action Plan with specific short-term objectives to implement the strategy’s goals.