Worcester City Council is calling for residents and businesses to have a say on its plan to boost nature.
The Council’s Biodiversity Strategy aims to put in place measures which will aid the city’s wildlife for years to come.
A four-week public consultation is now being held for people to comment on the content of the draft strategy.
Rachel Cooper, Corporate Director for Finance and Resources, said: “This strategy shows our commitment to preserving and improving our green spaces such as parks, nature reserves, allotments, and cemeteries, many of which have already earned Green Flag status for their beauty.
“The strategy also aims to develop new habitats throughout the city, ensuring that verges, hedgerows, and even buildings are managed with nature in mind.
“Whether you’re a resident, a business representative and or a biodiversity specialist, we want you to let us know what you think at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit.
“Your feedback will ensure that the strategy is focusing on the correct areas and will be used to guide future action plans.”
Key initiatives in the strategy include enhancing parks, nature reserves and cemeteries with nature-friendly features like wildflower meadows, bat boxes, and beehives.
Five of the City Council’s owned parks and open green spaces 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 received the prestigious award.
Astwood Cemetery has already seen various initiatives to encourage wildlife, with the addition of wildflower meadows, bat boxes, and beehives.
The Council has also initiated tree planting and improved hedge management in several areas.
Take part in the consultation now - the deadline for responses is 25 April.
Responses will help shape the final strategy and its accompanying action plan, including the strategy’s short-term objectives.
