The Isle of Wight has launched its Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), a major plan to restore and protect the Island’s wildlife and habitats.
The strategy received unanimous approval from government and has been described as a national exemplar for England.
A pioneering approach to reversing nature loss
The Island’s LNRS is only the fourth to be published in England out of a total of 48 currently in progress.
These county-wide strategies support national policies aimed at reversing nature loss and achieving wider sustainability goals.
The LNRS marks a milestone in collaboration, bringing together local authorities, regulators, environmental groups, farmers, landowners and communities.
The Island’s example will be used to support other LNRSs still under development.
Protecting nature for future generations
Ian Boyd of The Common Space, who led the strategy’s development, said,
“We really are now at a crossroads, where we must choose between a future that brings together our human and natural worlds or one which pulls them further apart.”
He added,
“The LNRS recognises how critically important it is, for all of us now and for the generations to come, that we protect the biological integrity of the Island, and safeguard the quality of its outstanding natural world.”
The strategy covers 400 km² of land and coastline within the Island’s 900 km² UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Council commits to biodiversity action
Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, Cabinet member for Climate Change, Biosphere and Waste, said:
“The Isle of Wight Council as LNRS Responsible Authority is delighted to celebrate this significant achievement and marker, following two years of extensive research and engagement by the Island Nature team, and with the input of thousands of Islanders, experts and communities.”
She continued:
“There are 15,000 species including us on the Isle of Wight, around 20 per cent of all species found in the UK. However, one in six species are at risk of extinction in this country alone.”
“Since 2000, the Island has lost 14 species and 20 more are set to follow without priority action. The reality is stark but the opportunities for us all to act are endless.”
Support from Natural England and government
Graham Horton, Acting Deputy Director of Natural England in the Thames Solent area, said:
“Natural England is delighted to support the launch of the Isle of Wight’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Our need to support and restore our natural world has never been so important and this strategy sets out the best places to do it and the actions that need to be taken.”
UK Government Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh, added,
“We are a proud nation of nature lovers and our iconic landscapes and charismatic wildlife make Britain great. However, our countryside is growing quieter and emptier of wildlife than ever.”
“This strategy is a huge achievement for the local area and sets a strong example for others to follow. It’s a vital step to restore our iconic wildlife and reach our goal to conserve 30% of the UK for nature by 2030.”
Looking ahead: tools and collaboration
A spokesperson for Island Nature said,
“The LNRS is all about creating a thriving Island environment where the life chances of communities of wildlife and people alike are enriched by the variety and quality of the ecosystems we share.”
“There are so many amazing organisations across the Island already working hard to make this happen and they have all played a crucial role in creating the LNRS.”
They concluded,
“Island Nature very much hope that we can now look forward to renewed partnerships for nature building in strength and purpose across this very special Island.”
The full strategy is available to view on the Island Nature website, along with toolkits to help communities, organisations and businesses understand how to take part.
A short film about the launch can be viewed below.
