A plan to protect and enhance Rutland’s nature will rely on people coming forward with their views and ideas.
Public opinion will help to identify areas in the county where wildlife habitats could be created or improved to benefit the wider environment.
A residents’ survey is running for the next few weeks asking how often people access nature and whether there is anything preventing them from doing so more often.
It also asks where people access nature – giving examples of gardens, parks, National Trust sites, golf courses and farmland – and asks what people think about the causes and effects of a decline in nature, and how they could help to tackle the problem.
A separate survey is available for farmers, landowners, developers, environmental charities and community groups. It has been initiated by Rutland County Council and Leicestershire County Council.
Councillor Christine Wise (Lib Dem), the cabinet member for the environment in Rutland, said: “We need this strategy to ensure both nature and people thrive across Rutland in the future.
“We want to hear from as many groups and individuals as possible so we can agree shared priorities for nature locally and identify locations that will benefit most. We can’t do this alone. We know we need to strike a balance between helping nature and wildlife recover, protecting the livelihoods of those who own and cultivate land, and the wider needs of residents. This is why we want the broadest possible range of views.”
The survey responses will help to shape a local nature reserve strategy. Take part online at www.rutland.gov.uk/nature or call the council on 01572 722577. The surveys close on Sunday, May 26.
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