The council has urged Worcestershire residents to assist in shaping a new nature strategy in the county.

Worcestershire County Council has begun a public consultation to create a new pioneering strategy that will aim to protect and enhance the environment.

Proposed as the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Worcestershire, it will be one of 48 similar schemes across England contributing to a national Nature Recovery Network.

<hr>

Read more: The Telegraph names Worcester best UK place to live 2024

<hr>

Councillor Richard Morris, the cabinet member for environment at the council, said: "This strategy will show our vision for protecting and enhancing Worcestershire’s wonderful environment."

"The potential for Worcestershire to contribute to this Nature Recovery Network is vast, with our nationally important wildflower meadows, traditional orchards, ancient woodlands and trees, and floodplain habitats such as wet grassland, fen, marsh and wet woodland.

"Equally important are the valuable pockets of nature-rich habitat within our towns and villages, where people can see, hear and experience nature on their doorstep."

The council is inviting input from all residents irrespective of their background.

He added: "Whether you are a school, volunteer organisation, business or individual, show us how you contribute or are looking to contribute, whether it’s a new meadow, tree planting, wetland, support for hedgehogs or anything else that could have a positive impact on our environment."

The LNRS is a new type of plan for nature and environmental improvement and is a legal requirement of the Environment Act 2021, while the council is the elected authority to formulate Worcestershire’s LNRS, assisted by six District Councils and Natural England.

The approach aims to create an agreed statement of biodiversity priorities and a habitat map of the area, providing anyone the ability to view nature recovery goals in a location and assess what practical measures could be undertaken to achieve them.

Running until Friday, February 23, residents can join the conversation at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/lnrs.