Image credit: Anna Barclay The West of England Nature Partnership (WENP) has proudly launched its groundbreaking Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the first to be published by an English Region, alongside nine ambitious programmes for nature. The landmark event, hosted at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club’s Bristol Pavilion, positions the West of England as a trailblazer in restoring and reconnecting nature at a landscape scale.
Coming together on a regional scale like this and working to a carefully considered and co-ordinated plan represents a big step forward in reversing biodiversity decline, tackling our climate and ecological emergencies and creating greener, more resilient neighbourhoods for everyone.
Ian Barrett, Chair of the West of England Nature Partnership and Chief Executive of Avon Wildlife Trust, said:
"Nature will bounce back if we give it a helping hand. Our new strategy, toolkit and programmes offer a roadmap for everyone—from landowners to policymakers—to get involved in this vital effort. Together, we can restore nature across the West of England, creating a region where people and nature can thrive together.
"Our nature recovery programmes offer multiple opportunities for private sector partners to invest in high-integrity, measurable solutions to climate and biodiversity challenges. Nature-based solutions are essential not only to bringing wildlife back and achieving Net Zero, but also to protecting us from threats like flooding, extreme heat, and air pollution. By investing in nature now, we’re investing in a brighter, more resilient future for all.”
Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“The people of the West of England share a deep love for our wildlife and natural heritage—from kingfishers along the Kennet & Avon Canal to ancient oaks in Pensford and pollinator havens in Bristol parks. But for too long, our natural world has been under siege, with species dwindling in an ecological crisis. As the birthplace of the BBC Natural History Unit and the region that launched Sir David Attenborough's pioneering work, we know what's at stake and what has already been lost.
"This strategy—the first of its kind in England — reflects our commitment to a future where nature is restored, reconnected, and actively recovering. The West of England Nature Partnership is driving this forward, seeking to unlock funding for their exciting projects. Together, we’re creating a model for others to follow: a region where landscapes are resilient, nature thrives, and our communities benefit for generations to come."
Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East, said:
“I am pleased to see the West of England leading the way on nature restoration with the launch of this trailblazing Local Nature Recovery Strategy. We know nature is in crisis, with growing species and habitat loss. On Thursday we will come together as a region to begin the work of reversing that process, creating a model for the rest of the country to follow.
“Restoring nature requires a holistic approach, with everyone coming together to take action which will both reduce nature’s decline and begin the process of rebuilding. My colleague Steve Reed, the Environment Secretary, has committed to reversing the decline of nature and to making this the most ‘nature-positive government this nation has ever had.’ The strategy and the broader West of England Nature Partnership are a crucial part of achieving this vision.”
The launch of the strategy and the increasing significance of the West of England Nature Partnership demonstrates the region’s readiness to deliver. As the relationship between central government and English regions enters a new and exciting phase, partners are rallying around a fresh approach.
Complementing the launch is a new toolkit to help residents, businesses, landowners, and community groups to take action in support of nature recovery. The toolkit is designed to turn strategy into reality by offering guidance and practical solutions for people who want to do their bit for nature.
Unveiled today, WENP’s nine programmes for nature recovery outline a range of strategic initiatives to secure ongoing investment from public, private, and philanthropic sources. These programmes are designed to restore key habitats, enhance biodiversity, and improve resilience to climate change across the West of England. They include plans to restore and connect woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, as well as supporting the region’s rivers and enhancing nature in towns and cities.
The nine projects are:
These carefully designed and targeted programmes are a call to action for businesses and investors to play their part in nature recovery while reaping the social, economic, and environmental benefits that come with it.
The WENP Conference is a gathering of diverse stakeholders, from local authorities to environmental NGOs, businesses, and community groups, united by a common vision: a thriving natural environment that benefits everyone. The strategy and toolkit will ensure that everyone—whether in urban neighbourhoods or rural landscapes—can access nature and benefit from its recovery.
Intact natural systems underpin our economy, our health, and our resilience to climate change. The West of England’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy provides a clear pathway for reversing biodiversity loss and creating healthier, more resilient communities across the West of England.
WENP invites communities, landowners, businesses and investors to join in this transformative effort. With the strategy, toolkit and priority programmes in place, the region is ready to scale up nature recovery efforts. With the untapped potential for significant long-term returns we can all benefit environmentally, socially, and economically.
For more information about the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Toolkit visit and Priority Programmes visit the West of England Nature Partnership’s website.
