A NEW county-wide plan to help wildlife recover and restore habitats has been adopted by Devon County Council (DCC).

The Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy sets out where action is most needed to protect and rebuild nature, from rivers and wetlands to woodlands, grasslands and coastal areas.

It brings together local authorities, landowners, farmers, community groups and environmental organisations and focuses on improving wildlife and the natural environment.

The strategy includes an interactive map showing areas that are already important for wildlife, as well as places where habitat creation or restoration could make the biggest difference.

It is designed to guide future investment and decision‑making, rather than introduce new rules or restrictions on land use.

The Local Nature Partnership has been developing the strategy over a number of years alongside councils, national park authorities, Natural England and local wildlife specialists and has involved questionnaires, public consultation events and webinars.

Restoring nature also achieves wider aims such as reducing flood risk, improving water quality, helping communities adapt to climate change and increases access to nature, which all helps our health and wellbeing.

The Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy will be published this Spring once it has been approved by all supporting authorities.

It will be reviewed and updated within 10 years, to reflect new evidence and progress on the ground.

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: ‘Nature in Devon is under real pressure, but this strategy gives us a clear, practical way forward.

‘It shows where effort will have the greatest impact and helps everyone, from farmers and landowners to public bodies and community groups, to pull in the same direction.

‘This is about restoring nature in a way that also supports people, livelihoods and the places we care about’.