DEVON County Council has published a major new strategy designed to help nature and wildlife recover across Devon.

The new Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) sets out priorities for restoring habitats, protecting species and creating a joined-up nature recovery network across the county.

The council’s strategy has been developed with support from a wide range of partners and is intended to guide action by identifying where nature recovery efforts could have the greatest impact.

It comes at a time of growing concern about biodiversity loss, with the UK recognised as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

While Devon remains one of the richest counties in England for habitats and species, many areas of wildlife are under increasing pressure, with habitats fragmented and once-common species declining.

The strategy is intended to be a practical tool for everyone with a role to play in supporting nature – including farmers, landowners, planners, developers, community groups, schools, volunteers and residents.

Produced as an accessible website in plain language, the LNRS brings together a large amount of up-to-date information about Devon’s habitats and species in one place.

It also includes an interactive online map, known as the Viewer, which shows where action is most needed and allows users to explore priorities for nature recovery across the county.

People are also being encouraged to share the work they are already doing to support wildlife, such as creating ponds, planting woodland or restoring wildflower meadows, by adding projects to the delivery map on the Viewer.

The strategy forms part of a wider national programme of Local Nature Recovery Strategies being introduced across England to help restore nature at scale.

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

‘It sets out where action can make the biggest difference and gives everyone, from farmers and landowners to communities and public bodies, a shared framework for helping nature recover.

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

Residents can view the strategy online at naturerecoverydevon.org.uk