Cornwall is pioneering a national effort to kickstart the recovery of wildlife and nature, and you can have your say on what is important to you.

Cornwall was chosen by government as one of only five areas to test the creation of a Nature Recovery Plan before it become a requirement of all areas nationally. Sitting alongside the Climate Change Action Plan, it will guide funding and planning policy by identifying the best opportunities to protect, restore and improve local wildlife.

By getting involved, residents will be able to shape local priorities on how to best support nature in Cornwall – whether it's wildflowers for pollinators, more trees to fight climate change, more green spaces in our towns, or a habitat or species you’re passionate about.

Our natural environment is foundational to our health, prosperity, identity and heritage through its diverse features and habitats – from towans to tors, marshland to moorland, and our iconic Chough. It is also central to the fight against climate change and environmental hazards –from flood risks to infectious diseases.

But nature is in crisis, with 41% of species having declined in the UK since 1970 - and Cornwall reflects that trend. This decline is also speeding up due to climate change. The new plan will set out how Cornwall can tackle this ecological crisis.

Cllr Rob Nolan, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said: “Cornwall Council is committed to tackling the ecological emergency head on through projects like Forest for Cornwall and Making Space for Nature, and this is matched by the incredible ambition of our partners, communities and businesses. I’m proud that Cornwall’s pioneering work to safeguard our natural environment has resulted in this pilot and hope that our residents will have their say on this crucial next step in our transition to a greener Cornwall.”

Cllr Edwina Hannaford, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, said: “Taking care of nature will help us move towards our ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2030.

“We all have a duty to protect the environment and we want residents to have their say over how we do this.”

Lord Robin Teverson, Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership, said: “Our Local Nature Partnership has one overriding aim – to reverse the decline of nature and loss of biodiversity in Cornwall and Scilly. The challenge to halt that decline is a critical one, and all of us need to be a part of the solution. That’s why when putting our plans for nature recovery together, full public engagement is vital. Get the right plan, and we really can grow nature here in Cornwall and deliver a green recovery.”

Emma Browning, Partnership Manager of Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, said: “The Cornwall AONB is committed to nature recovery. It is key that we unite together with land-owners, farmers, businesses and communities as a collaborative network to deliver what is essential to reverse the decline in biodiversity and promote a green recovery. We are all interlinked with nature in various ways, via the direct work in our landscape through to the food we eat. We all need to play a part in the solution, and collectively this is achievable.”

Residents can have their say on what and where nature matters most to them to help shape the plan until mid-February at letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/nature-recovery-plan.