The public have been asked for their views on river quality and other issues in a new nature strategy for Buckinghamshire in a bid to help ‘reverse the decline in nature’.

Buckinghamshire Council has asked the public to help it develop the document to help protect key habitats and species such as chalk streams, ancient woodland, native black poplar trees and black hairstreak butterflies.

It said: “Our wildlife is under threat and in decline for many reasons, including climate change, competition for land and the rise of pests and diseases.”

The council has asked people to share their views by 11:59pm on Sunday, August 18, 2024 after launching its consultation this week.

It is partnering with Milton Keynes City Council and Natural England on the strategy and has spoken to key stakeholders including residents, farmers and landowners, town and parish councils, businesses, developers, environmental organisations and experts.

They have identified broad priorities for nature in the county including soil quality, river restoration and floodplain enhancement, wetlands and ponds, river water quality, biodiversity in urban areas, climate change adaption and helping farmers balance production with wildlife-friendly farming.

Feedback will be used to help refine the shortlist of priorities before further stages, with the aim of putting the draft ‘Local Nature Recovery Strategy’ out for public consultation in early 2025.

For more information on the consultation and how to have your say, visit: shorturl.at/yzVg3

📢 "Why wait for news? With Bucks Free Press get real-time updates directly on our ad-free app. Subscribe for unlimited access to our digital edition and enjoy 80% fewer ads on our website. Click here to find out more about how to get your news, your way, every day. #UnlimitedNews #AdLightExperience" 📢