What it means for local wildlife and your community
A new Local Nature Recovery Strategy has been approved, setting out how Surrey will protect and restore local wildlife and green spaces over the coming years.
The strategy brings together local insight, scientific evidence and community feedback to map the county’s most important natural areas and identify where action is needed most.
You can read the strategy online (PDF).
What this means for residents
The aim is to help nature recover so everyone in Surrey can enjoy cleaner air, healthier habitats and better access to green spaces The strategy focuses on:
- Protecting important habitats
- Creating and connecting places for wildlife
- Boosting flood resilience
- Improving access to nature
- Supporting pollinators and native species
- Encouraging local action at home, in schools and in communities
Funding already supporting local projects
More than £90,000 has already been awarded to 29 nature projects across Surrey. This includes:
- Equipment for conservation volunteers
- Pond restoration
- Water testing kits for communities and schools
- Native wildflower planting
- Nest boxes for swifts and other species
These projects are already helping to improve habitats and inspire more people to get involved.
Residents are also encouraged to keep an eye out for a second round of the Community Nature Recovery Grant later this year.
Shaped by local voices
The strategy was developed with help from community groups, environmental organisations, landowners and health partners. A public consultation showed strong support for the proposals. Partners involved include:
- Surrey Nature Partnership
- Surrey Wildlife Trust
- Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre
- Local planning authorities
- Natural England, Forestry Commission and Environment Agency
- National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and Country Land and Business Association (CLA)
- All Surrey district and borough councils