Council seeks views on nature recovery strategy

Surrey County Council is seeking views on how to help boost the county's environment

Surrey County Council has said it is aiming to "reverse decades of decline" in its natural habitats as it invites residents to help shape its environment strategy.

The authority has launched a public consultation on its draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), a new plan to protect and restore nature across the county.

The strategy includes establishing new urban woodland, new ponds and wildflower areas, restoring rivers and reducing the use of pesticides.

Marisa Heath, council cabinet member for environment, said: "Surrey is a county that has rich wildlife, but we know it's under pressure – and we must act now to protect and restore it."

Heath said it was a "pivotal moment" for nature in Surrey.

"The Local Nature Recovery Strategy gives us a real opportunity to reverse decades of decline and create a thriving, connected natural environment that benefits both wildlife and people," she said.

Under the plans, the county council said it was aiming to encourage environmentally-friendly land use, while also slowing down pollution and the effects of flooding.

It also plans to promote the use of nature-friendly methods of taking care of the land, such as using grass-eating plants to maintain field rather than lawn mowers.

It is hoping the strategy will also keep public spaces clean and save water.

Lisa Creaye-Griffin, director of the Surrey Nature Partnership, said: "This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for nature recovery in Surrey."

The consultation on the plans will run until 25 September and is available on the Surrey County Council website.

The plans will then be reviewed and agreed by the council's cabinet in early 2026.