Council pledges £1.8m to safeguard nature

Projects will include wildflower planting, enhancing new pond habitats and tree planting

A council has set aside nearly £2m to enhance and safeguard biodiversity and nature.

Mid Suffolk District Council, based in Ipswich, has invested £1.8m to reverse habitat loss and support wildlife across the area.

A new biodiversity and nature recovery budget has been created for the project.

The council said it was "about safeguarding Mid Suffolk's environment for future generations".

A revised five-year biodiversity action plan has also been approved.

Half of the investment will go towards a new community nature recovery grant fund.

The fund will be split equally between community-led projects and the restoration of rivers and their catchments, offering support for others to deliver nature recovery on their own land

'Bold and ambitious'

Projects will include wildflower planting, enhancing new pond habitats, measures to support swift birds and tree planting.

The council said it would continue to work with local partners including the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Tim Weller, a Green councillor who is cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said: "This is a bold and ambitious investment that gives us the resources to make a real difference and deliver great benefits to our residents and communities."

"This is about safeguarding Mid Suffolk's environment for future generations," he added.