Biodiversity in the scenic hotspots of the Staffordshire Moorlands is set to be enhanced under a new initiative by the local authority.
A Plan for Nature has been launched to protect various sites which are among the most inspiring in the UK.
Working with the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and key stakeholders, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is aiming to halt and reverse habitat loss in the area.
The following targets have been developed:
- To manage 30 per cent of Staffordshire Moorlands land for wildlife by 2030
- To support priority species with the help of community groups
- To develop plans to improve water quality in nature
- To improve wildlife sites
- To improve the Churnet Valley as a home for biodiversity
- To ensure access for all to green spaces
Cllr Nigel Yates, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, met colleagues from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and the some of the Friends of Cecilly Brook at the nature site in Cheadle to launch the plan.
He said: “We’re extremely fortunate that here in the Moorlands we have some of the most scenic landscapes and natural spaces in the country.
“We at the Council take our responsibility for protecting and enhancing these sites seriously which is why I’m so pleased that we’re launching our Plan for Nature.”
The Plan is based on detailed mapping by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and will help meet the Council’s new enhanced statutory duty on biodiversity.
Dave Cadman, Head of Nature Recovery Networks at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “It’s vital local authorities are at the forefront of targeted efforts to tackle the nature crisis.
“We’re hopeful that as the Plan for Nature is implemented, we will see wildlife recover and become plentiful across the Moorlands.”
