Lichfield District Council has been named as one of only eight local authorities in the UK taking significant action to address the ‘nature emergency,’ according to an assessment by the Woodland Trust.
Out of 395 councils evaluated, 103 have formally declared a nature emergency, but just eight – including Lichfield – met all of the Trust’s criteria for action on nature recovery.
Lichfield District Council has already delivered nature enhancement projects, funded by private developer contributions, at sites including Beacon Park in Lichfield and Redwood Park in Burntwood, with further projects planned. It has also collaborated with private landowners to promote biodiversity on their land.
The local authority aims to protect 30 per cent of council-owned land for nature by 2030, aligning with the global target set at the UN Biodiversity Summit (COP15) in 2022.
Processes have been streamlined to accelerate biodiversity enhancements, and the council is now providing guidance to neighbouring districts and boroughs.
The council’s carbon dashboard tracks annual reductions in emissions from its properties and operations, while its internal carbon reduction plan outlines measures to decarbonise council buildings.
Environmental initiatives such as the Recycle for Good campaign, run jointly with Tamworth Borough Council, encourage residents to reduce waste, recycle effectively and repurpose items where possible.
In addition, Lichfield District Council has partnered with a charity, The Great Imagining, to deliver free climate education programmes for schools, using interactive lessons, workshops, games and events to raise awareness.
Alex Lane, Policy and Strategy Team Leader (environment) at Lichfield District Council, said: “Nature and Green Communities are a vital part of the council’s Lichfield 2050 strategy, as they ensure a healthy society and a thriving, sustainable economy.
“We have prioritised putting these plans into practice and working closely with communities and partners to ensure our wildlife thrives. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to tackling the nature emergency and safeguarding our natural environment for future generations.”
James Porter, Ecology Director at Lichfield District Council’s wholly owned company, LWM Traded Services Ltd, added: “I am proud that we are making a significant contribution to the UK’s commitment to protect and manage 30 per cent of UK land for nature by 2030, and to achieving national species and habitats targets.
“It’s a testament to the hard work of our teams, our residents, and our partners, and I look forward to continuing our work to restore and protect nature across Lichfield District.”
For more information on scored local authorities visit Nature Emergency.
