South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is seeking the views of residents, businesses, and community organisations on the development of its Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

Led by South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, the LNRS will develop actions to drive nature’s recovery across South Yorkshire. South Yorkshire is one of 48 LNRS areas in England. Each will identify areas that will either create or improve habitats that will have the greatest benefit to the environment. SYMCA will work with a wide range of stakeholders to agree these priorities for nature recovery in each area. This will involve drawing upon evidence to map the most valuable existing areas for nature and developing proposals. The published strategy will include a local habitat map and a written statement of biodiversity priorities.

The new strategy for South Yorkshire will act as a powerful tool that will help public, private, and voluntary sectors work better together for nature recovery, enabling effort to be focussed where it will have the most benefit.

From Wednesday 21 August 2024, SYMCA will be running an online survey and a series of workshops and webinars as well as community engagement for people to find out about the LNRS and have their say on how it is shaped.

Upcoming engagement sessions in Barnsley will be held on:

• Wednesday 21 August at RSPB Old Moor - 10am to 4pm. 
• Saturday 14 September at Penistone Show - 10am to 4pm.

The plan will cover all areas of South Yorkshire, including Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, and Barnsley, and will look at how to safeguard natural habitats, further protect wildlife and plant life, and look at how to improve nature for the future for the benefit of both wildlife and people. The LNRS Advisory Panel chaired by Oliver Coppard is also made up of 12 experts from across South Yorkshire. The South Yorkshire LNRS will be informed by this round of engagement, before going out for public consultation in early 2025 and being published later that year.

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture said: “We have lots of beautiful parks and green spaces across our borough where nature and habitats are thriving.”

“We need to protect these spaces for future generations and that’s why we’re working across the region to develop a Local Nature Recovery Strategy.”

“We need your views to shape a strategy that reflects the values and needs of Barnsley.

“I’d encourage everyone to have their say in the online consultation and help us to make Barnsley and South Yorkshire more sustainable.”

South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard said: “We desperately need to reverse the loss of wildlife, restore natural habitats and improve the environment in South Yorkshire for generations to come.

“Because protecting and restoring our natural habitats isn’t simply an added extra; it’s central to the ambition I have as South Yorkshire’s Mayor.

“It is vital that communities and businesses across South Yorkshire have the opportunity to shape our nature recovery strategy and ensure our plan works for everyone.

“By working together, we will not only protect our wildlife and green spaces but create a bold, ambitious plan to reverse the loss of wildlife, restore habitats and improve the natural environment that we’re so lucky to have on our doorstep.”

Fill in our online consultation or find out more about SYMCA’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.