Our countryside has seen many changes over the past few decades. Changes to land use, farming practice, climatic adjustments, and greater awareness around environmental impact has contributed to a different view on how we interact and manage our woodlands, waterways, open grasslands, and agricultural areas. It continues to shape the approach landowners look to adopt in the stewardship of the many natural habitats within their boundaries, and how best to maintain the most suitable conditions for the wildlife that inhabit them. 

Councillor Swinglehurst commented:

“We are very happy to be working with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust on this important review of the wildlife sites in the county.  The project will provide insight and detailed knowledge of the current state of the diverse sites across the county.  We will assess how they are currently managed and how they can be best protected and managed in the future. 

We will be identifying every opportunity to enhance the environmental value of these special areas and alongside the wildlife trust we will be inviting landowners to participate and benefit from the project.  Every landowner of a designated wildlife site will be able to receive a comprehensive report on the assessment, classification and potential of the site along with guidance on stewardship opportunities.”

Jamie Audsley, Chief Executive Officer of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust added:

“Herefordshire Wildlife Trust are excited to be working in partnership with Herefordshire Council and the public to support the identification, creation, and enhancement of Local Wildlife Sites.

Put simply, these pieces of land are really important places for nature to thrive outside of nature reserves and protected areas. They are vital to ensuring we protect and enhance our local biodiversity as nature increasingly comes under threat. Surprisingly, there are many places that could be defined as a Local Wildlife Site that have been either forgotten or not yet identified. We’re ready to take the necessary action to begin to create a wilder Herefordshire encouraging nature to flourish everywhere!”

Embarking upon this programme involves extensive surveys, discussions with landowners, and data collection, which will provide an essential resource to help classify and build an accurate picture of Herefordshire’s Local Wildlife Sites. The information captured will be held by the Herefordshire Biological Records Centre and drawn upon to support the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, other nature restoration programmes, and support the Council’s planning teams when assessing future land use planning applications.