Public Invited to Help Shape South Yorkshire’s Nature Recovery Plan

Led by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy is a statutory plan that sets out a long-term vision to restore and enhance nature across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. The strategy identifies where action can have the greatest impact for wildlife, climate resilience and local communities.

More than 1,800 people and organisations have already contributed to the development of the draft strategy. The consultation represents the final opportunity for individuals and organisations to influence the plan before it is finalised.

The consultation is open to everyone, from those with a passion for nature to businesses, landowners, developers, farmers and organisations whose work can contribute to nature recovery. Residents who simply care about the places where they live, work and spend their leisure time are also encouraged to take part.

How to get involved

Participants can:

• Visit the consultation website at: https://southyorkshirenaturerecovery.co.uk
• Complete one of three consultation questionnaires – short, general or technical versions are available
• Enter a prize draw to win one of six £100 prizes by completing a questionnaire
• Explore the interactive map and suggest locations where nature could recover
• Read the draft strategy and provide feedback
• Submit an organisational response
• Attend one of the free sector-focused webinars
• Share information about the consultation with colleagues, members and networks
• Run their own discussions using a free self-facilitated workshop pack

The consultation closes at midnight on 31 July.

Sector webinars

A series of free webinars will be held throughout July to help different sectors understand the strategy and explore how they can contribute to nature recovery across South Yorkshire.

What role can transport play in nature recovery?

16 July, 1pm–2pm

How can nature recovery support planning, development and investment in South Yorkshire?

23 July, 1pm–2pm

A Wild Night In: The Future of Nature in South Yorkshire

23 July

What does the South Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy mean for farmers and land managers?

27 July, 6.30pm–7.30pm

The webinars will explore:

• What the proposed strategy means for specific sectors
• How organisations and professionals can support nature recovery
• Opportunities for collaboration across South Yorkshire
• How attendees can help shape the final strategy through consultation feedback

Resources available for partners

A range of free promotional resources has been developed to help organisations share the consultation with their audiences, including:

• Ready-to-use newsletter content
• Social media posts and graphics
• Posters and promotional materials
• A self-facilitated workshop pack for community groups and organisations
• Information about consultation events and webinars

Organisations are encouraged to use these materials in newsletters, websites, social media channels and stakeholder communications to help maximise participation.

Have your say

Every response received during the consultation will help shape the final South Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy and contribute to a shared vision for nature's recovery across the region.

To take part in the consultation, register for events, or access partner resources, visit:

https://southyorkshirenaturerecovery.co.uk

The consultation closes at midnight on 31 July.