Agenda item

8.1

Dr Nicky Rivers, Advocacy and Developments Manger (Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust) gave a presentation to the Committee and members of the public in attendance.

8.2

Dr Nicky Rivers explained that there was an initiative that started 2 years ago, whereby local groups and individuals noticed a problem in Sheffield regarding nature. At that stage approximately 1000 people and 30 groups formed together to declare a national emergency.

8.3

It was explained that Nature Recovery Sheffield were a group of people, and groups, all working together to protect nature in Sheffield. It was their vision to throughout Sheffield, from the streets and neighbourhoods to the wider countryside, be an abundance of nature that is protected, cared for, and experienced by everyone. They wanted to see at least 30% of land and water great for nature by 2030 and also more wildlife.

8.4

Dr Nicky Rivers highlighted some of the groups part of Nature Recovery Sheffield. She then mentioned that their mission was by thinking and acting globally, together we can turn around the nature emergency and put nature in recovery. Following a consultation event, Nature Recovery Sheffield agreed they could achieve this mission by growing, coordinating, and empowering a group of people to: -

1. Protect & Restore: looking after land and water that is already good for nature, restoring what is in poor condition.
2. Create: more spaces for nature, helping wildlife to thrive.
3. Inspire: more people to take action for nature.

8.5

So far Nature Recovery Sheffield had a successful campaign in declaring a national emergency. They now had over 1500 individuals and 65 groups signed up.

8.6

Nature Recovery Sheffield had put together a Community Action Toolkit that can be accessed on their website. There was also an action map which outlined the work being undertaken by the groups in Sheffield.