Wiltshire Council will be supported by its Swindon counterparts in producing a plan to allow the county’s wildlife to recover and thrive.

A local Nature Recovery Strategy has been mandated for every part of England by the government.

Members of Swindon’s Labour cabinet will learn next week that the neighbouring county council will lead on production of the plan for both Wiltshire and Swindon.

The report says: “England is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world following historic and ongoing declines.

“Government has made legally-binding commitments to end these declines and for nature to recover. This is important for nature’s own sake, and for all the things that we rely on nature for, like clean water and food production.

“For nature to recover, targeted, co-ordinated and collaborative action will be required.”

When the plan is finished, it should: “help define how wider environmental goals in SBC’s own plans and strategies will be delivered and  will enable developers to focus biodiversity offsetting payments. Priority areas for Local Nature Recovery may also form part of new neighbourhood plans within the borough."

The report says a draft report should be ready for public consultation by November, with a final draft in March 2025, and notification to the Secretary of State of intention to publish in spring next year.