New guidance to help Parish and Town Councils plan the action they can take to help protect nature in their areas has been published by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The step-by-step guide will help Town and Parish Councils develop, consult on and deliver their own local Nature Action Plans so they can identify their existing nature assets as well as any opportunities for restoring nature in their towns and villages.

Councillor Oli Henman, cabinet project lead for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, said: “Changes in land use and land management, the use of pesticides and other pollutants, he presence of invasive non-native species and climate change is impacting on nature, which is declining at rates unprecedented in human history. Parish and Town Councils have a crucial role to play in engaging with their communities and driving local action on the climate and ecological emergencies.

“Community groups and residents will know their area best and understand local needs, including green spaces, biodiversity and conservation. We are committed to supporting community-led action and so, with this guidance, we aim to provide parish and town councils with the support they need to act for nature.”

Parish and Town Nature Action Plans: Guidance for Parish and Town Councils can be downloaded from the council website: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/document-and-policy-library/local-nature-action-plans