Over one hundred people gathered to launch the West of England Nature Partnership’s new Nature Recovery Network at WENP’s 2019 Forum last week in central Bristol.
The Nature Recovery Network supports the creation of bigger, better, more and joined up natural habitats across the West of England. The Nature Recovery Network (available to explore here) connects existing habitats and identifies new connections to develop resilient natural networks where nature and people can thrive.
The launch of the Nature Recovery Network was marked by a one-day forum which saw speakers from sectors across the West of England and beyond gather to share how they are supporting nature’s recovery. Talks included what adopting a natural capital approach means for our developing infrastructure, challenged how ‘environmental growth’ is viewed and explored the connections between health and nature. A range of workshops also challenged those attending to tackle the questions at the heart of nature’s recovery, such as how we ensure green infrastructure works for everyone and how to engage different audiences with this crucial work.
Speakers’ slides are available to download at the links below:
- Dr Paul Jepson (Ecosulis Ltd) – What does nature’s recovery mean anyway?
- Ian Dickie (eftec) – How to value? The natural capital approach
- Heather Elgar (WENP) – Introducing a Nature Recovery Network for the West of England
- Laura Ambler (West of England Combined Authority) – Embedding nature’s value in local policy: Green infrastructure planning
- Rowena Kenny (South Gloucestershire Council) – The interconnectedness of nature and health
- Krista Patrick (Greater Manchester Combined Authority) – Lessons from Greater Manchester: Taking a natural capital appproach to planning and investment
- Matthew Thomson (Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Nature Partnership) – Lessons from Cornwall: Envronmental Growth
We all have a role in nature’s recovery. We hope a Nature Recovery Network for the West of England will encourage individuals and organisations alike to take action for nature today.
Photos © Adam Chlebik
