Championing a Nature-Positive future for the West of England
Context
The West of England is shaping its future through a new Local Growth Plan - a 10-year strategy for how our region will grow sustainably. It will steer decision-making across key areas including jobs, transport, and housing. Now is the time to ensure that nature is placed at the heart of growth as we call for a nature-positive economy in the West of England.
The Opportunity
Nature and growth are not opposing forces—they are powerful partners. A thriving natural environment boosts health and wellbeing, supports jobs, strengthens community resilience, and creates places people are proud to call home and are attractive to visitors.
Our region is already showing national leadership, having been the first in England to publish a Local Nature Recovery Strategy, backed by strong partnerships and passionate communities who are committed to seeing nature thriving once again.
Your Voice Matters
Right now, you have a unique opportunity to influence the Local Growth Plan and ensure nature recovery is non-negotiable. By completing this simple online form, you can send a clear message to our Mayor: We want a net zero, nature-positive economy.
Why not write to your local and national elected representatives too. You can use or adapt the example text below, or write something new.
For example, you could say:
Please put nature at the heart of the West of England’s Local Growth Plan.
A thriving natural environment is essential for a healthy, prosperous, and resilient future. Nature underpins our wellbeing, supports jobs, improves public health, and helps us adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The West of England has already taken bold steps—leading the way nationally with its Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Now is the moment to build on that momentum and commit to a net zero, nature-positive economy.
This means:
- Embedding nature recovery in all new housing, transport, and infrastructure projects
- Creating and supporting connected, resilient, nature-rich communities
- Recognising nature as essential to our region’s quality of life and long-term prosperity
Please ensure the Local Growth Plan fully integrates nature recovery not as an optional add-on, but as a foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth.
Let’s make the West of England a national beacon for nature-positive growth.
