Council puts nature at the heart of future decisions

The authority aims to build nature recovery into relevant council strategies and policies

Amber Valley Borough Council says nature will play a greater role in how makes future decisions following its declaration of a nature emergency.

A mullein moth caterpillar, one of the many species that can be found in Amber Valley. | Amber Valley Borough Council

placeholder image — A mullein moth caterpillar, one of the many species that can be found in Amber Valley. | Amber Valley Borough Council

The authority aims to build nature recovery into relevant council strategies and policies, while strengthening work already happening with residents, community groups and nature organisations across the borough.

The declaration follows a growing national movement calling on councils to recognise the pressures facing nature and take action locally.

Woodland in Amber Valley. The council’s nature emergency declaration will see nature recovery built into future decisions, helping to protect and enhance the borough’s natural environment. | Amber Valley Borough Council

The Woodland Trust has been encouraging local authorities across the country to declare nature emergencies, with Amber Valley among those encouraged to make a formal commitment.

Its Nature Emergency UK initiative, developed with mySociety and Climate Emergency UK, looks beyond the declaration itself at how councils turn that commitment into action, including through plans for nature recovery and by making nature part of future decision-making.

The council’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, informed by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s Plan for Nature, sets out ambitions for protecting and enhancing biodiversity across the borough.

Councillor Amina Burslem, Amber Valley Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Street Pride and Wellbeing. | Amber Valley Borough Council

Work is also continuing on the council’s Climate Change Action Plan and its delivery plans for 2026 to 2028, with existing actions and projects being reviewed and developed following the declaration.

At the heart of this work is the Amber Valley Nature Network, which brings residents, community groups, councillors and nature organisations together to share ideas, learn from each other and support nature recovery across the borough.

The council now wants to build on the network, involve more residents in nature-based activity and work alongside the many local groups already doing valuable work in their communities.

Councillor Amina Burslem, Cabinet Member for Communities, Street Pride and Wellbeing, said: “Declaring a nature emergency is about much more than making a statement. It is a commitment to put nature at the heart of the decisions we make and make sure that commitment is reflected in what we actually do.

“Residents may also notice changes in how some council-owned open spaces are managed, including allowing grass to grow longer in certain areas and reducing mowing to create more space for wildlife.”

Residents will have an opportunity to get involved at the next Amber Valley Nature Network event on Saturday 3 October at The Grammar in Heanor.

Further details about the event and how to get involved can be found at https://www.ambervalley.gov.uk/environment/climate-change-and-nature/how-you-can-help-and-get-involved/ or by emailing [email protected].