Council named as national finalist for nature recovery work
Mid Suffolk District Council has been shortlisted in Nature 2030’s Political Purpose Awards, in the 'Planning for Nature Recovery' category.
The award recognises those taking positive action to embed nature as part of everyday life, such as:
- ensuring planning decisions deliver greener towns and cities, healthier communities
- creating or enhancing space for wildlife to thrive
The council’s recent initiatives have included:
- setting aside a £1.8m Nature Recovery Budget and investing in 30 hectares of land in Thorndon, Palgrave and Stowmarket, specifically for nature recovery, with extensive public engagement helping to shape local management agreements.
- the expansion of the council’s meadow management programme, replacing mown grass with long grass and wildflowers.
- tree and hedge planting, including the creation of community orchards.
The council also continues to run its popular Tree for Life scheme, where a free tree is gifted to parents who welcome a new child into their family.
“We’re delighted to have the council’s investment and hard work recognised in putting environmental sustainability and social justice at the heart of everything we do.
“We are committed to grasping this once-in-a-generation chance to face up to the challenge of climate change.
“By making real change happen for our residents and communities, we can be part of a revolution we can all be proud of."
Other shortlisted nominees include neighbouring East Suffolk Council, as well as Dorset Council, the London Borough of Sutton and Forest of Dean District Council – with the winner announced at a ceremony on Tuesday 8 September in the House of Commons.
“It is an honour to recognise the very best environmental champions in UK public life.
“From the corridors of Westminster to grassroots movements across the country, the stakes could not be higher, and these awards shine a light on those rising to meet them.”
The winners were selected by a panel deeply involved in environmental causes, including Animal Friends Insurance, London Wildlife Trust, Keep Britain Tidy and Greenpeace UK.
You can read more information on the awards on the Nature 2030 website
