Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is asking candidates to commit to a wilder Derbyshire ahead of Local Elections this May. 

The Trust believes everyone in Derbyshire should have access to a healthy, natural environment and is urging all candidates to bring nature back to the heart of our communities, should they be elected next month. 

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has created a Manifesto for a Wilder Derbyshire and is asking candidates to commit to delivering on the four actions for nature, should they be elected: 

1. Commit to making sure everyone who lives in Derbyshire is within 15 minutes of a high-quality green space  

2. Invest in natural flood management along the River Derwent and River Trent  

3. Support farmers across the county to create more space for wildlife  

4. Commit to improving greener and active travel options for people right across the county 

The Trust has some additional asks for candidates in the city, to ensure Derby becomes one of the top 10 greenest cities in Great Britain, and to commit to improving greenways and active travel options for people right across the city. 

A recent study shows that there is strong public support for the Government to improve access to local nature. The findings revealed that 85% of Brits say accessible natural spaces should be a much higher priority in new developments and 80% want a ‘legal right to local nature’. 

Speaking about the manifesto, Scott Blance, Advocacy Manager at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said:  

“We are in the middle of a climate and nature emergency, and the two are linked. Climate change is driving nature’s decline, and the loss of wildlife and wild spaces leave us ill-equipped to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to change.  

“The lack of wild spaces comes at a great cost to our physical and mental health, which puts more pressure on already stretched services such as the NHS. £2.1 billion per year could be saved in health costs if everyone in England had good access to greenspace, due to increased physical activity in those spaces.  

“To achieve these goals, we need greater collaboration between upper tier authorities, borough and district councils, landowners and community groups, and backing these pledges states your commitment to this process. Whether it be working with landowners on natural flood management or supporting the County or City Councils with their active travel plans, local partnerships are key.”  

“On 4 May, local elections will be held in Derby and across all of Derbyshire’s boroughs and districts. From 2023-2027, elected councillors have the opportunity to put long-term plans in place to deliver a wilder and more resilient county. We can start to solve some of the hardest issues we face, right here in Derbyshire, if we let nature help.” 

Read the full manifesto here

Ask your candidates to pledge their support now: 
 

Do you live in Derby city?
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Elsewhere in Derbyshire?
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