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The Natural Built and Historic
Environment Team Manager, introduced the report and explained that
a public consultation on the draft Gloucestershire Local Nature
Recovery Strategy was held from 8 September to 19 October 2025. The
report considered the contents of the draft strategy and sought
agreement on Cotswold District Council’s response.
 
Gloucestershire County Council,
acting as the Responsible Authority under the Environment Act 2021,
had invited input from partners and the public. Cotswold District
Council, as a Supporting Authority, had actively contributed to the
development of the draft strategy prior to consultation. Ward
Members had been notified of the consultation timeline had been
invited to either respond directly to the County Council or share
comments for inclusion in the District Council’s collective
response.
 
The draft strategy set out
Gloucestershire’s approach to halting biodiversity decline
and promoting nature recovery. It outlined six key aims focused on
enhancing existing habitats, improving landscape connectivity,
addressing the climate emergency, managing water systems, promoting
mixed and wilder habitats, and integrating biodiversity into
developments.
 
Cotswold District
Council’s response supported the overall direction of the
strategy while providing comments on the proposed biodiversity
priorities, potential measures, and mapping of areas for
restoration and habitat creation.
 
It was noted that Cotswold
District Council could have opted not to respond to the
consultation; however, this would have been a missed opportunity to
contribute to a strategy that the Council is legally required to
consider under the Environment Act 2021.
 
The Officer recommended that
the draft Gloucestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy proceed to
the pre-publication approval stage, subject to the textual
amendments outlined in Annex A.  which
ensured that the  document was clear,
accessible, and effective.
 
The report identified no direct
financial or legal implications. Risks were considered low, as the
Council had been actively involved throughout the strategy’s
development and would have further opportunity to review the final
version before publication.
 
The strategy was recognised as
contributing positively to equalities by supporting the aim for all
Gloucestershire residents to have access to biodiversity-rich green
space within 15 minutes of their homes. It also directly addressed
the climate and ecological emergencies by identifying actions to
promote nature recovery and environmental resilience across the
county.