Dorset Council

This council:                              1. Declares that there is a nature emergency, recognising:a.     That nature is in long term decline and urgent action must be taken to reverse this, that the UK is one of the world's most nature-depleted countries - in the bottom 10% globally and the worst in the G7 - and with only about half its biodiversity left that it is far below the global average;b.    That a thriving natural environment underpins a healthy, prosperous society, that it benefits our physical and mental health, feeds us, cleans our air, moderates urban heat, alleviates flooding, absorbs carbon, makes counties like Dorset beautiful and that its survival and diversity is essential to human life;c.     That the nature crisis and the climate emergency are intrinsically linked and that the impacts of the climate crisis drive nature’s decline, while restoring nature can help to tackle the climate crisis. Notes the positive work already begun and planned by this council including:d.   The strategic intent as encapsulated in its Natural Environment, Climate and Ecology strategy, alongside the council’s role as responsible authority for the development of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the county of Dorset.e.   The work already undertaken to promote biodiversity in the council’s own country parks and greenspaces, farms, highway verges, watercourses, designated areas, woodland, local nature reserves and other natural areas.f.    Hosting the Dorset National Landscape Partnership and supporting its nature recovery work with a wide range of stakeholders, including coordinating the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve partnership and the West Dorset Rivers and Coastal Streams catchment, and making significant investments in nature through the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.Page 131 Agenda Item 143. Commits to embed nature’s recovery at the heart of all strategic plans, including the forthcoming Dorset local plan, policy areas and decision-making processes, building upon the climate decision-wheel and the Nature Recovery Dorset brand.4. Having declared a climate emergency in 2019, commits to tackling the climate and nature emergencies together and investing in nature-based solutions to the challenges posed by climate change, including mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to increased climate risk such as flooding and extreme summer heat.5. Facilitate the development of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Dorset, working with farmers, landowners, businesses, organisations and NGO’s so that there are agreed priorities, opportunities and reportable actions to recover nature across Dorset.6. Set clear strategic and measurable goals for nature’s recovery by 2030 and its contribution towards mitigating carbon emissions and increasing our resilience to climate change, for example:a. Contributing to the national commitment to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030, in line with the UK’s international commitment to biodiversity and the Natural Environment, Climate and Ecology strategy and set out in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Dorset.b. Supporting the Dorset and Cranborne Chase National Landscapes to meet/exceed their apportionment of the Environmental Improvement Plan targetsc.    Making space for nature and the long-term maintenance and expansion of the Nature Recovery Network.d. Improving biodiversity on Dorset Council land including our farms, highway verge, country parks and other greenspace by, for example planting trees and hedgerows, lowering soil fertility on verges and encouraging community orchards and the establishment of allotments.e. Working with farmers, landowners, town & parish councils and other external partners to improve biodiversity, increase tree cover and woodland, and green our streets.f. Remove the use of glyphosate and chemicals damaging to ecosystems/nature where possible.g.    Reducing pressure on wildlife and developing wildlife corridors.h.    Improving doorstep access to nature, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those wards already identified ashaving the worst access to nature.Page 132i.    Supporting communities and businesses to make better decisions and take action to support nature’s recovery.j. Developing a strategic perspective on natural flood management solutions, working with key partners and stakeholders.

— Council (Source)