West backs nature at partnership conference

The West came together again last week to back nature. The West of England Nature Partnership (WENP) – covering Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire – brought together almost 200 people, from grassroots community groups to national organisations.

One year on from publication of the region’s first Local Nature Recovery Strategy, WENP’s annual conference brought together partners from across sectors and places to connect, celebrate progress and shape the next phase of nature recovery. Highlights included contributions from West of England Mayor Helen Godwin on regional leadership; AtkinsRéalis, WSP, and South Gloucestershire Council on bridging the language gap between ecology and infrastructure; and regional and national health and community leaders on building a “natural health service”.

A standout moment came from guest speaker Walid Al Saqqaf, co-founder of natural capital fund manager Rebalance Earth, who challenged partners to think and work differently to finance vital ecosystem restoration at a time when traditional sources of funding are diminishing, but corporate risks from nature degradation are escalating. The event also unveiled WENP’s refreshed strategy and shared new insights from the region’s State of Nature monitoring programme. 

As part of that push to continue recent momentum, the regional mayor announced plans for the combined authority to provide a new investment platform for businesses and donors to support nature recovery and other community-led projects across the West – as well as work underway to develop the UK’s first regional Wildlife Index ahead of a State of Nature report in the spring.

At the Bath Pavilion on Tuesday (4 November), alongside the River Avon and surrounded by green space, Helen also highlighted recent environmental progress since the last WENP conference, including:

• The Western Forest, led by the Forest of Avon Trust, secured millions for some 2,500 hectares of new woodland by 2030.
• Bath & North East Somerset Council made a major commitment to Biodiversity Net Gain in their Local Plan consultation.
• Around £1 million was secured by Bristol City Council through the national Nature in Towns and Cities programme.
• North Somerset Council are growing a network of strategically important sites, known as Nature Parks.
• Some 80 hectares of new wetlands at Aust in South Gloucestershire and Hallen Marsh, a new high-tide home for wildfowl and wading birds, have been established as part of the wider flood defence project.
• Across the West, thanks to £1.75 million from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund – people will be able to build community climate action plans, scaling up the amazing work of Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:

“The West’s environment is an integral part of why our region is such a great place to live and work. Building on the country’s first Local Nature Recovery Strategy, launched last year by the West of England Nature Partnership; our new national forest; and the strongest recent economic growth of any region, together we can continue to pioneer green innovation to deliver for nature and our communities.

“As council leaders and I said at the Wild Summit, nature runs through our new Growth Strategy. Investing in nature and our environment brings not only an economic return but a social one. Nature does not constrain our region’s growth, it’s among the many things driving that growth.”

Sumita Hutchison, Chair of the West of England Nature Partnership, said:

“At this year’s conference, we shone a light on both the head and the heart needed to accelerate nature recovery — the pragmatism around investment, partnerships and governance required to make it happen, and the passion, values and community leadership that inspire real change. As Walid from Rebalance Earth reminded us, we can no longer afford to stand still: if we don’t change how we work and value nature, we will fail to protect the systems that sustain our society, our economy, and our future. I look forward to rising to that challenge with our partners and stakeholders.”

Deputy Mayor Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said:

“I’m proud Bath & North East Somerset Council has supported the West of England Nature Partnership (WENP) since it started. Over the last decade we have repeatedly seen the value of working in partnership for nature and as the conference made clear, it’s more important than ever that we work together to bring in more funding and investment for nature, and to ensure that growth in the region goes hand-in-hand with nature recovery.

“We continue to work in partnership with many great local communities and organisations for example with the Friends of Charlcombe Community Nature Reserve to create a haven for wildlife and our Somer Valley Rediscovered Partnership which is enhancing 35 hectares of green space and engaging thousands of local people with nature.”

Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said:

“Bristol is proud to play a role in the environmental successes across our region as showcased at the West of England Nature Partnership Conference this year.

“The funding we’ve secured through the Nature Towns and Cities programme is a testament to our commitment to making the green and blue spaces across our city better for nature and more accessible to everyone. 

“Working together with our regional partners, we are determined to ensure that nature thrives throughout our communities, supporting both people and wildlife for generations to come.”

Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said:

“Nature is at the heart of what makes North Somerset special. Being part of the West of England Nature Partnership allows us to collaborate with others who share our passion for protecting and enhancing the natural world. The WENP annual conference is a highlight in our calendar - it’s where ideas are shared, partnerships are strengthened, and real progress for nature begins.”

Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said:

“South Gloucestershire Council is proud to be working with regional partners and local communities to protect and restore nature. Following publication of the West of England Growth Strategy, we welcome the discussions at the WENP conference and the work underway across our region to integrate nature into transport and infrastructure planning. A thriving, well-connected natural environment is essential for healthy, resilient communities, our infrastructure, homes, and economy."