Wincester City Council acknowledges that:  

• Nature is in long term decline and urgent action must be taken to reverse this. 

• A thriving natural environment underpins a healthy, prosperous society. 

• 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. 

Our Natural Environment team are dedicated to improving nature, sustaining vital ecosystem services, and providing nature-based solutions to combat climate change.  

The work of the team (specialists in tree management, ecology, landscape architecture and open space management) to halt loss of habitat is currently outlined in the Biodiversity Action Plan. This includes: the management of sites designated for nature conservation; the management of trees, cemeteries and open spaces (including chalk grassland habitats); the planting of wildflowers; and the ongoing protection of bats and birds.  

We are now working on a Nature Improvement Plan to replace the Biodiversity Action Plan. It will focus on the council’s proactive approach to delivering measurable nature improvement across the entire district and set ambitious, achievable targets for both council-owned land and the district. 

The Nature Improvement Plan will align with the new Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Hampshire, which we have been working with Hampshire County Council to produce. 

Our dedicated planning policies – see below - are designed to enhance biodiversity, protect and support green and blue infrastructure, protect trees, important hedgerows, ancient woodlands and waterways.  

The Natural Environment team can be contacted at: 

Telephone: 01962 848 301 

Email: naturalenvironment@winchester.gov.uk