Wildlife Trust calls for nature to be central to England's devolution agenda

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust convened parliamentarians, local leaders and environmental organisations in Westminster to press for nature recovery to be embedded in England's devolution plans, and the call comes as the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill moves to Committee Stage in the House of Lords later this month.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust brought together parliamentarians, local leaders and environmental organisations in Westminster this week to argue that nature recovery should be central to England's evolving devolution agenda. Local Wildlife Trusts from areas selected for the Government's Devolution Priority Programme attended, including Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampshire and the Solent. The Trust outlined how new powers for Mayoral Strategic Authorities under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill could be used to support nature if paired with clearer environmental duties and mechanisms. The event was hosted by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP and included local Trust leaders among the speakers. Event details: - Organiser and location: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust in Westminster this week. - Attendees: local Wildlife Trusts selected for the Devolution Priority Programme, including Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampshire and the Solent. - Legislative context: the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill would give new powers and duties to Mayoral Strategic Authorities, including over strategic planning and local growth plans. - The Trust's requests: updated environmental duties for local authorities, alignment of local growth plans with Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS), and a community 'right-to-purchase' to protect wildlife-rich land. - Speakers named included Debbie Tann MBE, Christine Luxton and Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP. - Next step: the Bill goes to Committee Stage in the House of Lords later this month, where peers will debate proposed amendments. Summary: The meeting highlights a push to integrate nature considerations into the expanding devolution framework so local powers can influence nature recovery alongside growth. The Wildlife Trusts have set out specific changes they want in the Bill, including stronger duties and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies. The Bill's Committee Stage in the House of Lords is scheduled for later this month, where peers will consider amendments related to nature recovery, climate resilience and community empowerment.