How to help nature now
We can achieve nature recovery if we all work together. And everyone can do something right now, whether you’re an individual or a community group, a local business or a farmer. The aim of the local nature recovery strategy is to focus and coordinate action so that we can have the greatest impact for nature.
There’s lots of action for nature happening already, all over Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. Here are some of the ways in which you can get involved...
Businesses, farmers, landowners and land managers
- Manage your land in a way that supports and enhances biodiversity – for example by creating or restoring habitats, adopting wildlife-friendly farming practices or joining agri-environment schemes. The Nature Friendly Farming Network has a lot of useful resources
- Consider joining a local farmer group to share ideas and discuss funding opportunities for land management. If there isn’t one near you, you and some neighbours could join forces and set one up – ‘Farmer Clusters’, hosted by the Game & Wildlife Trust, has some helpful advice on how to do this
- Take part in events hosted by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which cover a range of different topics, including nature recovery on farms. Both the NFU and the CLA also provide an advice service to members
- Explore the Freshwater Habitats Trust resources for landowners and create freshwater habitats, like ponds or wetlands
- Measure and report on your environmental impact and performance, and set targets to reduce your carbon footprint, water use, waste and pollution. There’s information on how to do this at Net Zero: NFU Farm Status Indicator
- Take a look at our case studies to find out how other farms and land managers have been making changes for nature – and benefitting from them
Take a look at our farmers, landowners and land managers page for more information.
Schools, community groups, and town and parish councils
- Create or improve habitats for wildlife in your local area by planting trees, hedges or wildflower meadows, restoring ponds or streams, or creating community orchards or gardens. You can find guidance, resources and information about funding opportunities for community-led nature projects on The Wildlife Trusts’ Community Hub
- Talk to your community about the importance of nature and the benefits it provides, and encourage people to take part in local nature activities. There are lots of events already happening, including those organised by Middle Marches Community Land Trust
- Develop a local plan or strategy for nature recovery, based on the priorities and opportunities identified by the LNRS. There are resources to help with this on the Shropshire Association of Local Councils (SALC) website
- Influence local decision-makers to make sure that nature is fully considered and valued in policies and plans that affect your area
Take a look at our LNRS case studies to find out how community groups and town and parish councils have been taking action in their local areas.
Individuals
- Eat locally and seasonally and buy from farmers’ markets where you can
- Minimise waste and repurpose items creatively
- Leave messy areas in gardens – allowing wild patches supports pollinators and biodiversity. Read more about how to grow a wild patch or mini meadow
- Make your garden, balcony or window box more wildlife-friendly by planting native flowers and avoiding peat products. If you have the space, you can create a wildlife pond (big or small!). The Wildlife Trust website has lots of guidance to help you get started, including How to start a wildlife garden and How to build a pond
- Get involved with school projects and community groups. The Telford Green Spaces Partnership provides a handy list of different ‘friends of’ areas in Telford & Wrekin and you can find more tips for community activities on the Wildlife Trusts' Community Hub. There are many community wildlife groups across the county and you might want to consider joining one close to where you live.
- Conserve water and energy. Taking shorter showers, installing water butts to capture rainwater, investing in efficient appliances and turning off unused electronics all help – and can save you money too
- Learn about the everyday actions you can take to improve water quality – from reducing the use of pet flea and wormer treatments to properly managing septic systems and addressing misconnections
- Get outside to boost your wellbeing and connect with nature. The ‘Prescription for Nature’ campaign encourages people to spend just 20 minutes a day outdoors
- Volunteer your time to improve nature in your local area – visit the Shropshire Wildlife Trust website for inspiration. You can even start a group to adopt a road verge near you through the Restoring Shropshire Verges Project (RSVP) – take a look at the LNRS case studies to find out more
- Support campaigns that call for stronger policies and actions to protect nature and the environment. Talk to local decision makers to make sure that nature is fully considered in policies and plans affecting your area
- Get inspired! Read our case studies to find out how other people in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are taking action for nature. Children and young people – like Elsie and her friends – can be especially inspiring.