range of recorder groups, in addition to our own data collected at our reserves, to identify the species, habitats and areas where our work can have the most impact for nature. We work with a wide range of partners already but we know that for nature to recover in Somerset, for us to reverse the decline in biodiversity and for Somerset to adapt to the challenges of climate change, we have to develop a strategy that will involve everyone from individuals and local authorities, to businesses, farmers and environmental organisations. We can’t do this alone.


Taking the big steps Towards a Wilder Somerset


If we were to choose two key priorities that would have the greatest impact to create a wilder Somerset, what might they be?


• Adopting wildlife‐friendly farming practices. • Bringing more land under the protection of conservation organisations.


• Creating more opportunities for children and young people to enjoy and learn about the natural world.


• Providing more opportunities for people of all ages to be inspired by nature.


• Developing resilience to climate change by joining up landscapes across Somerset (e.g. nature‐friendly gardens, hedgerows, nature reserves and farmland).


• Improving our towns for wildlife. • Limiting threats to wildlife and wild places by encouraging environmentally sensitive


and sustainable development.


• Protecting our seas and marine and coastal wildlife. • Building a county-wide movement of individuals, groups, businesses and politicians taking positive action for nature and to put nature at the heart of decision making.


• Addressing water quality issues through advice and holding authorities to account.


• Developing Nature Recovery Networks, including by joining up landscapes across Somerset, to enable nature to recover and move through the county.


• Exploring a rewilding approach; stepping back from the over-management of our countryside and allowing nature to return.


The consultation process is far reaching but we will be exploring four main areas, three of which are aligned with our core charitable objects and one which affects them all, climate breakdown.


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