Local Nature Action Plan Webinar: Resources

Nov 25, 2025

Hosted by Professor Rosemary Collier, on behalf of Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull Local Nature Partnership, with support from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, WCAVA and WALC

On 17 November, over 20 representatives joined a webinar exploring how communities can create Local Nature Action Plans. Speakers from the Local Nature Partnership and Wildlife Trust outlined priorities from the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, including hedgerows, ponds, and wildlife sites. Practical tools such as new mapping apps and hedgerow surveys were shared, alongside inspiring case studies: Leamington’s hedgehog‑friendly streets, Harbury’s swift boxes, and Nuneaton’s wildlife watchers.

View the presentation slides

Download Summary of presentations and dicussions

Actions to Complete

Hedgerows & Surveys
  • Promote and trial the new hedgerow assessment app (launching 2026) – arrange training via Wildlife Trust/SWAN Hedge Connect.
  • Seek landowner permission before surveys, even along roads/footpaths.
  • Offer surveys to farmers through local environmental farming groups.
  • Explore CPRE hedgerow restoration offer for free planting/laying projects.
Mapping & Data
  • Create parish‑level maps (e.g., Google My Maps) to record habitats, species, and opportunities.
  • Request data from Warwickshire Biological Records Centre to understand local wildlife sites and species records.
  • Encourage residents to record sightings (via WBRC, iNaturalist, iRecord) to fill gaps in county data.
Baseline Monitoring
  • Attend Wildlife Trust training (planned spring 2026) on baseline surveys and bio‑blitz methods.
  • Consider commissioning Natural Capital Assessments for parish assets (playing fields, churchyards) – funding may be available, e.g. Stratford District Community Climate Change Fund.
  • Engage local expert groups (bat, moth, butterfly conservation) to run events and surveys.
Community Engagement
  • Hold public meetings or talks with guest speakers to spark interest (wine & cheese evenings suggested!).
  • Use awards schemes (e.g., Bee Friendly Awards, Eco Church) to motivate schools, pubs, shops, and clubs.
  • Pilot small, visible projects (wildflower patches, donated plants, signage) to create talking points.
  • Gather local memories (old ponds, hedgerows, forgotten habitats) to inform plans.
Planning & Policy
  • Publish biodiversity pledges/statements on parish websites to show commitment.
  • Adopt or adapt biodiversity policies (simple one‑pager, see below, or SLCC model – latest October 2025).
  • Embed biodiversity priorities into Neighbourhood Development Plans for statutory weight.
  • Monitor local government reorganisation impacts on land ownership and planning responsibilities.
Funding & Collaboration
  • Work with WCAVA to identify suitable funders and prepare phased, collaborative bids.
  • Highlight partnerships in funding applications –  funders value joint working.
  • Share needs with the Local Nature Partnership so templates, guidance, and support can be tailored.
  • Explore Wilder Communities Officer support (South Warwickshire parishes, contact Olivia.Williams@wkwt.org.uk).
Immediate Next Steps
  1. Publish a simple biodiversity pledge on your council website.
  2. Set up a parish working group
  3. Engage residents with a low‑cost project or speaker event to build momentum.
  4. Plan a spring 2026 baseline survey/bio‑blitz with Wildlife Trust support.
  5. Contact WCAVA for funding
Templates