MAYOR URGES PUBLIC TO HELP SHAPE STRATEGY FOR NATURE RECOVERY ACROSS SOUTH YORKSHIRE

Published 19 June 2026 at 10:17am

People across South Yorkshire are being encouraged to help shape future action to reverse nature’s decline across the region as a public consultation launches on South Yorkshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). 

The consultation opens on Friday 19 June and runs until Friday 31 July 2026, giving residents, businesses, landowners, farmers, community groups and organisations the opportunity to have their say on plans to restore and protect nature across our communities. 

The proposed strategy has already been shaped by more than 1,800 contributions from people and organisations across South Yorkshire, and leaders are now urging even more people to get involved and share their views. 

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will help identify priorities and opportunities for nature recovery across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield, supporting action to improve biodiversity, respond to climate change and create greener, healthier places for people and wildlife. 

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said:  

“South Yorkshire is home to an incredible natural landscape, from our rivers and woodlands to the green spaces at the heart of our communities. These places matter deeply to us all and are central to our health, wellbeing and pride in where we live.   

“But we know nature is under pressure, with many habitats in poor condition. Our Local Nature Recovery Strategy is about turning that around. Restoring nature and building a greener, healthier future for South Yorkshire.   

“Our consultation is a chance for everyone to have their say. I’d encourage everyone to explore the draft strategy and share their views so we can shape the way forward together.”  

There are several ways for people to get involved during the consultation period at southyorkshirenaturerecovery.co.uk: 

• Read the strategy online   
• Complete a public survey 
• Explore the interactive map where people can view opportunities for nature recovery in their area and suggest where action is needed most 

A programme of engagement events will also take place across South Yorkshire during the six-week consultation period where residents, community groups, landowners and more can meet and speak to someone in person about the strategy.  

Full details can be found on the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority website.  

Residents are being encouraged to review the draft strategy and complete the consultation survey before it closes on 31 July 2026.