An image of a hedgehog. Photo copyright to Darin Smith – Sussex Wildlife Trust.
West Sussex County Council is calling for people to share their experiences and observations of nature and wildlife in Sussex as part of a new, nation-wide initiative to address declining habitats and species.
Residents will be asked what aspects of nature and wildlife are important to them and what changes they have noticed locally which will help inform the Local Nature Recovery Strategies being developed for Sussex.
Sussex is fortunate to be home to many iconic and wondrous wildlife species, and some of the rarest natural habitats in the world. But nature is in trouble with one in six UK species at risk of extinction. Urgent, locally coordinated efforts are needed to reverse this decline.
Local Nature Recovery Strategies are a new initiative being rolled out across England to address the problem. Two strategies are being developed by the county councils, one covering West Sussex and another for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove.
The easiest way for residents to get involved is to complete the residents’ survey. This asks questions about how and where people connect with nature, the habitats or species they value, any changes they’ve noticed, and any wider benefits they’d like to see in their local area. The survey takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete and will close on 30 June 2024.
Cllr Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, said: “At the heart of every Local Nature Recovery Strategy will be environmental issues that are most important to local people.
“Nature provides us with food, supports jobs and the local economy, and provides us with other things we may take for granted, such as clean air and water.
“I would like everyone to get involved and participate in their Local Nature Recovery Strategy. That way, we can help improve and create our precious habitats and recover species found in West Sussex through future funding and action.”
More information about the strategies and how local people can get involved can be found at, Sussex Nature Recovery, including details of events, webinars, workshops, briefings, and more.