Collaboration Key to Driving Meaningful and Lasting Progress for Nature Recovery in the South Cotswolds

Meeting between MP and Wildlife Trust leaders highlights the vital relationship between farmers, communities, and policymakers in driving meaningful change and lasting progress for nature recovery in the South Cotswolds.

Roz Savage MP met with Joanna Lewis, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, and Andrew McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, at the Dragonfly Café in Lower Moor Nature Reserve recently, to explore ways to support nature recovery in the South Cotswolds.

Over tea and a slice of one of the Dragonfly Café’s famous cakes, Roz and the Wildlife Trust CEOs enjoyed a fruitful discussion, agreeing that we need to move beyond a polarised debate between farming and nature recovery. We don’t need to choose between “sharing” land or “sparing” land for nature set-asides – we need to do both. Roz expressed her view that government needs to work more constructively with environmental NGOs to take what is working effectively at the grassroots, and to do more of it. They also discussed how more farming advisers could help farmers navigate complex grant schemes, where frequent changes have created uncertainty.

Jo and Andrew talked about farm clusters, such as the Braydon Forest cluster, which have strong potential for woodland pasture restoration and grassland improvement. The group also discussed how Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is supporting communities in Stroud to manage green spaces such as Box Wood, Juniper Hill, and the Heavens. This community-based model is boosting both conservation efforts and ensuring that green spaces remain available to local residents, with all the associated benefits for mental and physical wellbeing.

Further to her recent Climate and Nature Bill, Roz was keen to discuss the importance of gathering hard data to measure real progress in nature recovery. 

Roz Savage MP reflected on the meeting, saying:
“I enjoyed a fruitful conversation with Jo Lewis and Andrew McLaughlin of the Wildlife Trusts in the Dragonfly Café at Lower Moor Nature Reserve. We were of one mind on various key issues facing the South Cotswolds and the whole country right now, such as the Land Use Framework consultation, the role of farmers in reversing the degradation of our natural world, and the crucial role of nature-based solutions in tackling climate change. I was particularly encouraged to hear their stories of progress on restoring natural habitats, with the resulting recovery of endangered bird species. I am delighted that the Wildlife Trusts and their volunteers are taking such an active role in preserving our precious natural heritage and thank them for their important work.”

The meeting underscored the importance of working together to protect and restore the natural landscapes of the South Cotswolds. With ongoing collaboration between local organisations, communities, and policymakers, there is a real opportunity to drive meaningful and lasting progress for nature recovery in our area.

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Notes to Editors: 

• Photo: Roz Savage MP with Joanna Lewis, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, and Andrew McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, at Lower Moor Nature Reserve