A POPULAR Warwickshire country park celebrated a milestone – and marked the launch of a new plan to boost the county’s parks, rivers and wildlife.
Ryton Pools Country Park’s 30th anniversary fun day also saw the launch of Warwickshire County Council’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).
The strategy aims to restore natural habitats, improve the quality of rivers, support the recovery of vulnerable species, and create more green spaces in towns.
It was launched as hundreds of visitors gathered at the park to celebrate three decades of conservation and outdoor recreation.
Attendees enjoyed traditional activities including ranger-led pond dipping and minibeast hunting, miniature train rides, traditional maypole dancing live music from a local brass band, a charity barbecue, and market stalls showcasing local environmental groups and sustainable businesses.
The LNRS, developed in collaboration with the Warwickshire Coventry and Solihull Local Nature Partnership (LNP), focuses on eight priorities to help reverse biodiversity decline, based on local knowledge and evidence.
It aims to create more nature-rich habitats, support the recovery of vulnerable species, and improve water availability for both wildlife and local communities.
The strategy will also aim to embed more ‘green and blue’ spaces into towns and new developments, connect people to accessible natural places to nature’s health benefits, support farmer and landowner-led sustainable land management.
By working with natural processes and nature-based solutions, the strategy will also tackle challenges such as flooding.
With the UK now identified as one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth, the statutory strategy – introduced under the Environment Act 2021 – provides a blueprint for nature recovery across the county.
The LNRS was shaped by discussions with landowners, collaboration with environmental groups and government agencies, and a public consultation.
Coun Darren Cheshire, WCC’s spokesperson for Environment, Heritage and Culture, said: “There was no better setting to launch our ambitious LNRS than at Ryton Pools Country Park as it celebrated 30 remarkable years of connecting our communities with the great outdoors.
“It was fantastic to see so many families enjoying the park and engaging with our rangers.
“This strategy represents a critical turning point for Warwickshire, providing a tailored blueprint to reverse biodiversity decline and protect our natural environment.
“By launching this strategy at such a well-loved community event, we hope to inspire residents of all ages to actively support the recovery of our local wildlife and green spaces in their daily lives.”
Emma Johnson, Natural England West Midlands Deputy Director, said the strategy set out clear priorities for where effort is needed.
She added: “I encourage everyone to explore the strategy and consider what part they can play in creating a more nature-rich future for Warwickshire which will secure our future as well as that of the wildlife we live alongside.”
The strategy will now be submitted to the government for final adoption. Visit www.wcslnp.co.uk for more information.
