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Nature plan to support beavers, bats and dormice

Edward RowePolitical reporter, Gloucestershire
News imagePA Media A beaver eating a piece of apple. The beaver is wet and appears to be sitting on a river bank with water behind it. It's sharp claws are holding onto the apple and it seems to be looking at the camera.PA Media
Beavers currently live in closed off areas of the Forest of Dean but the recovery plan hopes to create conditions for them to live in the wild

A county council is prioritising beaver reintroductionand protection for bats and dormice as part of its nature recovery plan.

Gloucestershire County Council has put 113 measures in place such as natural flood management by restoring wetlands and increasing wildlife corridors.

The authority also said it is exploring ideas around regenerative farming and flood management.

Councillor Martin Horwood, cabinet member for nature said, protecting nature was "an act of love for the planet, for your kids, your grandchildren and future generations".

The council has launched an interactive map which shows which areas need which changes.

One such measure is beaver reintroduction. The Forest of Dean already has beavers but the county council wants to create more habitats for them.

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The plan includes having more wetlands and letting rivers return to a more natural state.

To help species such as dormice and bats, the council will be looking at improving hedgerows and also introducing more bat bricks.

These bricks have small slots in, allowing bats to enter and roost without larger predators being able to get in.

The strategy also talks about working with local farmers and landowners to restore floodplain meadows and plant more species which will hold water to minimise flooding impact.

All local councils will be required to take into account Gloucestershire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy when making decisions and planning.

The council launched the strategy at Mitton Manor Primary School in Tewkesbury on Friday, alongside the school's Eco Committee.

News imageSix young children in school uniform with coats on in a muddy wood with councillor Martin Horwood in the middle. Horwood is wearing a yellow coat and scarf and holding a bright pink Valentine's day card which is very large, covering his hole body. On it it says 'Gloucestershire nature', with a green heart in between. There are hearts all over the card as well as hedgehogs, a robin, deer, ducks and a barn owl in a nature-themed scene. At the bottom of the card it says 'local nature recovery', with the Gloucestershire County Council logo.
Gloucestershire County Council launched its nature recovery strategy with a love letter to a schools eco committee

The school was presented with a large Valentine's card for its commitment to nature.

Lily, seven, said as part of their work they "try to help save electricity and plant new plants".

Eight-year-old Georgia added: "If you chop down trees, it will give you wood to make tables but if you chop down all the trees in the world you won't be able to breathe because trees give you oxygen."

Horwood said the council felt it was important to launch the strategy at a local school because its pupils are "the next generation".

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