County council publishes first Biodiversity Duty Report

Local authorities are required to consider how their functions can support biodiversity – known as the biodiversity duty – as well as meet their legal responsibilities.

For the first time, the council has produced a comprehensive report detailing the activities it has undertaken since January 2024 to meet this obligation – alongside its plans to build on this progress in the next five years.

The 36-page report highlights the council’s direct management of 71 sites covering approximately 1,302 hectares in Nottinghamshire, including at popular destinations such as Cotgrave Country Park and Bestwood Country Park.

Other achievements include:

• Creation of 275ha of new woodland through Greenwood Community Forest’s Trees for Climate programme, with 345,146 trees planted. 

• Completion of the Miner to Major project, a five-year Landscape Partnership Scheme which delivered several projects focussed on the natural environment. 

• Production and publication (in November 2025) of the Nottinghamshire and Nottingham Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and ongoing support for the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group. 

• Delivery of the Notts Outdoors education service, which worked with 55,104 participants and 1,300 schools and groups during the report period. 

Investment in natural flood management schemes has totalled £854,000, restoring 1,100 metres of river – while sustainability efforts have seen 98% of streetlights upgraded to LED and solar panels installed at 43 sites – helping to reduce operational emissions by 39.3% between 2019–20 and 2023–24.

An additional £250,000 has been allocated through the council’s Green Investment Fund to support further environmental projects.

Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “This report represents an important milestone for the council and demonstrates our commitment to protecting and enhancing Nottinghamshire’s natural environment.

“From managing country parks to investing in woodland creation, we are taking meaningful steps to support biodiversity across our communities.

“We are proud of the progress we have made, but we recognise there is more to do.

“By monitoring and reviewing our actions, this report helps ensure we remain accountable and continue to build on our efforts to support nature recovery.

“Improving biodiversity is not only about protecting wildlife – it also brings real benefits to residents.

“Greener, more biodiverse communities support better physical and mental health, improve air quality, and help reduce flooding risks. This work is essential to creating a more resilient and sustainable Nottinghamshire for future generations.”

The Biodiversity Duty Report strengthens transparency and accountability, showcasing the council’s environmental achievements while setting a clear direction for continued action to protect and restore nature across the county.