Mayor Claire assembles experts to join her Nature and Biodiversity Taskforce

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has brought together experts to join her Nature and Biodiversity Taskforce, which met for the first time on Thursday 30 January.

Chaired by Austin Brady, who has more than 40 years of experience in conservation, recreation, forestry and land management, the taskforce will work with partners across the region to advise the Mayor on how to develop regional goals and help identify how nature can be protected and restored across the region, aligning to Mayor Claire’s election commitment to support nature and biodiversity.

Members of the EMCCA Nature and Biodiversity Taskforce

• Austin Brady – Chair
• Paul Wilkinson – Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Chief Executive
• Jo Smith – Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Chief Executive
• Phil Mulligan – Peak District National Park Authority, Chief Executive
• Heather Stokes – Nottinghamshire County Council, Conservation Team Manager
• Adam Lathbury – Derbyshire County Council, Head of Conservation, Heritage and Design
• Claire Smith Harris – Nottingham City Council, Strategy & Inward Investment Manager, Greenspace & Natural Environment
• Verna Bayliss – Derby City Council, Director of Sustainability
• Vicky Manton – Natural England, Deputy Director (East Midlands)
• Greg Broughton – Environment Agency, Sustainable Growth and Place Manager (East Midlands)

At the meeting, members of the taskforce discussed the following key themes:

• improving accessible green space for communities
• supporting natural flood management
• championing nature recovery

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:  “People all over the East Midlands take joy, solace, and restoration from nature – but we know that the natural world has taken a back seat when it comes to politics and political decision-making. This taskforce – drawing on experts from across the region – will help me to ensure that the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s resources are used in a way that improves access to green space and supports natural flood management and nature recovery.”

“I know well that there has been some excellent work led by regional partners – and the taskforce will ensure that we add to and amplify that work – and we have an opportunity to do so through the Local Nature Recovery Strategies. I am so pleased that we have made such a strong start.”

Austin Brady, Chair of the EMCCA Nature and Biodiversity Taskforce said:  “I am delighted that the Mayor’s commitment to set up a Nature and Biodiversity Taskforce has become a reality. The natural world is under pressure like never before, so this focus on what we can do to protect and restore nature is very welcome.

“This Taskforce, made up of senior regional figures working on nature and the environment, will advise the Mayor on how best to protect and restore nature, and deliver natural habitats and green spaces that boost the health and wellbeing of communities and help to buffer property and businesses against the impacts of flooding and severe weather events.”

Read more about the launch of the taskforce and watch the interview with Mayor Claire and Austin Brady:  Ensuring nature can thrive in the East Midlands – East Midlands Combined County Authority