South Yorkshire's nature restoration plan

A PLAN to “protect and restore” the region’s nature is being drawn up by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

Oliver Coppard, the area’s mayor, said: “South Yorkshire’s landscapes and natural environment are an unrivalled and precious asset.

“We desperately need to reverse the loss of wildlife, restore habitats and improve the natural environment of South Yorkshire for generations to come.”

SYMCA has been appointed the authority responsible for creating a strategy, under the requirements of the Environment Act 2021. It will work with the four main councils and the Peak District National Park Authority to build a plan for the future.

This will take 12 to 18 months and be funded by a £241,000 Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs grant.

Mr Coppard said: “This is urgent work, with enormous opportunities - protecting and restoring our landscapes and wildlife will improve both our air and wat