Natural England (NE) releases research celebrating Local Authority best practice.
In 2009, Natural England commissioned the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) to research examples of environmental best practice amongst Local Authorities.
Natural Leaders is the result of this research and looks at the lead role councils can play in promoting their natural environment. It brings together their ideas and experiences as they galvanise the private and voluntary sector, find resources and develop a local vision to deliver positive outcomes for both people and wildlife.
The actions suggested within the report also challenge local authorities to think differently about these issues and identify how best they can be addressed. The research points to four areas where the council’s leadership can have the biggest impact:
* partnership
* long term vision
* community engagement
* investment in natural capital.
Natural England will use the findings from this research to:
* Share good practice as part of our advice to Local Government
* Promote good environmental leadership that puts the natural environment at the heart of local decision making
* Encourage routine and systematic collection of environmental leadership best practice from Local Government.
Local Authorities are vital to realising the benefits of the natural environment for their communities. They can lead the debate on management of natural resources, galvanise the private and voluntary sector, find resources and develop local policy.
Local Authorities are also vital partners for Natural England as it delivers its statutory duties. They can be involved in service delivery, information provision and joint enforcement.
Natural Leaders presents the information from this research and looks at the lead role councils can play in promoting their natural environment. It brings together their ideas and experiences as they activate the private and voluntary sector, acquire resources and develop a local vision to deliver positive outcomes for both people and wildlife.
The actions suggested within the report also challenge local authorities to think differently about these issues and identify how best they can be addressed.
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