Herefordshire Council has announced its new Climate and Nature Partnership Board which will support its ambition for Herefordshire to be a thriving zero-carbon and nature rich county by 2030.
The development of the Board comes fast on the heels of COP26, the world’s most significant summit on climate change, which was hosted in the UK at the beginning of November. The Board is part of a long term push by the county to lead by example in taking climate action and bring about positive change for everyone to benefit from.
After inviting applicants from across the county, the Council has appointed 15 candidates to help drive implementation of a countywide Climate and Nature Action Plan , which has been co-developed with people and organisations across Herefordshire. It covers the key topics of transport, energy, housing and buildings, waste, land use and farming, and food.
The selected Board members bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge through their roles in conservation, wildlife, architecture, farming, the media, community energy, research, land management, agricultural policy and running businesses.
The Board will encourage everyone in the county – individuals, groups, businesses – to get involved in taking action on climate and nature. The Board will steer the Climate and Nature Action Plan, commission projects to help deliver it, and monitor progress.
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust's Andrew Nixon said:
"I am delighted to join the Climate and Nature Partnership Board. Over the past two years we have worked with Herefordshire Council and others to develop the county wide Climate and Nature Action Plans. I am now looking forward to helping our county become nature rich and net zero by 2030. There is no doubt this is going to be a major challenge, but by supporting the positive actions taken by residents, communities and businesses we can make this a reality."
Councillor Ellie Chowns, Cabinet member for the environment and economy at Herefordshire Council, commented: “It’s all systems go now with the appointment of our Board. This is a key step in bringing people together to drive forward climate and nature action across the whole county. We’re all passionate about protecting Herefordshire’s wonderful natural environment and wildlife for the benefit of future generations.
“We are extremely fortunate to have attracted such an exceptional, committed and diverse group of individuals to the Board who, like myself, cannot wait to get to work to make our ambition a reality.
“We want to encourage everyone living, working and running businesses in Herefordshire to do their bit and take action to reduce their carbon footprint. Tackling the climate emergency needs us all to play our part so that everyone can continue to enjoy what our county can offer for many years to come.”