Call for Nature Sites

We are asking local landowners and leaseholders to help us identify potential land that could contribute to nature recovery across Bath and North East Somerset.

What is a Nature Site?

Nature Site is the term used for any land that could be enhanced or restored to create space for nature to thrive.

What are we proposing to do?

We are making a public request to identify landowners and leaseholders within Bath and North East Somerset with an interest in managing their land more positively for nature. This will allow us to build a picture of land available for habitat creation, restoration and enhancement.

As part of our wider work to develop a Local Nature Recovery Strategy, once sites are submitted, we will provide feedback on their potential as Nature Sites and explore opportunities to contribute to nature's recovery

Why are we proposing to do it?

We declared an Ecological Emergency in July 2020, recognising the severity and consequences of the degradation of the natural environment and loss of wildlife.

Increasing the amount of land and waterways managed positively for nature and supporting others to act is an important part of our plan to tackle the Ecological Emergency and restore nature. Read our Ecological Emergency Action Plan to find out what else we're doing to tackle the Ecological Emergency. 

To achieve our vision of Bath & North East Somerset Council becoming nature positive by 2030, we need to make more long-term, better connected space for nature to recover and thrive. 

What does it mean to be nature positive?

Nature positive is the term used to describe a net positive contribution towards nature's recovery.

Before you submit a site

We recommend you consider the habitats and species you would like to support and how they would work alongside adjoining habitats and land use, and the long term management of the land.

You can explore the West of England Nature Recovery Network maps, which show areas considered strategically significant for nature recovery.

We are particularly interested in identifying land with nature recovery potential that is located next to existing local wildlife sites and key habitat, such as wetlands, woodlands and flower-rich grasslands.

WarningPlease do not resubmit sites. If you need to update any site details or if a site becomes unavailable for nature recovery, please contact us directly by emailing nature_recovery@bathnes.gov.uk

How can you respond?

Online

You can submit proposed sites at any time through our online form.

During the submission process, you will be asked to outline the proposed site using an online mapping tool.

How to use our mapping tool

Zoom the map to an appropriate size to focus on the area you want to propose. Click on Draw an area.

Select the polygon tool (hexagon button) on the right-hand side of the map to draw a shape.

Click on the screen to create and connect points, to draw the outline of your shape.

Click the Finished drawing button, and answer the questions which appear. Click Submit once you are ready.

By post

You can download, print and complete a paper version of the online form.

All paper forms should be accompanied by an annotated plan showing the site clearly outlined and its relation to nearby or bordering land, noting any relevance to neighbouring habitats and areas of landscape or heritage interest.

Please post your forms and plans to:

Green Infrastructure & Nature Recovery
Lewis House
Manvers Street
Bath
BA1 1JG

What’s next?

We will assess the information you submit to us. We will contact you if we require any more information and to confirm whether or not the site will be added to our Nature Sites map. This map allows our partners to clearly see land owned by people with an interest in nature recovery. 

Please note that personal details (including contact details) will not be made available through the mapping system. Any contact from our partners will be made through the council.

Contact us

If you need more information or support with your submission, please email us at nature_recovery@bathnes.gov.uk.

We carry out and publish Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) to check the possible impact of our policies and proposals on equalities groups.