Views sought on plans to boost wildlife recovery

Habitats which the plan focuses on include chalk and limestone grassland, woodland, heathland, acid bogs and acid grassland and rivers.

The strategy sets out that protecting and enhancing nature is not just an environmental imperative “but a social and economic one as well”.

It says individuals, businesses and communities all benefit from biodiversity, including from well-being, food, water security and flooding.

Mr Muns said: “By focusing conservation efforts where they are most needed, the strategy will support wildlife to thrive and can also help to deliver wider environmental benefits such as cleaner air and waterways, reduced flood risk, and enhanced green spaces for local communities.”

Species the plan particularly hopes to help include bats, farmland birds, lapwing and stone curlew, the Duke of Burgundy butterfly, juniper and arable plants.

Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for the environment and transport, said: “The plan will help us achieve a fairer and greener Swindon by ensuring developers prioritise biodiversity net gain and that our communities benefit from a healthier natural environment.”

People can comment on the proposals until 19 April.