West Midlands Goes Green: 60+ Actions for Nature

The West Midlands is embarking on an ambitious environmental strategy, featuring more than 60 distinct actions designed to revitalize its natural landscapes. These initiatives focus on restoring vital wildlife habitats, enhancing the health of rivers and canals, and increasing tree cover across urban areas. The overarching goal is to significantly boost biodiversity and improve the quality of life for the region's three million inhabitants.

This comprehensive plan, developed collaboratively with numerous local partners, aims to build resilience against climate change and stimulate economic growth through the creation of green jobs. Mayor Richard Parker officially launched the strategy, emphasizing the crucial role of natural spaces in the region's prosperity and well-being. Significant investment is anticipated, with plans for up to £100 million in public and private funding.

Past efforts have already shown promise, with over 50 community-led schemes improving green space access for more than 500,000 residents and restoring substantial wildlife habitats. These successes underscore the commitment to preserving and enhancing the region's natural assets for future generations, ensuring spaces like Sutton Park and Saltwells Nature Reserve continue to thrive.