Your voice matters in Nature Recovery!

By Laura Brook, Head of Nature Recovery

In 2025, the Nature Recovery Team have hit the ground running. We're a technically diverse team with different specialisms in defending and restoring nature, but we all have a big appetite to see positive change for nature.

One way our Conservation Policy Team are looking to shape the future of nature recovery is by influencing Local Plans. Local Plans are developed by District and Borough councils to identify areas which can be developed for industry, business and housing. Sussex Wildlife Trust aims to influence these as they provide a chance to shape development and protect nature in our local areas.

But it is not just Sussex Wildlife Trust that can have say – your voice matters and you can take part in these consultations to protect and shape nature in your local areas.

So this is a shout out to all residents, but especially those living in Brighton and Hove, Lewes District and the South Downs National Park to make you aware that your local councils are currently consulting, or just are about to consult, on their Local Plans.

Things you can do:

• Check your local council's website to find out how to participate in your local plan process
• Attend meetings – Many councils host webinars and drop in sessions to tell you more about their local plans
• Share your thoughts – submit your comments online to have your say about the proposals
• Join the Sussex Planning for Nature Network to connect with other local people who are interested in planning and development

Tonight Lewes District Council will be hosting an online webinar to tell us all more about their Local Plan

Sussex Wildlife Trust will be responding to all of these consultations. You can see previous examples of responses here.