RESIDENTS of Bradford on Avon are being urged to get involved in a project to protect nature and improve the town's ecological biodiversity.

The call follows the publication of a report by Bath-based ecological consultants Ecosulis, who completed a town-wide survey of Bradford on Avon's wildlife species and plants last summer.

Their findings and recommendations have now been presented in a Nature Recovery Report available to read on Bradford Town Council's website.

Ecosulis managing director, Cain Blythe, said: “We were delighted to assist Bradford on Avon Town Council with the production of biodiversity surveys and a nature recovery report.

"Having commendably declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency, Bradford on Avon now has the opportunity to further establish itself as a progressive ‘green’ town with ambitious climate change, biodiversity and sustainability goals and strategies.

“This would further enhance the town’s reputation as an attractive place to live, work and visit, and would also boost community pride and cohesion.

"As with most other UK towns, biodiversity in Bradford on Avon has been impacted by development. Nevertheless, our surveys found areas within and around the town that still support biodiversity.

"If all the town’s stakeholders come together and work collaboratively, there is now a great and timely opportunity to reverse losses and enhance nature in Bradford on Avon for the benefit of all.”

Council leader Dom Newton said: "We wanted a strong scientific base on which to make decisions on future management of the town’s green spaces.

"This report is critical to ensuring that we can respond effectively to the ecological emergency that we all face – it highlights key areas that we need to protect and provides meaningful and useful suggestions in how we can do so, through protection and development of key habitats.

"For local residents, that means we will be able to better protect the green places and spaces which are so important to the town, and join up policies on environment, planning and things like clean air.

"It also means that, in time, our open spaces will be more alive with varying wildlife, which will mean they are healthier and more attractive."

"As we’ve seen during the lockdowns over the last 12 months, this also helps people’s health and well-being.”