A key Wiltshire Council natural environment strategy is a finalist for a prestigious regional award.

The council’s Green & Blue Infrastructure Strategy for Wiltshire – Wiltshire’s Natural Environment Plan, is a finalist in the category of ‘Excellence in Plan Making Practice’ in the RTPI South West Awards for Planning Excellence 2022.

It sets out the future for supporting and enhancing Wiltshire's natural environmental assets for the benefit of people and nature as well as helping to address climate change through nature based-solutions.

The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence recognise and reward the brightest talent in the profession; the most outstanding projects, teams and people helping to transform economies, environments, and communities.

Councillor Richard Clewer, Wiltshire Council Leader, said: “ As a rural authority it’s vital that we enhance our natural environment for the long term benefits of both people and nature.

"This will ensure the county is more resilient to climate change, provides more opportunities to achieve net gain through biodiversity which in turn supports sustainable development, and ensures access to green space for all which brings with it many health benefits.

“It’s a challenging piece of work with huge scale and scope to it, but it’s incredibly exciting and will make many positive differences for the county and its many communities."