East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward launches new taskforce to ensure nature can thrive in region
A new initiative launched by the East Midlands Mayor is aiming to support nature recovery and restore biodiversity across the region.
Mayor Claire Ward’s new nature and biodiversity taskforce will work with partners across the East Midlands to advise her on how to develop regional goals and help identify how nature can be protected across the region.
It is in alignment with Mayor Claire’s election commitment to support nature and biodiversity.
Austin Brady, who has more than 40 years of experience in conservation, recreation, forestry and land management, will serve as chairman of the nature and biodiversity taskforce.
Austin said: “I am committed to improving the quality of our environment and helping nature to recover and thrive in our region. This new taskforce will help to identify and deliver new opportunities to embed nature into the emerging strategy of the combined authority.
“Valuing nature and our natural places helps to underpin and support businesses and communities. Improving it will make our region an even better place to live and work.”
Mayor Claire added: “Our region has fantastic green spaces, countryside and parks but we know that we must protect that biodiversity and our local environment not just for this generation but for the future. We know how important these green spaces are as they improve the quality of all our lives and provide habitats for wildlife to thrive.
“This new taskforce will work in collaboration with our partners to develop the strategy to support local environments, which will help contribute to making our region the best place to live, work and learn.”
Austin has worked across England, Scotland and Australia, holding senior roles in the Forestry Commission, regional government and most recently The Woodland Trust.
He has now retired but spends his time promoting the benefits that flow from the positive interactions between nature, society and the environment.
The new taskforce will meet for the first time in January 2025 and seeks to build on the work of both public sector and third sector organisations across the region.
