WILTSHIRE Council is showcasing major progress in restoring nature across the county and setting goals that go well beyond national requirements.

The first-ever Enhanced Biodiversity Report confirms that biodiversity is now embedded in the council’s key strategies.

Wiltshire’s draft Local Plan aims for a 20% biodiversity net gain – double the national baseline – while the newly adopted Wiltshire & Swindon Local Nature Recovery Strategy outlines 26 priorities and more than 300 actions for habitats and species recovery.

Several flagship projects feature in the report, including the transformation of Roundbarrow Farm near Firsdown from a dairy operation into 277 acres of chalk grassland, and the Wild About Wiltshire community wildflower initiative.

The council has also secured significant funding: £300,000 for woodland creation, £50,000 for community orchards and more than £132,000 through National Landscapes partnerships.

Support for local action is growing too with a community environmental toolkit and a successful parish tree warden scheme helping residents enhance biodiversity close to home.

Cllr Paul Sample said the report highlights “huge strides” but also the need for a county-wide effort. “We are committed to restoring nature and going beyond national targets,” he said. “But we can’t do it alone.”

Wiltshire Council’s cabinet approved the report on December 9.