The council has opened a public consultation on a draft Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) that sets out proposals for protecting, restoring and enhancing wildlife across Dumfries and Galloway.
Community input sought on nature recovery
Work on the draft plan has been carried out by Southern Uplands Partnership Services Ltd on behalf of the council. Residents, community groups, land managers, businesses and other organisations are being asked to review the proposals and take part in a short engagement questionnaire to ensure the final plan reflects local priorities.
Officials say biodiversity underpins a wide range of local services and benefits, from supporting food production and local economies to strengthening climate resilience and improving community wellbeing. The council has therefore framed the consultation as an opportunity to shape how nature recovery is delivered across the region.
How people can take part
A programme of events and online activity will accompany the consultation. The council highlights drop-in sessions and attendance at local events to give people chances to discuss the plan in person.
- Consultation period: until 20 September
- Organisers: Southern Uplands Partnership Services Ltd for Dumfries and Galloway Council
- Who is invited: residents, community groups, land managers, businesses and organisations
Examples of planned engagement include sessions at community venues and the council’s presence at agricultural events to capture views from rural stakeholders.
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-in session | 22 July | The Usual Place, Dumfries |
| Engagement at agricultural show | 1 August | Dumfries Agricultural Show |
“Biodiversity is fundamental to the health of our environment, our communities and our local economy,”
The councillor representing the council’s position urged wide participation, saying it was important to hear from people across Dumfries and Galloway to shape how nature is protected and restored locally.
What comes next
Responses to the consultation will be used to refine the draft LBAP before it is brought forward for councillors’ consideration. The final plan will set priorities for habitat protection, species recovery and how partners across the region work together to deliver nature-based benefits.
For those wishing to respond, the council has made the consultation materials available on its website and is encouraging people to submit their views via the online engagement questions.
This process offers a route for farmers, crofters, community groups and urban residents alike to influence local nature policy at a time when regional and national governments are increasingly prioritising biodiversity and climate resilience.
