Planning and policy

We are passionate about giving Yorkshire's wildlife and wild places the strongest voice possible.

From influencing government policy to responding to individual planning applications, we work incredibly hard to ensure that vital topics such as biodiversity, the climate emergency and access to nature are considered at both a local and national level.

Discover more about our work on planning applications and influencing policy below.

Advice for developers    Advice for individuals

Every voice counts when it comes to making a difference for our wildlife and wild places. You can be a strong advocate for nature by doing the following things:

Find out when your local authority is consulting on its Local Plan. Insist on strong policies to protect wildlife.

Find out if your parish or town is putting together a Neighbourhood Plan. You can seek the creation of new wildlife-rich green space as part of the plan or protect existing natural areas.

Addressing wildlife in Neighbourhood Plans

Respond to planning applications you think could damage wildlife or have the potential to create more areas for wildlife/deliver biodiversity net gain. Let your local councillors and those on the planning committee know why you are objecting.

Record animals and plants that are present in your local area and send as many records that you are certain about to your local records centre. This information helps when committees are making decisions about planning applications.

Report suspected wildlife crime and breaches of planning conditions.

Talk to your MP about campaigns or changes in policy that you want them to support, or highlight a particular story or problem in your area.

If you have a specific question about how to help wildlife, whether your local area can be designated as a nature reserve or whether we'll object to a planning application, please see our Frequently Asked Questions before getting in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions