A new alliance aimed at tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the region is set to launch this month, bringing together councils, charities and national organisations under a shared vision.
The Wiltshire and Swindon Local Nature Partnership (LNP) will officially begin its work in May, with ambitions to restore nature at scale while strengthening climate resilience and supporting healthier communities.
The initiative brings together a broad mix of organisations, including the National Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Wessex Water, Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council. By combining resources, knowledge and influence, the partnership hopes to turn environmental ambition into meaningful, practical action on the ground.
Ian Wilson, Chair of the partnership, described the move as both timely and necessary.
“We are at a tipping point for our natural world,” he said. “The challenges are significant, but so is the opportunity to act collectively. By working with farmers, landowners, businesses and communities, we can accelerate nature’s recovery, restore our rivers and support a thriving rural economy.”
The partnership will be formally introduced at its inaugural forum on Wednesday, May 13, where stakeholders from across the region are being invited to help shape its future direction. Businesses, landowners and environmental groups are expected to attend, with the event positioned as a starting point for collaboration and practical delivery.
The forum will feature a keynote address from broadcaster and environmental advocate Mary-Ann Ochota, who is also the Independent Chair of the Protected Landscapes Partnership. She is expected to highlight the importance of regional cooperation in unlocking funding and building momentum for large-scale environmental change.
Speaking ahead of the launch, she said partnerships such as this offer a clear way forward at a time when the scale of environmental challenges can feel overwhelming.
The LNP has set out three key priorities: improving nature recovery by creating connected habitats, strengthening water resilience through nature-based solutions, and increasing access to green spaces for local communities.
At its core, the message is one of collective effort. With increasing pressure on wildlife, water systems and rural economies, the partnership signals a shift away from isolated initiatives towards a more joined-up approach.
If successful, it could place Wiltshire and Swindon at the forefront of regional environmental action—demonstrating how cooperation, rather than competition, may offer the most effective route to a greener and more resilient future.
