South Yorkshire's nature is under pressure. Understanding these challenges has shaped every priority in this strategy.
More than half of South Yorkshire's habitats are in poor condition, and the situation is being made worse by a changing climate. Flooding, extreme heat and drought are putting species and habitats under increasing stress, and the pressure is only going to grow. At the same time, housing and infrastructure development is fragmenting the natural environments that wildlife depends on, making it harder for species to move, feed and breed.
Disconnection from nature is part of the problem too. People in the most disadvantaged parts of South Yorkshire are ten times less likely to live near quality green spaces. Research shows that people who experience nature regularly are more likely to protect it, so making access fairer isn't just a wellbeing issue, it's a conservation one. Increased footfall on green spaces is also causing damage that many sensitive sites struggle to absorb.
The cost of doing nothing is high. This strategy is our collective response.