Let’s make Devolution a win-win for growth and nature

Norfolk and Suffolk are on the Government’s fast track to devolution - which will see the creation of a new overarching ‘strategic authority’. 

In May 2026, you will have the chance to choose the first joint Mayor for our counties.

Why this matters for Norfolk's wildlife 

Devolution represents a once in a generation opportunity to give local government the resources and powers to deliver genuinely environmentally-positive growth that helps restore nature. 

In addition to roles in strategic planning and delivery of housing, economic growth, transport, local infrastructure, energy, and health, the new Mayor will have the job of coordinating efforts to restore nature. This will be done though the delivery of the Local Nature Recovery Strategies for Norfolk and Suffolk.

These new strategies describe what is needed, and where, to help wildlife to recover from long-term declines. They are seen as crucial to hitting legally binding targets to halt biodiversity loss and protect 30% of the UK’s land and seas for nature by 2030. 

Turning the strategies from a set of ambitions, priorities, and opportunities, into new wildlife habitats on the ground requires commitment and leadership.

What Norfolk Wildlife Trust wants to see happen 

The UK is one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries, with 1 in 6 UK species at risk of being lost and the majority of important habitats in poor condition. And the fall out from this will impact our communities too – through climate change, flooding as well as reduced water and air quality. 

We’re asking the leaders shaping these proposals to make sure local government has the resources to lead on nature recovery in Norfolk and Suffolk and deliver the healthy and resilient natural environment we need to support sustainable growth. 

We are calling for devolution plans to include: 

Funding settlements for the new Mayoral Authority to include ring-fenced funding for nature recovery and the delivery of Local Nature Recovery Strategies currently being developed across England, including in Norfolk and Suffolk.

The ability of the new authority to secure meaningful contributions to nature recovery from major development, including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, offshore wind, solar farms, and National Grid transmission infrastructure. 

New Mayoral Authority to have a duty to publish a coordinated action plan (or plans) for meeting local targets to contribute to the government’s commitments to nature recovery, including: 

· Protecting, restoring, and expanding nature reserves and other wildlife sites

· Halting declines in the abundance of species by 2030

· Protecting 30% our land and ocean by 2030

· Restoring our rivers to good ecological health

Adherence to the environmental principles enshrined in the Environment Act 2021.

Adoption of a ‘nature in all policies’ approach to improve the natural environment through the Mayoral Authority’s functions. 

Ensure nature has a voice in the new Mayoral Authority through the responsibilities and representation of its members.