Cllr Lindsay Southcombe (Green, Truro Moresk and Trehaverne)

Truro City Council declared a Biodiversity Emergency two years ago, in acknowledgment of the loss of nature from our city despite having a reasonable amount of green space that is being ‘managed’ for nature. A council-led Nature Recovery Forum aims to include people for whom this is an important issue.

Urban nature is very important in a changing world. It can reduce so many things - the “heat island effect”, flooding and air pollution - while increasing habitat for insects and other invertebrates. It also has a positive impact on human health, helping to relieve anxiety, lift mood and reduce isolation.

Inevitably, urban nature has to exist in small spaces. However, if these are connected, it allows mobile species to access them and so increases their food source and gene pool. 

For example, invertebrates are in serious decline. These tiny, unassuming creatures are vital for crop pollination, recycling waste, soil health and as a food source for small mammals, such as our beloved hedgehogs and birds. By improving appropriate plant cover to increase their habitat and food sources, we can give them a realistic chance of recovery.

One of the biggest challenges for urban nature recovery is reconciling competing views. Traditionally, public urban planting has been formal, with an emphasis on colour and neatness, using annual plants that are propagated, planted, uprooted and discarded. These plants are seldom pollinator-friendly, require chemical inputs and are wasteful. But to many people they beloved.

A wildlife-friendly urban regime would use perennial plants, indigenous flowering shrubs (possibly wildflowers), less neatness, no chemicals. The plants would not be removed after flowering, but the seed heads left for the birds. Fallen leaves and twigs would remain for insect habitat and soil health.

While very few people would argue against nature restoration, a significant number of people still value the neatness of municipal gardens and beds. The challenge for nature recovery is to reconcile human needs with nature needs.

We should not forget, though, that the fate of future generations lies with nature. Nature, however, is not dependent on humans - it would thrive without us. 

If you are interested in becoming involved in nature recovery in Truro, please get in touch with me on 07880 745961 or by email at [email protected]