Residents, businesses and local groups are being asked to share their views on Wiltshire Council's Climate Strategy.

The strategy will help to shape the next five years of the council’s fight against climate change.

From Wednesday September 1, to 11.59pm on Sunday October 17, people can comment on the draft strategy, which covers seven themes:

  • transport
  • built environment
  • waste
  • green economy
  • energy generation, storage and distribution
  • natural environment, food and farming
  • carbon neutral council

At the same time, the council will also be consulting on its Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI) Strategy, Our Natural Environment Plan.

‘Blue infrastructure’ means water courses such as rivers, lakes, canals, ponds and wetlands, while ‘green infrastructure’ covers plant life such as fields, forests, hedgerows and parks.

People can share their views on both draft strategies by filling out the online surveys during the engagement period or through a series of online and in-person events.

Salisbury Journal: Natural Environment Plan, A Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy for Wiltshire - consultation draft

To join these events, people must sign up online in advance.

The full schedule is as follows:

• September 9, 6pm, online launch event with Claire Perry O’Neill

• September 15, 10.30am to 11.30am, first engagement webinar

• September 30, 7pm to 8pm, second engagement webinar.

Salisbury Library is also hosting one of four drop-in sessions on September 14, from 10am to 12 noon.

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “As a rural county, Wiltshire is on the frontline of climate change impacts, and this affects us all. However, we can – and are – doing all we can to fight it, and that’s why we’re bringing forward this Climate Strategy for people to have their say on.

“At the same time, we’re also asking for people’s views on Our Natural Environment Plan, which will help to protect Wiltshire’s valuable biodiversity for years to come. The two strategies are intrinsically linked, which is why we’re asking for views on both at the same time.

“When the engagement begins on these two important strategies on 1 September, I’d urge as many people as possible to get involved, attend the events and have their say.”

For more information about the Climate Strategy and to sign up for the online events, go to wiltshire.gov.uk/climate

For more information about the GBI Strategy, wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-bio-green-blue-infrastructure

Opposition councillors have been contacted for comment.

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