CPCA invests £350k in biodiversity audits to support delivery of the Doubling Nature vision

CPCA invests £350k in biodiversity audits to support delivery of the Doubling Nature vision

The Combined Authority has invested £350,000 to support all Cambridgeshire and Peterborough councils in carrying out comprehensive biodiversity audits across their land assets. Each council received up to £50,000, enabling surveys of 156 sites across the region. 

These sites will now benefit from tailored biodiversity improvement plans, helping councils meet their statutory duties to conserve and enhance nature while contributing to the region’s Doubling Nature Vision. This work will drive better land management, strengthen local ecosystems and support long‑term resilience across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. 

Surveys have been completed and every site will receive a tailored habitat management plan. The work has also helped two councils unlock additional investment to enhance biodiversity at some or all their sites. 

Key benefits of the programme include:  

• Creating publicly accessible plans showing how councils will manage land to increase biodiversity 

• Strengthening the case for further investment in nature recovery 

• Enabling collaboration with charities, community groups and local organisations to deliver on the ground improvements. 

The programme will help contribute to the CPCA’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, approved late last year, ensuring a coordinated and evidence-led approach to restoring nature across the region. 

Mayor Paul Bristow said:  

“Our nature is one of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s greatest strengths. These sites tell the story of our region, and they deserve to be protected, celebrated, and enjoyed by everyone.  

“By investing in nature recovery and improving the places people love, we’re not only safeguarding them for future generations – we’re also creating destinations that attract visitors, support local businesses and strengthen our tourism economy. This work is about pride of place, but it’s also about unlocking the full potential of our region.”