Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership Summit is returning for its second year on May 19 at Heartlands, Pool.  

The one-day event will bring together key stakeholders and speakers such as Richard Benwell, chief executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, with the aim of helping the whole of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly tackle the ecological emergency declared by the partnership in 2021.  

This collaboration of partners – and headline sponsor, Tevi, an EU-funded venture to help businesses to become greener and more innovative – will include a series of themed sessions. 

As well as showcasing existing and new “Pledges for Nature” aimed at contributing towards Cornwall’s nature recovery and environmental growth ambitions, the summit will launch the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards for 2023.  

The event and its subsequent actions will support communities, charities, landowners and managers, public authorities and businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to tackle the ecological and biodiversity crisis at different scales. Lord Robin Teverson, chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership said: “In 2022 we welcomed over 200 people to our inaugural event and secured almost 200 pledges. Every pledge that leads to action means a healthier environment for Cornwall and Scilly. 

“Please come to this summit for whatever inspiration you need to create that change.  We are in an ecological crisis.  Working together means we can make a real and positive difference to both nature and the quality of our lives.”

Key pledges from 2022 included the Eden Project’s pledge to enhance biodiversity through the creation of 2.5 hectares of tree planting and seven hectares of wildflower meadows, and RAF St Mawgan committed to protecting the life of threatened species by providing a sanctuary for living things to thrive.  

Cllr Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for environment and climate change, said: “We are an incredible community here in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and many people want to help tackle this crisis in a way that works for them.  From planting a tree, to changing how we commute, to picking up litter or even an innovative new environmental solution from a local brilliant business – it’s all happening and we want to know about it – while doing even more.” 

People can register for the free summit via eventbrite. The morning session will also be available on Zoom. Meanwhile, people and companies can make a “Pledge for Nature” at www.naturecios.org.uk/pledge/