20% of species observed in Hertfordshire in 1970 were extinct or threatened in 2020

A fifth of the 7,500 species observed in Hertfordshire in 1970 were either extinct or threatened in 2020.

These stark figures were presented to a meeting of Hertfordshire County Council’s sustainable economic growth cabinet panel as members analysed the authority’s Nature Recovery Strategy, which is part of its mission to slash carbon emissions.

There are just 13 hectares (32 acres) of heathland left in Hertfordshire, and 35% of woodland species have declined despite an increase in woodland areas.

Hertfordshire has the distinction of having around 10% of the world’s chalk streams, including the River Stort, with unique habitats to be preserved.

The Nature Recovery Strategy will be sent out for public consultation in June or July, with plans to be submitted to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Steve Reed by October.

A report to councillors stated: “The Climate Change Act 2008 requires the UK government to reduce greenhouse gases by 100%, relative to 1990 levels, by 2050. As a local authority, the county council is committed to this target, having declared a climate emergency in 2019.

“The county council has chosen to consider sustainability within its decisions, to identify suitable mitigation measures to address the impacts of climate change where required and practicable in all the circumstances, ensuring these are in line with the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy.”

The authority is asking for residents’ views on the environment in a 16-question online survey at https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov.uk/s/7INFTR/?dm_i=5ESZ,16NO1,1M8LOD,4UQ8Z,1.