WELLINGTON residents have been encouraged to get involved with a new wildlife conservation scheme which will help to protect the environment.

The town council took to social media urging local people to sign up and have their say on Somerset Council’s nature recovery strategy in an online questionnaire.

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said while the county has some of the “most spectacular” wildlife in the UK, it is now facing “significant challenges.” In a statement they said: “Somerset has some of the most spectacular habitats and wildlife in the UK, but our natural environment faces urgent and significant challenges. The recently published Somerset State of Nature Report demonstrates that we need to do much more to reverse the decline in nature and help Somerset’s wildlife to thrive.

“Nature has its own value, and we have a responsibility to protect it. A healthy natural environment is also key to our own health and well-being. It is the foundation of a productive economy and provides us with food, water, carbon storage, flood control, attractive neighbourhoods, and great recreational and business opportunities.

“The UK government has made ambitious pledges to protect at least 30 per cent of land and sea for nature by 2030 – the ‘30 x 30’ target – and we need to play our part in achieving this. All counties in England are required by law to develop a strategy to help nature’s recovery.

“The Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy will provide a framework for targeted, co-ordinated and collaborative action.”

The plan will also help boost green investment in the local economy.