Will Morlidge, new Independent Chair of Derbyshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Will Morlidge was appointed by interview panel from a strong field of candidates and brings a wealth of experience to the role as a senior leader with extensive board level experience across energy, skills and innovation working across both the public and private sector.
Will’s extensive career includes leadership roles such as Acting Executive Director of East Midlands Combined County Authority and Chief Executive Officer of the former D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
Councillor Carol Wood, our Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“Will comes to us with a wealth of experience chairing and leading partnerships across the region and we’re pleased to welcome him on board to lead the next phase of our local nature recovery strategy.
“Derby and Derbyshire is a beautiful area, with a variety of landscapes and wildlife to be proud of. Under Will’s guidance, we look forward to working with communities, businesses, landowners, land managers and other organisations to protect and restore our environment now and for future generations.”
Will Morlidge said:
”I’m delighted and honoured to have been appointed to this role. If this summer has shown us anything, it’s just how much strain our natural environment is facing and how important it is for all of us who care about the environment and about Derbyshire to work together to help nature recover.
“The work the county has already done is fantastic. We have a robust evidence base that tells us what we need to prioritise and now it’s time for us all to work together to turn our excellent strategy into delivery that we can all be proud of. I look forward to listening to and learning from colleagues across the county and city as we help nature to recover.”
Derbyshire County Council was one of 48 ‘Responsible Authorities’ tasked by the government with publishing a Local Nature Recovery Strategy and putting it into practice.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Derby and Derbyshire provides a long-term vision and action plan which was formed with and will be delivered in partnership with local groups and organisations, experts at a local and national level and the public.
It focuses on improving and restoring habitats, as well as creating new ones, to make space for nature to recover. In Derbyshire, important habitats range from the moorlands in the uplands of the Peak District, many woodlands, rivers and valleys, farmland, meadows and wetlands, as well as habitats in urban areas.