Hastings Declares a Nature Emergency 🌿

/ by Green Party Chair

A Green Win for Wildlife🌿

Hastings Borough Council has officially declared a Nature Emergency, following the successful passage of a motion brought forward by Green Party Councillor Jo Walker and seconded by Councillor Julia Hilton.

This landmark decision means urgent and joined-up action to reverse biodiversity loss, protect our local wildlife, and embed nature recovery into all areas of council policy.

What This Means for Hastings

The motion sets out a bold vision for nature, including:

  • ✅ Managing 30% of council-owned land for nature by 2030
  • ✅ Supporting tree planting, wetland restoration, and reducing mowing to create space for wildlife
  • ✅ Embedding biodiversity targets in local planning rules
  • ✅ Working with farmers and landowners to restore natural habitats
  • ✅ Launching a Green Skills & Stewardship programme to create jobs in the local nature recovery sector
  • ✅ Using the Woodland Trust’s Nature Emergency Scorecard to track progress

This is a practical, science-led response to the fact that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Hastings has a proud 30-year history of conservation leadership — and now we’re stepping up again.

Standing Up Against Dangerous National Plans

An important amendment was added to the motion, proposed by Councillor Amanda Jobson, raising concern about the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

The amendment warns that the Bill would seriously weaken environmental protections and limit public participation in local planning decisions. The Council has now committed to writing to national leaders and our MP to demand changes to the Bill that will safeguard our habitats and preserve democratic oversight.

A Missed Opportunity for Labour

While the motion was backed by strong community support and led by Green councillors, it was disappointing to see Labour councillors vote against this crucial step for nature. Nonetheless, nature won the day.

A Greener Future for Hastings

This is about making Hastings a place where people and wildlife thrive together. With the climate and ecological crises deepening, councils like ours must act bravely and decisively.

Let’s keep the momentum going for the trees, the bees, the birds, and for future generations.

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