Plans for how the environment in South Cambridgeshire will be protected and improved over the next five years have been launched following an extensive consultation.
South Cambridgeshire District Council has confirmed its new Climate and Nature Strategy, which will guide environmental priorities until 2030.
Local parish councils, climate and community groups and district councillors came together today (Tuesday 10 March 2026) for an official launch of the new strategy at South Cambridgeshire Hall. The Council’s Climate and Environment team presented its aims and aspirations following an introduction by Lead Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Natalie Warren-Green. Elisabeth Spain, Lead of South Cambs Climate and Nature Group and Chair of Sustainable Shepreth spoke about those groups’ environmental efforts locally and how they are working to influence national policy alongside their MP.
The launch of the new strategy comes after residents, community groups, businesses and partners contributed ideas for the vision - a district that leads boldly with a clear pathway for climate action, biodiversity recovery, and community resilience.
Cllr Warren-Green said: “We are absolutely committed to making our district cleaner, greener and healthier for everyone. This strategy is about creating a future where residents breathe cleaner air, have access to thriving natural spaces, and feel confident that we’re managing precious resources like water responsibly. Protecting our environment is essential for our communities, our health and the wellbeing of future generations.”
Feedback to last year’s consultation into the proposed strategy showed strong public backing for the Council’s environmental ambitions and for the strategy’s eight focus areas. Respondents also broadly supported all four of the long-term targets including:
- Doubling the land managed for nature across the district by 2050, with support for meadow creation, enhanced waterways, and connected wildlife corridors.
- Reaching Net Zero district-wide by 2050, with significant interest in renewable energy, low carbon transport, and home retrofit.
- Reducing the Council’s operational emissions by 75% by 2030, being an important leadership example for the district. The new solar farm at the Council’s Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Waterbeach depot to fuel electric bin lorries is part of this vision.
- Ensuring communities are resilient to at least a 2°C rise in global temperatures, with feedback emphasising flood resilience, heat adaptation and community preparedness.
Residents said they valued the balanced approach across the strategy’s eight themes with a range of positive comments and suggestions received including:
Transport - Respondents supported lower carbon transport-friendly design, improving cycle routes and supporting affordable public transport.
Nature and water - This theme received some of the strongest engagement, with people keen to see more tree planting, healthier rivers, and protection of water systems and wildlife.
Energy and retrofit - Respondents were keen for clear guidance on grants, home insulation, and community energy opportunities.
Sustainable food - Feedback highlighted interest in allotments, farmers’ markets, community orchards and affordable fresh produce.
Waste minimisation - Many residents supported expanding reuse and repair initiatives, alongside improved recycling communications.
Adaptation and resilience - Residents welcomed a plan for clear community resources, early warnings for extreme weather, and targeted support for vulnerable groups.
Community support and behaviour change - Respondents welcome simple tools and advice so that everyone can contribute to climate action in whatever capacity they are able.
Business, supply chain and finance - Businesses expressed interest in support to reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and increase nature-positive activity.
positive activity.
After listening to people’s feedback, the Council made the Strategy easier to understand and incorporated new ideas where possible. It also spells out, in simple terms, how each part of the plan will happen - by working with local communities, using proven ideas, and taking practical action in real life.
The new Climate and Nature Strategy was adopted at the latest Full Council meeting and will now guide work across the district through to 2030.
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