Green campaigners want future Lincolnshire mayor of champion environment

Environmental charities have united to call on mayoral candidates to champion nature and take bold action on climate for Greater Lincolnshire.

The Woodland Trust, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, National Trust, RSPB, and Friends of the Earth – from across Greater Lincolnshire – have joined forces to issue a rallying call to mayoral candidates. 

They have presented five priorities aimed at shaping a greener, more resilient future for the region.

From driving a robust Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)^[1] and tackling climate change to ensuring fair access to green spaces, the charities envision a Greater Lincolnshire where nature thrives, communities flourish, and everyone benefits from a sustainable future. They are urging all candidates going to the polls on May 1, to become the first Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, to champion this vision, turning ambition into action for a greener, healthier tomorrow.

A statement from the group said: “Lincolnshire is more than just productive farmland and historic settlements — it is home to extraordinary habitats of national and international significance. 

“Our coast, estuaries, and hinterland support thousands of migrating birds along the East Atlantic Flyway, a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. 

“The Wash supports a thriving fishery and is the UK's most important estuary for wild birds. We boast globally rare chalk streams, dwindling yet diverse wetlands — including lakes, fens, and degraded peat soils — and species-rich but vanishing grasslands and meadows. “Fragmented yet irreplaceable, our ancient woodlands remain vital, and our county is also home to some of the world’s most iconic trees, including Sir Isaac Newton’s legendary apple tree. These natural treasures make Lincolnshire unique and provide essential ecosystem services. Let’s cherish, protect, and restore them for generations to come.”

The group is calling on the mayoral candidates to commit to:

1. Embrace Nature: To lead the charge in delivering and advocating a bold Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Greater Lincolnshire.
We’ve all poured a huge amount of energy into shaping this strategy. Now it must become a living document and a practical tool embedded in Local Plans, shaping policies, and safeguarding irreplaceable habitats. Only by fully integrating it into planning and action can we ensure nature’s resilience in the face of climate change and secure a thriving, biodiverse future for Greater Lincolnshire.

2. Build Nature-Rich, Climate-Resilient Communities: To work towards, and to exceed, the 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legal minimum across Greater Lincolnshire, setting a higher standard for nature’s recovery and stronger ecosystems.
Landscape-scale^[2] efforts, already successful on the South Humber Bank, proves what’s possible when ambition meets action. At the same time, prioritising green infrastructure and nature-based solutions — integrating trees, wetlands, parks, and hedgerows into planning — will help build communities and industries that prosper alongside nature. By going beyond 10%, we can enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and create resilient, sustainable spaces.

3. Cut Emissions Fast to Protect Nature and People: To ensure every decision in energy, industry, housing, farming, and transport drives rapid greenhouse emission reductions.
This means accelerating renewable energy deployment in the right places, boosting building energy efficiency, supporting low-carbon farming, and investing in sustainable transport. These actions will help reduce emissions, lower energy bills for households, and create thousands of green jobs in renewable energy, construction, and sustainable agriculture.

4. Flow and Grow for Nature: To commit to restoring waterways, wetlands, and soils to create resilient ecosystems, including:

• Improving water management to boost natural flood resilience, mitigate droughts, and revitalise blue-green habitats^[3].
• Expanding native tree cover and promoting agroforestry to help farmers blend food production with carbon sequestration while improving soil health.
• Promoting nature-friendly farming that will strengthen Lincolnshire’s rural economy and food security through sustainable land management supporting the UK’s nature and climate goals.
• Backing the UNESCO World Heritage bid for our coast to showcase its global significance and help secure its long-term protection.

5. Nature for Everyone: To ensure equitable access to high-quality natural green spaces for the well-being of all residents.
Expanding and improving accessible green spaces enhances physical and mental health, and fosters a deeper connection to nature. These spaces reduce stress, promote exercise, and lower the risk of conditions like obesity, heart disease, and depression — leading to significant cost savings for healthcare services. Investing in nature is an investment in public health, community cohesion, and a greener, healthier future for all.

We and our members extend this invitation to mayoral candidates across Greater Lincolnshire, urging them to seize this moment for positive change for nature and climate. By embracing the five key priorities outlined above, we have the unparalleled opportunity to cultivate a region where nature recovers, communities blossom, and environmental stewardship reigns. We look forward to each candidate’s commitment to cheerleading these initiatives for all residents.