Local government in Norfolk and Suffolk is changing, and with elections taking place in May - and plans underway to establish a new Combined County Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk - we've joined forces with Norfolk Wildlife Trust to launch a new manifesto: United for Nature, with the support of National Trust, RSPB and other local environmental charities.
The manifesto calls on local leaders to ensure that nature recovery and environmental sustainability are central to future decision-making.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust deliver United For Nature manifesto to council offices, March 2026 (c) Amy Falla
Norfolk Wildlife Trust deliver United For Nature manifesto to council offices, March 2026
At a time when climate change and biodiversity loss are approaching critical tipping points, the two Wildlife Trusts say the region faces a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver genuinely sustainable growth that benefits both people and wildlife.
At the heart of the campaign is a clear message:
CEO for Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Christine Luxton, says: “People in Suffolk care deeply about their local wildlife and natural environment. Many communities, businesses, and individuals across our county are actively involved in protecting and increasing nature and the benefits it brings them.
“We’re asking all political parties to recognize the importance of nature to people, communities and businesses in Suffolk and make their own commitments to nature – like ending river pollution and providing more and better nature-rich areas for people where they live – to make Suffolk a better place to live, work, and play.”
CEO for Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Eliot Lyne, says: “Devolution is reshaping how our county is governed. We’re seizing the opportunity—working to influence today’s leaders and tomorrow’s decision-makers to put Norfolk’s nature at the heart of it from the start.
“Nature underpins the prosperity of our two counties and the wellbeing of our people and communities. It provides us with everything from food and water to energy and recreation, and it’s vital for our thriving visitor economy – the largest employment sector in both Norfolk and Suffolk, with more than 120,000 jobs and a value of £5.9 billion.”
The United for Nature campaign is calling on local parties and candidates standing in the election to endorse a new nature manifesto featuring three key pledges:
Protect our most precious places for nature
Create more spaces where nature and people can thrive
Invest in a healthier, happier, and more prosperous future
The campaign has already secured support from a wide range of environmental organisations, including the National Trust, RSPB, Woodland Trust, local Friends of the Earth groups, and regional Rivers Trusts.
