Environment and Climate Change
Hampshire and the Solent is one of the most ecologically diverse and environmentally designated regions of the UK. It encompasses a rich variety of landscapes — from ancient woodlands and chalk streams to estuarine mudflats and marine seagrass beds — that support nationally and internationally important species and habitats. The region hosts two National Parks (New Forest and South Downs) and protected natural landscapes located in areas such as the Isle of Wight and North Wessex Downs.
It is a statutory requirement under the Environment Act 2021 for local partners to prepare a strategy for enhancing local biodiversity and protecting natural landscapes and habitats. Hampshire and the Solent is currently covered by two Local Nature Recovery Strategies: one for the Hampshire and the Solent mainland, and one for the Isle of Wight.
Environment and Climate Change: What will be devolved to the Hampshire and the Solent?
The Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) will have opportunities to shape environmental strategy and sustainable development in the region. Examples include:
- Delivering Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS): the HSCCA could become responsible for coordinating the preparation and delivery of a regional LNRS, which could link environmental policy with other key HSCCA strategies, such as the Spatial Development Strategy, the Local Growth Plan and visitor economy plans. This is not in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 but the power could be conferred by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Opportunity devolution presents
The Mayor and the HSCCA will have responsibility for strategic decision-making and oversight in a range of key policy areas. There is potential for the Mayor and the HSCCA to use their regional influence and relationships with key partners like the New Forest and South Downs National Parks to join up environmental strategies and policies more effectively with transport, skills, economic growth, tourism and spatial development strategies covering Hampshire and the Solent.