A leading Felixstowe will be among the guest speakers at a free online event, which will take place later this month to explore how we can all work together to preserve and enhance biodiversity in East Suffolk.

Dr Adrian Cooper from Felixstowe Community Nature Reserve will add his expertise and knowledge to a panel talking about local and regional initiatives to help nature, as well as provide an opportunity to share what is already being done in local communities to preserve and enhance biodiversity.

Biodiversity and habitats are under threat from many human activities and climate change, locally and globally, and the aim of this virtual event, titled 'Nature First', is to understand how communities can get involved and what we can all do as individuals to help make a difference.

Organised by the East Suffolk Greenprint Forum, the event will also include talks from Cllr James Mallinder, East Suffolk Council's cabinet member for the Environment, Michael Strand from Suffolk Wildlife Trust, and Alex Moore da Luz from Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB.

Cllr James Mallinder said: "Biodiversity is such a great asset for those who live, work and visit East Suffolk; partly due to its ability to help fight the impact of climate change but also for all the benefits it brings.

"Sadly, we are losing biodiversity at an alarming rate and the aim of this event is to explore what we can all do to help protect, enhance and restore biodiversity in East Suffolk so that everyone has a chance to enjoy and benefit from nature – now and in the future."

Jane Healey, Chair of the East Suffolk Greenprint Forum, said: "We want this event to inspire one another to copy good practice and take the learning about actions that make a positive difference for nature back to our homes, our communities and our organisations to encourage others in our networks to actively care for nature."

The event is taking place on Monday 22 March at 2pm – 4pm on Zoom and is open to everyone. Registration is essential - to register, please contact the East Suffolk Greenprint Forum on [email protected] or 01394 444747.