RESIDENTS and groups across North Yorkshire are being asked to have their say on how the region’s environment can be protected.

A public consultation has been launched by the North Yorkshire and York Local Nature Partnership, one of 48 such bodies in England which aims to ensure areas with “wildlife value” are protected and improve natural spaces in local communities. It also looks to encourage farming, forestry and mineral extraction businesses to operate in a way which helps the environment as well as the economy.

The work will focus on seven “priority areas”, including the Selby and Vale of Pickering Landscape Project, the Howardian Hills Ares of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the North York Moors National Park.

The consultation runs until March 9 and more information is available at nypartnerships.org.uk/lnp or by phoning 01609 533240.