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Local Nature Recovery Strategies

Local Nature Recovery Strategies: What Landowners Need to Know and How to Get Involved

England is widely considered to be one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Local Nature Recovery Strategies were established by the Environment Act 2021 to end this decline, restore nature and provide wider environmental improvements through targeted, co-ordinated and collaborative action.

Each local nature recovery strategy will be specific and tailored to its area but will contain two key components:

  1. A Local Habitat and Opportunity Map: This spatial representation identifies irreplaceable habitats and designated sites within the Local Nature Recovery Strategy area and highlights areas where nature recovery actions could take place.
  2. A Statement of Biodiversity Priorities: This outlines the key habitats, species, and threats to nature recovery in the region and identifies opportunities and actions for nature recovery.

What do they aim to achieve?

Put simply, these strategies aim to identify the best locations to support agreed nature recovery priorities. Key objectives include:

  • Habitat Restoration and Creation: Building a network of sustainable and connected habitats across the region.
  • Integration of Nature-Based Solutions: Supporting activities that provide environmental, economic, and social benefits, such as flood alleviation or carbon sequestration.
  • Informing Policy and Decision-Making: Providing evidence for planning, biodiversity net gain, and funding priorities.

It is important to note that Local Nature Recovery Strategies are not delivery plans and do not impose obligations on landowners to make changes based on what is mapped or published. Nor do they introduce new protections for the habitats, species, or places identified. Instead, these strategies act as a guide to highlight what could be done, rather than what must be done, to support nature recovery. Action is encouraged through opportunities for funding and investment, although these are not guaranteed.

Why get involved?

Local Nature Recovery Strategies represent a significant step forward in addressing biodiversity loss while supporting sustainable land use. For landowners, they offer a chance to contribute to nature recovery while benefiting from targeted funding for initiatives, such as the Environmental Land Management Scheme, and enhanced land management opportunities.

Areas identified within a Local Nature Recovery Strategy may also gain enhanced biodiversity net gain metrics due to their strategic significance. Furthermore, initiatives that address flood management, soil health, or water quality may align with broader land management goals.

While strategies are non-binding, they will guide decisions relating to future land use and land management. By engaging with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy process, landowners can ensure that their voice is heard and that the local strategy is both impactful and achievable.

Have your say

The Environment Act (2021) mandated the creation of 48 localised strategies across England by March 2025. The authorities responsible have been engaging with the public in their areas to gather people’s priorities, aspirations and concerns. Resulting draft strategies will then be available for public consultation.

To view the draft strategy in your area, contact the Local Nature Recovery Strategy team in your region.

Area     Responsible Authority
North of Tyne North of Tyne Combined Authority
Cumbria Westmorland and Furness Council
County Durham Durham County Council
South of Tyne and Wear Gateshead Council
Tees Valley Tees Valley Mayoral Combined Authority
Lancashire Lancashire County Council
North Yorkshire and York North Yorkshire Council
West Yorkshire West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Hull and East Yorkshire East Riding of Yorkshire Council

 

 

 

Article by

Anna Simpson
Head of Environment and Sustainability

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