Local Nature Recovery Strategies

It is no secret that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. The State of Nature Report 2023 found that one in six species at risk of being lost from Great Britain, and the species studied have, on average, declined by 19% in the UK since monitoring began in 1970. The Government, via Natural England, has therefore charged local authorities to devise strategies that prioritise action for nature.

England has been divided into 48 areas, each with its own leading authority responsible for developing a Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This is a plan to identify locations where collectively we can improve nature and provide other environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration, flood regulation, and access to nature-rich spaces for health and wellbeing.
 

Each Local Nature Recovery Strategy will:

Agree priorities for nature's recovery in your region.

Map the most valuable existing areas for nature in your region.

Set out opportunities for creating and improving habitat for nature and wider environmental goals in your region.

If done well, Local Nature Recovery Strategies will help to direct funding streams, including funding for farmers and land managers.

The strategies will also link with Biodiversity Net Gain, which is a new requirement for planners and builders to ensure habitat for wildlife is left in a better state than it was before any building work began.

 They will be vital for organisations and people involved in planning, utilities, major infrastructure plans or caring for green spaces.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust colleagues have used their knowledge and expertise to support local authorities to create Local Nature Recovery Strategies and attend the four regional groups in Yorkshire.