Introduced in the Environment Act 2021, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is a statutory requirement. It is part of Nature Recovery Network (NRN), made up of 48 Local Nature Recovery Strategies. Together they form a nationwide network full of opportunities for nature recovery.
Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs) are designed to:
- deliver the necessary action to reverse the current path of decline in our biodiversity
- bring about a recovery for nature
The primary purpose of our LNRS is to find locations for the creation of habitat. It aims to identify the locations most likely to provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment.
Greater Essex is one of the 48 regions across England creating an LNRS. Essex County Council (ECC) is the Responsible Authority appointed to deliver the LNRS for this location. In collaboration with the Essex Local Nature Partnership (LNP), we have created the draft Essex LNRS. To do this we worked alongside a range of key local stakeholders, including:
- farmers and landowners
- environmental and community groups
- parish and town councils
- Supporting Authorities
Consultation
The public consultation for the Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy is live from 30 August 2024 to 25 October 2024.
We want to ensure the Essex LNRS is an effective, accurate and interactive document with the capability to deliver lasting change. This means it is vital to consult with as broad a spectrum of the Essex community as possible.
Read the draft strategy on our consultation portal
The strategy document includes maps to show areas of current success and future opportunity for nature recovery. It also includes details of how we can better co-ordinate activities to improve our natural spaces and wildlife habitats.
Once published, the Essex LNRS will be a tool to drive nature recovery action and bring about benefits for nature and the wider environment. The improvement, enhancement, and creation of habitats can deliver multiple benefits. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
- carbon capture
- absorption of water to reduce flooding
- protection soil of quality and agricultural production
- provision of spaces for nature and wildlife
Find out more
Visit the Essex Local Nature Partnership website for more information about the Essex LNRS.
Visit gov.uk for more information on the LNRS Regulations and LNRS Guidance.
For any enquiries relating to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, please email nature.partnership@essex.gov.uk