Public Consultations Advance Local Nature Recovery Strategies Across English Counties

Several counties across England are developing Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) to protect and restore natural habitats, inviting public consultation to shape priorities for biodiversity and environmental resilience. Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council have jointly published a draft LNRS featuring a strategy document and an interactive map to guide future investments in nature recovery, with input sought from residents, landowners, and conservation groups. Similarly, Worcestershire and Surrey County Councils have launched consultations on their LNRS drafts, aiming to establish connected healthy habitats, including new woodlands and ponds, to counteract environmental decline. Warwick District Council has expressed concern about a new planning and infrastructure bill that could weaken protections for biodiversity and green spaces, urging the prime minister to amend the legislation to safeguard local environmental gains. These efforts reflect a nationwide push to create a Nature Recovery Network, ensuring nature conservation is integrated into land use and development decisions while promoting climate resilience and flood management. Public engagement is emphasized as crucial to shaping effective strategies that balance development with environmental stewardship across these regions.